EXTRA water police officers have been rostered on to monitor dangerous jet ski behaviour.
Victoria Police has confirmed that its water police squad has already responded to more than 500 incidents statewide this summer. With the weather heating up, more proactive patrols have been deployed to Victorian beaches.
As part of Operation “Summersafe”, police will keep a closer eye on jet-ski riders to ensure they are not endangering swimmers. Police will also converge on boat ramps to conduct breath tests and licence checks, and carry out vessel inspections to check for lifejackets, torches and fire extinguishers.
Over the Australia Day long weekend, mobile policing facilities were set up in Mordialloc, Rye, and St Kilda.
Victoria Police water police squad inspector James Dalton said “we’ve had a busy start to summer with more than 500 incidents and around 280 infringement notices issued for offences on the water already. While it’s only natural to see a rise in incidents as people take to the water to escape the heat, we need everyone to play their part in ensuring safety.”
“We are seeing far too many collisions occur and jet skiers travelling way too close to other swimmers and vessels and approaching shore at high speed,” Dalton said. “People need to remember that a split-second decision can have lifelong consequences. That’s why we will have a bolstered presence right across the state over this Australia Day long weekend to ensure everyone is following the rules. That means wearing a lifejacket, respecting the safety of other water users, and carrying the mandatory safety equipment.”
The Mornington Peninsula region ranks highest for jet ski infringement notices. It is mandatory for jet-skiers and kayakers to wear lifejackets at all times.
A Safe Transport Victoria spokesperson said responsible behaviour on the water was essential as beaches and waterways became busier over the holiday period. Joint compliance efforts will continue throughout summer, with Victoria Police, Safe Transport Victoria, the Victorian Fisheries Authority and Parks Victoria patrolling waterways across the state.
“It is critical that operators of all vessels, including jet skis, meet their safety responsibilities and respect others on the water,” the spokesperson said.
“This summer, enforcement agencies including Victoria Police and Safe Transport Victoria will maintain a visible presence across Victorian waterways and deliver targeted education programs promoting safe interactions between jet ski users and other waterway users.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 2026