Creek death puts boating safety in the spotlight
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Police say it will be up to the coroner to determine whether any additional safety measures will be required for boating in a waterway where a boy died at the weekend.
Divers recovered the body of the eight-year-old Sunshine Coast boy yesterday, from Tinana Creek in south-east Queensland.
He was last seen floating on a surfboard before it was hit by a ski boat on Sunday morning.
Acting Superintendent Daryl Powell says the boat will be examined and witnesses are being interviewed as police prepare a report for the coroner.
"Everyone who's had anything to do with it has been affected in some way, including my staff and emergency service workers who were there," he said.
"This is an absolute tragedy in every respect."
Maritime Safety Queensland says boaties need to be on the lookout for other water users over summer.
General manager John Watkinson says precautions need to be taken on inland waterways, including rivers, creeks and dams, as well as on the ocean.
Mr Watkinson says with more than 225,000 boats on Queensland waters, simple courtesy can save lives.
"[They can improve safety by] watching their speed and wash, keeping a proper lookout and carrying the right equipment," he said.
"Keeping a proper lookout and watching your speed and wash is about watching what's in the water, not so much other boats, which are always present, but other things in the water, including people."
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