Speeding tinny teens charged in Qld

A teenager has been charged after being caught driving a tinny at three times the speed limit on a Gold Coast waterway.

A police helicopter on a routine patrol spotted the 14-year-old boy and his 15-year-old mate speeding in their boat in a canal area about 11am on Wednesday.

Police say when the chopper crew started filming them, the boat sped up to about 20 knots, or 37km/h.

The marine speed limit in Gold Coast canals is about six knots, or 11km/h.

The teenagers eventually beached their boat and tried to run away, but officers waiting ashore arrested them.

The 14-year-old was charged with operating a boat without a license, speeding and failing to comply with safety operations.

The older boy wasn't charged.