Picton - A Busy Harbour

Picton harbour has been particularly busy this summer and our harbour patrols have counted as many as 100 recreational boaties an hour moving in and out of the Picton and Waikawa marinas at peak times.

Its kept our harbour rangers busy – reminding boaties to keep speeds down when they’re within 200 metres of shore and encouraging the occupants of smaller boats to ensure life jackets are being worn.

A startling number of boaties have had to be moved on after being discovered in the shipping lane. So far this summer, 11 vessels have been found anchored in the shipping lane, directly in the path of large commercial shipping vessels.

It’s worrying to consider the potential for an accident involving what would seem to be inexperienced boaties.

Public education is part of the role of our harbour patrol staff, who are acutely aware of the risks posed by novices in boats. More than six and a half thousand “Sounds Safe Boating” brochures have been distributed at the marinas, the camping grounds, caravan parks and other tourism businesses since the holiday period began.

Harbour patrols, which were almost daily over the peak holiday period, will continue at weekends as harbour staff endeavour to keep the waters safe for the boating public.