When travelling at speeds over 6 knots, how far must you keep from swimmers?

When travelling at speeds over 6 knots, the requirement to keep a distance of 30 meters from swimmers is in place to ensure their safety. The rationale behind this regulation is that boats operating at higher speeds create greater wake and may be more difficult to maneuver. By maintaining this distance, boat operators reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and the potential for creating dangerous water conditions for individuals swimming in the vicinity.

Maintaining a distance of 30 meters specifically allows swimmers enough space to be safe from the turbulence caused by the boat and minimizes the chances of collisions. This guideline helps to balance recreational boating activities with the safety of swimmers, which is especially important in popular swimming areas and beaches where numerous individuals may be present. It's essential for boat operators to observe these distances to promote a safer environment for everyone on the water.