If the Tweed River Entrance is improved, why do entrance boating accidents still occur?
• Accidents at the entrance have occurred only very rarely since the Sand Bypassing Project has been operating. This is because the work largely prevents sand from building up into dangerous bars. Before the entrance was improved by the Project, accidents occurred quite regularly and these were often serious. • Entrance accidents will still happen from time to time. However it must be remembered that the conditions of the sea at the entrance are not only determined by entrance depth and offshore wave conditions, but also the weather and river tidal flow, especially at times of strong outgoing tides. Skippers must always make their operations safe by correctly assessing the current and forecast sea conditions and be cautious in making a decision to use the entrance.
