The Water Police Squad is issuing an Easter warning as new figures show the unit has responded to around 700 incidents in just four months.
Significant water activity is expected both inland and along the coast, with Water Police to conduct proactive patrols right across the state to enhance safety.
Police will also blitz boat ramps to conduct breath tests and licence checks as well as carry out vessel inspections to ensure vessel operators have the required safety equipment on board such as lifejackets, torches and fire extinguishers.
Victoria Police figures show Water Police has responded to around 700 incidents from November 2023 to February this year, ranging from vessels capsizing and collisions to kayaks and paddleboards becoming stranded and needing urgent assistance.
Particular concern has been on those putting others at risk – with around 540 infringement notices issued to people committing offences on the water.
It includes around 300 infringement notices issued just for jet ski offences.
The Water Police Squad will use police boats and jet skis to support its rapid enforcement, with anyone caught doing the wrong thing to face significant fines.
The Small Boat Team, part of the Water Police Squad, will also be in out in force to boost efforts – using a mix of jet skis and inflatable rescue boats to respond to search and rescue incidents on the water and target those putting others at risk.
Fines include up to $380 for travelling at more than five knots within 50m of a vessel or swimmer, travelling at more than five knots within 200m of shore, as well as for operating in no-boating zones.
Those caught failing to wear a lifejacket face fines up to $385. The law requires boat users to wear a lifejacket on a powered vessel up to 4.8m, when travelling solo, and at heightened risk.
It is mandatory for jet skiers and kayakers to wear a lifejacket at all times, yet police are still seeing people without them. Children aged under 12 must also wear a lifejacket at all times when in open areas of a vessel.
Those caught using an unregistered vessel or operating unlicensed also face fines up to $925, while police also have the power to take away a jet ski operator’s licence and prohibit their vessel from use if they’re putting other water users in danger. This includes penalties of up to $43,381 or imprisonment for two years.
The Water Police Squad maintains a strong presence at key waters throughout the entire season and are all now equipped with a body worn camera to record video and audio of incidents on the water and interactions with vessel operators.
Attributable to Water Police Squad Inspector James Dalton:
“Water Police will be out in force over Easter to ensure our presence is highly visible and everyone is doing their part in keeping the water safe.
“We’re expecting our key waters to be busy with activity – so we urge people to know the rules and adhere to them.
“Don’t put others at risk by exceeding speed restrictions or by travelling too close to other vessels or swimmers, check your vessel is in working order, carry the right safety equipment and always wear a lifejacket.
“The rules are there for a reason and those who don’t follow them will be held to account and face significant fines.
“Too often we see the consequences of poor behaviour on the water – don’t let a bad decision be your last.
“So please help us out and stay safe out on the water this Easter.”
