Victoria Police have issued 94 fines to jet ski riders and boaties during a two-month water safety blitz on the Mornington Peninsula, targeting dangerous behaviour in busy coastal areas over summer.
The scale of the operation reflects the level of concern that has been raised for years by beachside communities on the Mornington Peninsula about jet skis operating close to swimmers.
Police said the operation began in early December and involved officers from Rosebud, Dromana, Rye and Sorrento, supported by Water Police. The blitz formed part of Operation Summersafe, with patrols on the water, officers stationed at key access points, and drones used to detect alleged offences.
What Police Found On The Water
Across the two-month operation, police conducted 196 vessel safety checks and 244 preliminary breath tests, with three positive results recorded.
Police said offences detected included operating too close to shore, speeding in restricted zones, and riding without the appropriate licence or supervision.
Seventeen fines were issued for exceeding the 5-knot speed limit within 200 metres of the water’s edge. Police also reported three infringements for speeding within 50 metres of swimmers.
Alleged Incidents Highlighted By Police
Police highlighted several intercepts as examples of the behaviour targeted during the blitz.
A 23-year-old man from Jacana was allegedly detected riding a jet ski at excessive speed too close to swimmers. Police allege he did not hold a valid marine licence and did not have all required safety equipment. He was issued infringement notices totalling $1,679.
Police also said a 16-year-old boy was intercepted at Safety Beach and fined $1,113 after officers allegedly observed dangerous riding behaviour, including speed breaches near people and shore.
Longstanding Local Concerns
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has previously stated it continues to receive complaints from residents and visitors about personal watercraft, including jet skis, impacting community and visitor amenity. Reported concerns include unsafe behaviour near swimmers, excessive noise and environmental impacts.
The Shire has advocated for stronger enforcement, clearer separation between swimming zones and personal watercraft, and increased resources to manage jet ski activity across the Peninsula’s coastline.
Enforcement To Continue
Victoria Police said water and beach safety operations will continue until the end of March, with further patrols planned across popular coastal locations as part of ongoing summer enforcement.
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