Detail in tourist's jet ski photo exposes 'stupid' Aussie trend: 'Good luck fools'

Aussies are "dumbfounded" by the promotion of a seemingly popular tourist attraction in Far North Queensland waters — an area known for its abundance of freshwater and saltwater crocodiles. The ancient reptiles can be incredibly dangerous with authorities continually warning people to be cautious and avoid croc-prone areas where possible.

But those visiting the region will "have the opportunity to check out these ancient creatures from a distance while on the safety of a jet ski," Cairns tour company Terra-Marine Adventure Co (T-MAC) has advertised on Facebook recently. The company specialises in croc tours allowing people to get as close as five metres to the predators while riding the watercraft.

Photos shared on social media show smiling tourists riding jet skis, some with a large croc in the background. And while many are seen on sandbanks, metres away from people, crocs can swim inconspicuously beneath the water too, making many believe the water activity is unsafe.

But speaking with Yahoo News Australia on Thursday, lead tour guide Kai Walsh defended the company's tour saying "people are always aware of what they're getting into". He said the safety of the tourists relies on "common sense".

"There are wild crocs in the water, so people need to be competent and aware. If they're stupid and they want to fall in, then that's on them," he added.

Locals react to croc country jet-ski tour: 'Stupid'

Similar tours are available through various companies across the region, but T-MAC's recent post sparked bewilderment among many. Some were quick to label the attraction as "stupid" while others slammed the organisers as "absolute morons".

"It's an "accident waiting to happen," some on social media expressed. "Only a matter of time," another said.

"What happens to a skier when you hit a croc just under the surface mid-river? Ski flips, cranky croc, long swim to shore. Good luck fools," another feared, while someone else said, "this can’t be real".

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Crocodiles can be found in estuaries and beaches around Tropical North Queensland as well as in rivers, lagoons and swamps hundreds of kilometres from the sea, authorities warn. So many argue cruising Cairns waterways on jet skis is not a good idea.

Especially because the watercraft can reach a high speed quickly, increasing the risk of losing control which could result in falling off and into the water. If this happens, tourists fear being targeted by crocs.

A Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation spokesperson told Yahoo News people are responsible for their own safety in croc country.

"People are advised to avoid using small watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards," they said. "The smaller the vessel, the greater the risk — crocodiles have taken people from small vessels."

Jet-ski tour guide says participants undertake safety briefing

Asked if he considered the activity dangerous, Walsh told Yahoo "I would consider it dangerous, yeah". But those wishing to participate are required to undergo an extensive safety briefing before heading out, he confirmed. There's also a weight limit of 180kgs — above that there's more chance of falling off the jet ski.

Walsh admitted, "multiple people have fallen into the water" during his four years with the company, but they're advised to jump back on as soon as possible.

Responding to the backlash, the tour operator said if people aren't confident then he suggests they shouldn't participate.

"If you're scared and you think something's going to go wrong, I wouldn't suggest it," he told Yahoo. "I've done it thousands of times, I've seen crocs thousands of times, and I've not had a single incident with a croc."

What are the jet ski licence rules in Queensland?

Over the past five years, there have been three jet-ski-related deaths in Queensland, according to authorities. The tour company says "no driver’s licence is required" to operate one of their jet skis during the tour. Despite this Walsh says they've not had a single accident.

In Queensland, it's understood both a recreational marine licence and a personal watercraft licence are required to operate a personal watercraft (which includes jet skis). However, under 'Hire and Drive' legislation, you don't need a licence if you are participating in an organised trip under the supervision of an appropriately qualified guide — who must be on board the watercraft.

It's an offence to operate a watercraft without a valid licence and it comes with a $533 fine for the operator. If the jet ski is owned by someone else, they can be fined an additional $266.

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