POLICE have praised the behaviour of boat and jet ski operators after a drug and alcohol testing operation at boat ramps and Rye and Safety Beach on Saturday 22 January.
No offences were detected with police administering 30 alcohol tests and 29 drug tests after checking 22 boats and eight jet skis.
Four infringements were issued however, including for having an unregistered vessel, out-of-date flares and two for people not wearing a life jacket.
Police spoke with 58 people and were pleased with behaviour on the water generally, especially boat and jet ski operators adhering to the rules and carrying the required safety equipment.
“Water police will be maintaining a highly visible presence right through the summer, including on the Mornington Peninsula,” Sergeant Shane Franke of the Water Police Squad said.
“We hope the care, courtesy and compliance witnessed at the weekend continues.
“The peninsula is one of Victoria’s busiest boating hotspots and we want everyone to enjoy it safely. Operations like this are about making sure that happens.”
As well as alcohol water police are out testing for drugs this summer.
Sgt Franks said boat and jet ski operators with illicit drugs in their system were a risk to themselves and all water users.
“Drugs impair judgement, slow reaction times and increase risk-taking behaviour,” he said.
“The penalties for anyone caught are significant. We implore everyone to make good decisions this summer.
“Already we’ve seen poor behaviour on the water, capsized boats, near drownings and, sadly, fatalities.
“Please, be responsible, carry the right safety equipment and always wear a life jacket.”
Research shows about 30 per cent of drownings in Victoria involve prior alcohol or drug use.
Drug testing is being conducted across the state’s holiday hot spots as part of a statewide trial that began in November last year.
Boat and jet ski operators found with illicit drugs such as methamphetamines, MDMA or cannabis in their system will have their marine licence cancelled for three months and face a fine of up to $2180. Water police can also ban them from driving a motor vehicle for up to 24 hours.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 1 February 2022
