NEW rules have been put in place to boost safety for swimmers at Wellington Point's beach.
The changes mean that when lifeguards are on duty, motorised watercraft must be at least 60 metres from the swimming area, while non-motorised equipment must be at least 10 metres away.
Mayor Karen Williams said lifesavers would use buoys and flags to mark the swimming area.
"When there is no lifeguard on duty, this area will not be designated as an active bathing area, and enforceable use and restrictions will not apply," Cr Williams said.
Cr Wendy Boglary said that safety had become an issue on the beach, especially during holidays.
"This serves the interest of public safety and amenity," Cr Boglary said.
"When a bathing area is active, motorised equipment must be kept at least 60 metres from all boundaries of the marked swimming area, while non-motorised equipment must be kept at least 10 metres away.
"Because Wellington Point is one of our most popular aquatic activities areas, the seaward boundary of the reserve will be 200 metres from the beach, which is half of that of other beaches.
"This will help avoid interactions between people, boats and other watercraft."
Voting against the changes, Cr Gleeson said he would not encourage swimming at Wellington Point due to bull sharks in Moreton Bay.
He said that he would discourage anyone from going more than ankle-deep into the water.
Mayor Karen Williams said council had applied to the state government in January for part of the Wellington Point Reserve to be gazetted as a bathing reserve.
"The state approved the application in May and the area designated as a bathing reserve now has some new rules to ensure safety for all users," Cr Williams said.
Cr Boglary said that council would still ask the community if the boundary of the reserve should be brought closer to better accommodate mixed use of the area.
She said the restriction on how close watercraft could come to an active bathing area applied to all bathing reserves across Redlands Coast.
This included Main Beach on Coochiemudlo Island, Thompsons Beach at Victoria Point and North Stradbroke Island beaches.
"This ensures safety for everyone," Cr Boglary said.
