Planning some water skiing with your boat or jet ski? Towing the kids on a biscuit behind your boat? Do you know the rules? Do your kids know the rules?

We've had too many boating accidents this summer, many of which could have been avoided if skippers had obeyed the rules… If I'd had a dollar for every time I've heard 'What rules? I didn't know there were rules for jet skiing!” - I'd be rich.

Speed
Even jet skis and ski boats need to remember the speed limit: there is a 5 knot speed limit when you're within 200 metres of the shore or a vessel showing the Dive Flag; and also within 50 metres of any other boat or swimmer. Five knots is roughly a brisk walking pace.

Wake
The wake rule says that any person who drives a vessel (this includes 'jet skis” or PWCs and anyone towing a skier or biscuit) must ensure that their wake does not cause unnecessary danger or risk of damage to other boats, structures, or harm to other persons.

Lookout
All ski boats must have an observer – who must be over 10 years of age, to keep an eye on the skier. It is also important to keep a good look out astern of your boat or jet ski so as to assess the size of your wake and the impact it may have on others' safety: if you are not sure – SLOW DOWN! The skipper must keep a good lookout forward and watch where the boat is going, and it's important to keep a sharp lookout for swimmers and other people in the water.

Minimum Age
No one under 15 years of age may drive a boat that is capable of doing over 10 knots unless under the direct supervision of an adult who is in immediate reach of the controls.

Life Jacket
All skiers must wear a lifejacket. Yes, ALL water skiers, wake boarders, biscuit-riders – anybody being towed – you must wear an appropriate sized lifejacket.

Daylight only
Skiing is not permitted between sunset and sunrise.

Ski Lanes
Ski lanes operate in an anticlockwise direction. Enter and drop off on the RIGHT side as you face the land. Take off and exit on the RIGHT side as you face the water.

So where can I enjoy waterskiing?
In Tauranga Harbour, there are areas set aside especially for waterskiing at:
- Hunters Creek
- Panepane Point (Matakana Island, facing the Mount wharves)
- Motuhoa Island (on both sides of the island)
- Maungatapu (to the west of the marae)
- Rangataua Bay (northeast of the Maungatapu Causeway)
- Matakana Island opposite Kauri Point
- Matakana Island opposite Ongare Point
- Northwest of Ongare Point, off Tuapiro Road; east of the jet ski lane
These areas are marked by striped poles on the beach. In these areas the 5 knot rule does not apply.

And where can I have fun on my PWC without worrying about speed limits?
There are 3 areas in Tauranga designated especially for PWCs (Personal Water Craft), where you don't have to worry about the 5 knot speed limit:
- Harrison's Cut, off Papamoa Beach Road
- Matapihi, off Waikari Road; opposite Memorial Park
- Northwest of Ongare Point, off Tuapiro Road; to the northwest of the water ski lane
If you would like a map of these areas, call into the Environment Bay of Plenty offices (Rata Street, Mount Maunganui and Quay Street, Whakatane) and ask for a copy of the Tauranga Harbour Guide. Or you can phone us on 0800 368 267 and we will post you a Harbour Guide.

What about at Whakatane?
There is a designated PWC area at Whakatane, off the ocean beach to the west of the river entrance. Ask us for a copy of the Whakatane Harbour Guide.

And the Rotorua Lakes?
Areas are reserved for PWCs in Lakes Rotorua; Rotoma and Tarawera (refer to Environment Bay of Plenty's Rotorua Harbour Guide for maps showing these areas). Call in to any of our offices and pick up a copy.

How fast can I go?
So, to sum up, unless you're:
- in an area reserved for PWCs or water skiing, or
- more than 200 metres from the shore or a boat with a dive flag or
- more than 50 metres from another boat or swimmer;
then the 5-knot rule applies to you.

Please be considerate, particularly:
- early in the morning (noise travels further in calm conditions)
- when passing anchored boats
- when winds are blowing towards residential areas
The fewer complaints, the greater chance you have to enjoy your sport.
Have fun, enjoy your waterskiing, and remember the three C's:
Care, Courtesy and Common sense.
Safe boating!