Southern 80 Water Ski Race spectators urged to stay out of the water

6:52 AM Fri 12 Feb 2010 GMT

''Hellbent' and spectators during 2008 Southern 80.' Nalder Photograghics &copy.

As 50,000 people converge on Moama on the Murray River for Australia's biggest water-ski race, NSW Maritime today issued a safety warning for spectators and boaters.

On 13 and 14 February 2010 the Moama Water Sports Club will conduct the 2010 Southern 80 Water Ski Race along 80 kilometres of the river.

"This race involves power vessels and skiers travelling at high speeds, and NSW Maritime is asking spectators to watch from a safe vantage point and to stay out of the water," NSW Maritime Murray Inland Regional Manager Scott Kidd said.

"Both experienced and new race watchers are reminded last year a race boat's steering failed and hit a houseboat with two people hospitalised," Mr Kidd said.

"NSW Maritime and Police will issue safety directions that during the race, spectators must not enter the water and all spectator craft must be secured along the river banks and not move during the race."

Mr Kidd said another key safety message for skippers is not to drink alcohol, and remember the legal limit of 0.05 if they take their vessel on the river after the race.

"There are always lots of boats on the river after the day's racing, so keep speed down, stay on the right of the river, and keep a careful lookout," he said.

"Tragically, there were fatal incidents after the race in both 2003 and 2007 and we don't want a repeat. "This is an important major event for the regional economy; we want everyone to enjoy the race; have fun, and arrive home safely to their families."

NSW Maritime will have a number of Boating Safety Officers patrolling the Murray River during the 2010 Southern 80.

NSW Maritime patrols will target overloaded vessels and safe navigation, and NSW Police officers will be on board to conduct random breath testing of skippers.

The 45th running of the annual Southern 80 Water Ski Race will be held on Saturday 13 February on the Murray River between Torrumbarry Weir and Victoria Park boat ramp (during the morning) and between Five Mile Reserve and Victoria Park boat ramp (from noon), and on Sunday 14 February between Torrumbarry Weir and Victoria Park boat ramp.

www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

by Natalie Laharnar

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Southern 80 Water Ski Race spectators urged to stay out of the water

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