NSW Maritime has granted an exclusive use aquatic licence for the safe staging of the 2011 Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic on the Hawkesbury River this weekend.

NSW Maritime Acting Regional Manager Hawkesbury/ Broken Bay Hendrik Clasie said boaters should avoid the area from Sackville Ski Gardens to Windsor Bridge between 8am and 2pm on Saturday.

“Likewise, the area from Dangar Island to Windsor Bridge will be exclusively for the safe staging of the event on Sunday from 8am to 3pm,” Mr Clasie said.

“For safety reasons, skippers should avoid these areas as they will be restricted for the event and patrolled by control vessels.”

Mr Clasie said unauthorised vessels would not be permitted to enter the exclusive use area unless authorised by event organisers, a NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officer or a Police Officer.

Non-competing vessels will be able to move through the area via a transit zone, with a speed limit of 4 knots and no wash, that will be in place from Brooklyn and Berowra to Mooney Mooney.

For more information on boating safety go to www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Penny Robins 0457 756 797