Port Phillip Bay jet ski hoons: ‘Its only a matter of time before someone is killed’
Rogue jet skiers flouting boating laws in Port Phillip Bay will cause the death of a swimmer unless something is done, life savers have warned.
Inner South
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Rogue jet skiers flouting boating laws in Port Phillip Bay will cause the death of a swimmer if the illegal practice is not reined in, life savers have warned.
The renewed warning comes as members of the Bonbeach Life Saving Club copped abuse from jet skiers who flagrantly broke the law putting swimmers at risk.
The Bay hoons have been a major scourge for several years but frustrated Bonbeach Life Saving Club president Lloyd Thomas said the problem this season had been the worst he had encountered.
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“There’s been more jet skiers in front of our club than any other year it’s just getting too dangerous to swim,” Mr Thomas said.
“The area is just for swimmers but the jet skiers tear in and tear out doing doughnuts, it’s lucky they didn’t hit anyone.
“It’s a major problem and its only a matter of time before someone is killed.”
Water police have issued 120 infringements between December 27 and January 3 as part of Operation Jetwash, between St Kilda along the foreshore to Martha Cove, primarily focusing on jet-ski use and behaviour.
Infringements included operating within no-boating zones, speeding and other safety based offences.
Those breaking the law can face fines of up to $806 and anyone caught hooning can have their vessel restricted or seized.
Senior Sergeant Alistair Nisbet said the operation sent a clear message police would not tolerate unsafe behaviour on the water.
“We’re keeping a keen eye on waterways this summer and we’ll catch up with anyone we see doing the wrong thing,” Senior Sergeant Nisbet said.
“Jet-skis are heavy pieces of machinery operated in the water environment and are capable of reaching high speeds. Their safe operation is completely within the hands of the user.”
Mr Thomas said he and other club members were made to feel like “the villain” when they asked the rogue water hoons to move on.
He is calling on a larger police presence in the bay especially between Paterson River and Chelsea Pier.
“Some jet skiers don’t realise they’re in the wrong area and when we tell them to move they do but most of them don’t care about the law,” Mr Thomas said.
“I asked a jet skier to move on but he refused so I took a photo of his jet ski and told him I would send it to the police.
“Not long after a group of his mates came up and had a go at me, they verbally abused me.
“The water police showed up and about 10 jet skiers took off pretty quickly so they obviously know they’re breaking the law.”
Mr Thomas said the behaviour of the general public visiting the beach for a swim and sunbathe had been “amazing”.
“We had a quiet year as far as rescues were concerned,” he said.
“The cooler weather meant numbers were down but most people obeyed rules and just had fun.”
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