Swimmers' zones too large

The setting up by the Malta Maritime Authority of zones reserved for swimmers has been a positive development in recent years. It is only right that swimmers are able to enjoy the sea without fear of injury by a passing boat. In some instances however the extent of the swimmers' zones created appears exaggerated.

Ramla Bay in Gozo, last summer, was a case in point. The line of buoys marking the end of the swimmers' zone was positioned in deep water, relatively far from the beach. To keep outside the zone, visiting boats were therefore obliged to anchor a considerable distance from the shore. As it is not allowed (as far as I know) for boats to enter the swimmers' zone, even at slow speed, to drop off passengers, the only way for those on a boat to reach the shore is by swimming. If swimmers' zones extend too far out to sea, swimming the distance could be a problem and even dangerous for those who are poor swimmers, particularly young children.

I appeal to the authorities to use their common sense and consider carefully the marking of swimmers' zones so that they achieve their aim of creating a safe area for swimming but at the same time allow reasonable access to the beach for those visiting such bays by sea.