Watersports blog

The authorities in Queensland said that they are still conducting the investigation over the fatal jet ski accident that happened on Moreton Bay on Saturday. Two men were involved in the incident, the one died on the spot while the other one is still under intensive care at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

The victims have been identified as 26-year old Keith Whalley, who died after the jet ski collided with a fishing boat. His passenger, 22-year old Scott Stretton suffered severe head, pelvic and chest injuries and is still under medication.

The fishermen rescued the victims but were unable to resuscitate Whalley.
The authorities believe that the jet ski riders were drinking and did not use the lights.

They are currently interviewing the victims’ friends to determine if there’s excessive alcohol consumption involved prior to the accident.

The “Rachel’s Law” is scheduled to take effect by the end of July as opposed to earlier reports that it was already enacted by July 10.

The said law now increases the minimum age of jet ski users alone from 14 to 16 years. This law was enacted in light of a tragic incident which took place two years ago.

Fifteen-year old Rachel Rutherford was riding a jet ski on Lake Hamilton in 2007 with friends when one of the watercraft accidentally hit her on the leg. This caused severe bleeding which eventually led to her death. This led to the discussion of the aforementioned law.

The change of the date is reportedly due to the adjournment of the 2009 legislative session. The final session adjournment was last May 1 and a law becomes effective only on the 91st day after the adjournment of the legislative session if no emergency clause was set.

According to the law, users under the age of 16 can only operate the jet ski if they are accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age or someone with a valid boating education certification.