New push for jet ski ban on popular Mornington Peninsula beaches
Thousands of people have joined a new push to ban jet skis from popular Peninsula beaches, which a community group warns are becoming more dangerous as “wall to wall” riders cram in during peak season.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Beach-goers on the Mornington Peninsula are at risk from “wall to wall” jetskis as more and more riders cram onto the water, a community group warns.
As police pledge a crackdown on rogue riders, Rye Community Group Alliance’s Mechelle Cheers said she had more than 6000 signatures on a petition calling for a ban on jet skis from popular peninsula beaches.
“Recently the jet ski launches at Rye beach were expanded which has meant there are wall to wall jet skis in peak season,” she said.
Live your best Melbourne life with a Leader Community News subscription
“The swimming beaches get crammed with them and the less experienced riders don’t always observe the rules. Even the best behaved jet ski riders still speed.”
Ms Cheers said the most dangerous spot was around piers, with divers and snorkellers in the line of fire.
She said the new rule for jet skiers implemented by Maritime Safety Victoria was a “token” rule, and despite a 6000-strong backing for a ban from popular peninsula beaches, the MSV had not contacted her.
“There have been a number of near misses I have witnessed and heard about, and I hope there are only near misses this summer,” she said.
“You would rather that than something more tragic.”
Ms Cheers said jet ski operators needed to face more stringent testing before they could take to the water.
Victoria Police says it will target jet ski hoons this summer after a number of rule-breaking riders caused havoc on the water last year.
The crackdown comes as part of operation summer safe which will see police swarm beaches around Port Phillip Bay on the sand and water, with a particular focus on the activity of people using personal watercraft, including jet skis.
Last year more than 100 fines were issued by police to people committing offences on personal watercraft during summer.
In 2012, 51-year-old Robert Brewster was killed when Ivan Maqi struck him while on a jet ski in Port Melbourne.
Mr Brewster was hit by the ski when it was travelling at 50km/h in a swimming-only zone and Mr Maqi was subsequently sentenced to five years’ jail.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Butler said officers would ensure jet ski riders had the appropriate safety equipment on board and abided by local water rules.
“There are a number of rules and regulations that relate specifically to jet ski operators and riders need to be aware of these before commencing their activities,” she said.
Ms Butler urged operators to familiarise themselves with no-boating zones and signs that dictate speed limits in certain areas.
“Those caught doing the wrong thing will receive an infringement notice,” she said.
President of the Australian Jet Ski Association, Mandy Brown, said they had been working closely with MSV to work on new rules and supported the recent changes made.
But Ms Brown said problems with jet ski hoons was the same as any speedster on the road.
She said the combination of enforcement and education was key to stemming incidents on the water.
“Just asking people questions isn’t enough, they need an instructor led training session before they operate a jet ski,” Ms Brown said.
“There are no stats to suggest a practical test would be any better than a session with an instructor.
MORE NEWS
POLICE READY TO CRACK DOWN ON BEACH THUGS
NEW RULE ALL MELBOURNE JET SKIERS NEED TO KNOW
‘GENTLE OLD SOUL’ BRUTALLY BASHED IN ST KILDA ATTACK
“We are putting people on jet skis way too quickly.”
She said the tragic death of Mr Brewster could have been avoided if Mr Maqi had a session with an instructor before he operated his jet ski.
“Had I spent an hour with Ivan it wouldn’t have happened,” she said.