POLICE have been training to use jet skis and inflatable rescue boats to help monitor waterways this summer.
The new Victoria Police “small boat team” officially began its work last week. The vessels they use will help police access sea caves, cliffs and rocky shorelines for search and rescue jobs.
The ten police which form the team have been trained in rescue swimming and snorkelling too.
Victoria Police water police squad and small boat team acting sergeant Kristina Clappison said “this team will be highly visible, highly agile and hugely beneficial in enhancing our ability to respond to incidents on the water this summer.”
“Jet skis and inflatable rescue boats are able to go where bigger vessels can’t, meaning we can get to people more swiftly when seconds matter. We’ll also be using the team to boost our enforcement efforts against anyone who thinks it’s okay to flout the rules and put other water users at risk,” Clappison said. “Whether it’s inland or along the coast, expect to see us out doing all we can to keep everyone safe.”