Water police called to more than 100 incidents in a week

The squad has had a busy start to the year following days of favourable weather.

Many of the callouts have related to dangerous jet ski behaviour including speeding, travelling too close to other swimmers and collisions with other vessels.

With warm weather predicted this weekend, the squad is urging vessel operators to take extra care with crowds expected both inland and along the coast.

Water Police will patrol inland areas including Lake Eildon as well as Melbourne beaches.

Vessel operators can expect to be breath-tested, have their marine licences checked, and vessels inspected for mandatory safety equipment including life jackets, torches and fire extinguishers.

The law requires boat users to wear a life jacket on a powered vessel up to 4.8m, when travelling solo, and at heightened risk.

It is mandatory for jet skiers and kayakers to wear a life jacket at all times.

Children aged under 12 must also wear a life jacket at all times when in open areas of a vessel.

The Water Police will use police boats and jet skis to enhance their visibility on the water.

The Small Boat Team, part of the Water Police Squad, will also be in out, using a mix of jet skis and inflatable rescue boats to respond to search and rescue incidents on the water and deter those putting others at risk.

On top of patrols, the Water Police will also be running several targeted operations over summer to target rogue jet ski riders both on the water and at ramps.

Water Police Squad Inspector James Dalton said although most people did the right thing, some showed “blatant disregard” for the safety of other water users.

“Already we’ve seen multiple serious collisions on the water,” he said.

“These young people are lucky to be alive, but instead of enjoying the summer they’re now recovering in hospital with serious injuries.

“People need to remember that a split-second decision can have lifelong consequences.

“Vessel operators need to take some responsibility for their own behaviour and safety, because we can’t be everywhere at once.

“That means wearing a life jacket, respecting the safety of other water users, and carrying the mandatory safety equipment.”