The grieving parents of a 15-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a jet ski accident in Sydney’s southern region are speaking out, urging for urgent reforms in water safety regulations.
On the evening of July 22, Mitchell Irvine and his 14-year-old companion were involved in a devastating incident on the Georges River, where they were both thrown from their jet ski.
Tragically, Mitchell did not survive the accident, while his friend, though rescued by first responders, suffered the loss of an arm.
“Raising the minimum age for jet ski operators, which is currently set at just 12 years old, could address several safety concerns,” suggested Mr. Irvine.
The Irvine family advocates for increasing the age requirement for personal watercraft licenses to 16 and making high-buoyancy life jackets compulsory for riders.
In response to this heartbreaking event, Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison announced that the Minns government is set to review these regulations.
She will meet with the Irvines next week.
“We want to make sure, as a government, that we’re pulling every single lever at our disposal in order to save lives,” she said.
With an increase in both the size and number of these watercraft on our waters, the Irvines say there is no time to wait.
“You’ve got an opportunity to do something, do it. Look after our children, protect our future and make some change,” Mr Irvine said.
