The weather is hot, but the message from NSW Maritime authorities is cool your jets this summer and keep a look out – after a statewide compliance crackdown putting safety in the spotlight.
A joint NSW Maritime and NSW Police Marine Area Command operation – Operation Cool Your Jets is a week-long campaign focused on reducing risky behaviour and keeping waterways safe for everyone.
Across Saturday and Sunday, NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers carried out nearly 2200 vessel safety checks, including around 753 on jetskis. Patrols targeted busy locations such as Botany Bay, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Lake Illawarra, Jervis Bay and the Murray River.
NSW Maritime patrols issued 74 penalty notices and 214 official warnings, with over a third of official actions linked to jetskis.
Top offences related to lifejackets (27 per cent), safety equipment (16 per cent) and speeding (12per cent).
Top 10 locations for offences were Lake Macquarie (41), Georges River (40), Port Hacking (25), Botany Bay (23), Brisbane Waters (17), Sussex Inlet and St Georges Basin (16), followed by Jervis Bay (15) Mulwala (11), Port Stephens (10) and Albury (10).
Education Officers also engaged with 980 people across the state.
Jetski popularity continues to grow, with more than 92,000 riders now licensed in NSW which is a 23 per cent increase in five years. With the rise in new riders comes the need for extra vigilance.
This summer, NSW Maritime is trialling powered watercraft restriction zones at Port Stephens to improve safety for all waterway users.
CCTV cameras have also been installed at strategic locations across NSW waterways, including Brighton Le Sands, to support live monitoring and the rapid deployment of Boating Safety Officers if risky behaviour is detected.
Key rules for riders to remember:
- Jetskis must stay at least 30 metres from other vessels, objects or the shore when travelling at 6 knots (11km/h) or more.
- Where possible, keep at least 60 metres from people or dive flags.
- Riders and passengers must always wear a lifejacket.
- Licences and registrations must be up to date.
- Check the mandatory rules sticker on your jetski and the online handbook for riders for full details.
For more information on rules around riding jetskis or personal watercraft (PWCs) can be found on the rules sticker required to be on all registered jetskis in NSW, and in the online rules handbook for riders.
Find out more about the Port Stephens trial here.
NSW Maritime Principal Manager, and Operation Cool Your Jets Coordinator Sonia McKay said, “There have been 11 incidents involving jetskis in the past 12 months, including one fatality.
“These machines are powerful and fast. We want people to enjoy our amazing waterways, but that means respecting the rules and looking out for others.
“Our officers are out 365 days a year and repeat offenders will face tougher consequences because reckless riding puts lives at risk.”
NSW Police Marine Area Command Acting Superintendent David Carlin said, “Marine Area Command officers will continue to patrol waterways to ensure all users are enjoying the water safely.
“Although the vast majority of jet ski riders follow the rules, a small number of people cause problems and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Riding a jetski close to swimmers or other vessels is very dangerous and we encourage the community to report any menacing behaviour.”
