Jet ski hoons, speeders and unsafe boaters nabbed by water police in six-month sting across Port Phillip Bay and state

THE Water Police have really ramped up their aqua operations, catching hundreds of marine misbehavers in our bay over the past six months.

Police have cracked down on jet ski hoons and other marine law-breakers.

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THE WATER Police have caught hundreds of hoons in Port Phillip Bay over the past six months.

Bay waters have long been a problem area for hooning jet skiers, with swimmers and boaters constantly frustrated by noise and unsafe riding too close to shore.

Superintendent John Todor said they had had a busy summer so far enforcing safe recreational and commercial boating practises around state waterways.

Since July they have issued 2892 penalty notices statewide to water craft operators for offences such as failing to wear life jackets, exceeding the speed limit in a specified area, and being unlicensed.

“Most boat operators or those people on jet skis and in kayaks are doing the right thing, and enjoy their recreational activity within the rules and safely,” Supt Todor said.

“However we continue to fine those that still operate in a dangerous, reckless or negligent manner.

“In particular, personal watercraft operators need to be familiar with the designated ‘no boating zones’ and ‘swim zones’ with reduced speed limits.”

He said they have responded to 854 marine incidents and three boating fatalities and checked 5472 vessels, 2754 personal watercrafts, including jet skis, and 256 kayaks for safety compliance.

“Make sure your safety equipment is correct for your vessel and most importantly, know when and where you need to have a life jacket on,” he said.

“And alcohol use and boating don’t mix; police continue to enforce blood alcohol limits on the water and at boat ramps.”

He said they will continue to run operations, including over the March long weekend.