Surf Cat

A windsurfer who was hit by a power boat on the Swan River is fighting to save his shattered leg.

Neil Scheltema was windsurfing off the Nedlands foreshore when he was hit by the boat on Sunday.

“I just heard this noise of outward motors and bang, it just hit me,” he told 7News.

Mr Scheltema was helped to shore by the skipper of the boat that hit him before being taken to Royal Perth Hospital for emergency surgery on his badly broken leg.

He has been told by doctors he still faces the risk his wounds were infected by “dirty” river water.

Mr Scheltema said he was speaking out in the hope open water speed limits on the river would be reduced before “someone is killed”.

“I am the second guy in three weeks to have this happen to him, I think we need to look at this issue,” he said.

The Department of Transport said power vessels should give way to sailing boats and windsurfers but it’s everyone’s responsibility to avoid collisions.