Monday 22 February 2016

No bombing in harbour - yet

Teens, adults and kids will continue to be moved on from bombing and swimming in the inner harbour.

“This comes as a reminder that the inner harbour is not a safe place for swimmers,” says regulatory services Manager Sarwan Kumar.

“We ask people to go swimming at the rivers, beaches or the Olympic Pools.”

Monitoring by council staff and police was increased in the area over the weekend and some harbour swimmers are taking the message on board.

It’s illegal to swim or dive without permission within 50m of a jetty, wharf or quay regularly used for berthing vessels under Council’s Navigation and Safety Bylaw.

A number of complaints have been made about people bombing near to the boat ramp in the harbour.

“Complainants have told us the swimmers are diving in dangerously close to their boats and at times hang off vessels and yell abuse.”

“Instances of intimidation and threats will be taken seriously,” says Sergeant Steve Sutherland, Gisborne Police.

We ask people to report incidents of people jumping in the harbour to Council first.

Where threat to personal safety or damage to property is involved, call 111.

Swimmers will be asked to move on by Council officers or will be issued an $100 infringement fine. They will be trespassed if they enter the commercial property over the fence.

“We want everyone to enjoy our waterways but in a safe way,” says Mr Kumar.

Staff are working with stakeholders in the inner harbour on solutions. We will be asking the community to help develop options for a suitable bombing area in the next few weeks.

ENDS

© Scoop Media