A dramatic clip capturing a jet-ski rider soaking a boat full of birthday partygoers has sparked renewed debates about prohibiting the use of these powerful watercraft.
On January 13, Western Australian firm Sundowner Boat Charters released footage showing a jet-skier racing past their boat, sending a massive spray that left the guests drenched and startled.
The unexpected wave not only surprised the passengers but also spoiled an entire spread of food, including a birthday cake, which was reportedly ruined in the process.
‘Way to go, idiot. Thanks for the deck wash, but you took out a table full of food including the birthday cake,’ Sundowner Boat Charters captioned the footage.
Mike Lietzow, the owner of the charter company, expressed his disbelief to the Daily Mail, noting that the incident was unprecedented in his nearly two decades in the business.
“In my 18 years in the charter industry, I’ve never experienced anything like this,” Lietzow remarked.
He further explained, “They had just cut the birthday cake, with only about three pieces served before everything, including the cake, had to be discarded.”
Furious Aussies have since called for the watercrafts to be banned.
The people on the boat take cover as they get splashed with water
The jet ski rider then heads off but not before waving to the
‘This is why jet-skis should be banned,’ one person wrote.
‘That was pretty disgusting behaviour by that idiot,’ another wrote, while another said the ‘jet-skis were speeding and spraying all boats they could find in the area’.
But others said it had more to do with the driver than the watercraft itself.
‘Owning a jet-ski and being a tool seems to go hand in hand,’ one person said.
‘Got nothing to do with jet-skis being banned. It’s the rider who’s at fault absolute idiot,’ another person wrote.
‘Standard behaviour from jet ski-owners. Bogans with no respect,’ a third said.
Some, however, questioned if Mr Lietzow, who had been driving the boat, had done something to provoke the jet-ski driver.
‘What you do to piss him off?’ one person asked.
The moment before unsuspecting partygoers get sprayed by a jet ski
The occupants had just started eating a birthday cake they had cut up
‘Feel like there’s more to the story because why was the woman filming before this happened? And clearly something was said because he paused to look back and say something prior,’ another wrote.
Mr Lietzow denied that he or his guests had provoked the jet-ski riders.
‘We definitely didn’t do anything to the jet-ski. What could I possibly do to a jet-ski when I’m at anchor?’ he told Daily Mail.
‘I was a bit disheartened when I saw those comments. We do get it all the time. The jet-skis tend to show off. They’ll jump your wake.’
Mr Lietzow has been contacted by the Department of Transport and Marine Safety over the incident, who wish to speak to the jet-ski driver.
‘I’m not putting down all jet ski riders. It was just a flyby to show off. I don’t want his jet ski to be confiscated, but just a warning or talking to,’ he said.
It comes as councils consider banning, or restricting the use, of jet-skis in popular coastal areas due to safety concerns.
There has been a rise in reports of dangerous jet-ski use, the ABC reports.
Victoria’s City of Port Phillip is one council considering tightening rules, including banning jet skis within 200metres of beaches, piers and swimming spots.
‘The problem with jet skis is they are extremely powerful, they can turn on a 50 cent piece and go from zero to 100km/h very quickly,’ Victoria Police Inspector James Dalton told the publication.
‘Unfortunately, it’s just a matter of time before we see something really serious.’
