Jetboating New Zealand is backing calls for the Government to close a loophole in the law that prevents authorities prosecuting drunken boat skippers.
Queenstown Harbourmaster Marty Black called for a change after two men crashed a jetboat on the Kawarau river last Friday. The men failed breath tests, but the police acted only once they had driven off by car.
Jetboating New Zealand is part of the National Pleasure Boat Safety Forum which has recommended the creation of a mandatory alcohol limit for skippers and a testing regime.
Jetboating NZ president Garth McMaster said guidelines are needed so skippers, like drivers of cars, know exactly how much they can drink before driving.