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VANCOUVER -- For Judy Williams, there's nothing quite like spending a peaceful day in the buff while lying on the sands of Vancouver's only clothing-optional beach.
But the chair of the Wreck Beach Preservation Society said these days are increasingly becoming marred by the high-octane screams of passing jet-skis, many of which often come dangerously close to shore.
Not only are these high-powered machines a danger to swimmers, Williams claims they are a detriment to the environment, pumping the air and water full of noxious chemicals, waste and noise.
And on top of this, she said, beachgoers often have to put up with the leering and jeering of the drivers, who sometimes even throw things at the bathers.
"We want them to be gone," she said, adding the danger to swimmers is particular high when the sun is setting and the light reflects off the water.
"It is not a matter of if someone is going to get killed, it is a matter of when. So authorities need to get proactive."
Since 2002, Williams and her group have been working hard to bring attention to the potential danger of allowing jet-skis to operate in the area.
They've lobbied several agencies, including the RCMP and Metro Vancouver, and even gathered 2,100 signatures within a 24-hour period for a petition advocating a ban on jet-ski use around the Trail 6 swimming area of Wreck Beach.
While a ban was never implemented, the petition resulted in some action being taken, with a designated swimming area established from the North Arm breakwater to the tip of Point Grey.
Williams, however, said the jet-skis haven't gone away and continue to breach the designated swimming area.
By Cassidy Olivier, The Province
Published: Saturday, June 21, 2008
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