Jetski (personal water craft or PWC) kills joyriding teenager

A group of partying teenagers took to the water on PWCs (jetskis), and one of them died.

What happened 

The group of teenagers had spent several days partying and drinking alcohol. They decided to take turns joyriding on a lake with three jetskis. 

Their games included travelling at speeds up to 82 km/h and “whipping”, making sharp turns close to each other to spray water over the other jetskis. At times, the jetskis were within 2 metres of each other. The group took turns to ride, sometimes carrying pillion passengers, while the others waited on shore. Some riders wore lifejackets, but none wore safety helmets. 

Towards mid‑afternoon the jetskis were launched again. Two carried pillion passengers. 

As the three jetskis attempted to whip each other, one passenger was thrown into the lake. The jetski following immediately behind had no chance to swerve away and drove straight into the passenger in the water. 

The passenger disappeared under the water and was not found, despite an extensive search on the surface and later by Police divers. His body was recovered four days later. 

two jetskis that are parked on separate trailers outside a warehouse

The driver of the jetski on the left was unable to swerve to avoid the passenger of the other jetski.
Maritime NZ

Safety points 

  • Speed limits on the lake were clearly marked. Buoys showed designated water‑ski lanes and swimming‑only areas. The lake was suitable for jetski use. However, the group ignored the safety requirement not to exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of another vessel. 

  • The driver of the following jetski allowed no safety margin and gave himself no chance of avoiding the passenger in the water. 

  • The passenger was not wearing a lifejacket. Although he may not have survived the impact, a lifejacket would have helped him float to the surface so that first aid could be given immediately. 

  • If the riders had worn safety helmets, the risk of head injury would have been much lower. 

  • This was an avoidable incident. The dangers of mixing alcohol and speed are as real on the water as on the road. 

  • Two teenagers were charged with operating a vessel in an unsafe manner. They were convicted and discharged after they made a safety video promoting safe jetski practices.