Stop jetty jumping: Safety warning after increase in dangerous behaviour

Redland City Council is calling on people to refrain from the dangerous practice of jetty jumping.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said while it may seem like harmless fun to some, jetty jumping presented significant risk to personal safety as well as to the safety of others and the marine environment.

“Just this week we have had vast numbers of young people jumping from our jetties into the bay and even in front of a passenger ferry, which led to that service being suspended temporarily for safety concerns,” she said.

“As a coastal city, ferry services are critical for our island communities, and jumping in front of ferries is completely unsafe, unacceptable, and puts unnecessary strain on emergency services.

“Jetty jumping can also lead to serious injury from underwater hazards that can’t be seen from the surface.”

Mayor Mitchell called on parents and caregivers to ensure the young people in their care were aware of the dangers of jetty jumping and the impact it has had this week to public transport.

“Council is not trying to spoil people’s fun in the final days of the summer school holidays but there are much safer ways to enjoy our waterfront than jetty jumping,” she said.

“The city’s jetties are designed for use by ferries, passengers, and other water vessels, not as diving or jumping platforms.

“When people climb on or jump from jetties, the structural integrity of this infrastructure, which is vitally important to our island communities, can be compromised and damaged.

“They are not constructed for people to be standing on top of them or jumping from them.

“Council has now increased its compliance patrols of all the city’s jetties and we are working with police to help stamp out jetty jumping.

“We will continue to monitor and enforce regulations to protect the safety of our community and our environment.

“Jetty jumping is an offence, which also may result in an infringement notice being issued.

“I urge everyone, young and old, to enjoy our waterfront spaces in safe, responsible ways that prioritise safety for self and others, and protect and respect our environment and infrastructure.”