Other Waterway Users

It is a privilege and not a right to have access to our magnificent waterways.

Every river user needs to be considerate of others. As the skipper you’re responsible for the safety of your boat, everyone on board your boat and other waterway users you encounter. We can do our part by taking the time to understand others point of views:

Fishermen

If you encounter fisherman, stop. Turnaround and take another channel if possible. If that is not possible then wait for his or her line to be pulled in so you can pass.

Swimmers

If you come across people swimming you MUST STOP and idle past, or, wait for them to move out of the way.

Kayaks

Hand signals used by kayakers are ambiguous when compared with jetboat hand signals. Understanding these apparent differences is easiest if you start by realising the following:

JETBOATERS are signalling their own intentions. KAYAKERS are advising following boats what to do.

• Many kayakers/canoeists are intimidated by jetboats.

• Many of them are not aware just how attuned jetboaters must be to what is in and on the water.

• The perspective of the kayaker/canoeist is a fear that their low profile obscures them.

• Indicating that you have seen them EVERY time (even when they seem incredibly obvious to you) may help.

• Where possible an obvious speed or course alteration can also help. Remember the 5 knot rule applies when within 50m of a kayak/canoe.

• Consider that a kayaker may be boating a river at the limit of their ability and as such is not ready to cope with the added hurdle of a jetboat wake.

• Taking a moment to turn off the engine and exchange greetings while drifting past is a great way to maintain good relations with these other river users.

• We acknowledge the assistance of Glen Murdoch (Safety Officer for Recreational Canoeing Association) in researching the information on this page.