WATER safety authorities are reminding jet ski riders to follow speed and distance rules as enforcement patrols increase across Victorian waterways during summer.
A Safe Transport Victoria spokesperson said responsible behaviour on the water was essential as beaches and waterways became busier over the holiday period.
Joint compliance efforts will continue throughout summer, with Victoria Police, Safe Transport Victoria, the Victorian Fisheries Authority and Parks Victoria patrolling waterways across the state.
“It is critical that operators of all vessels, including jet skis, meet their safety responsibilities and respect others on the water,” the spokesperson said.
“This summer, enforcement agencies including Victoria Police and Safe Transport Victoria will maintain a visible presence across Victorian waterways and deliver targeted education programs promoting safe interactions between jet ski users and other waterway users.”
The Mornington Peninsula is expected to be particularly busy, with authorities urging riders to be mindful of swimmers and other recreational users.
“Beaches on the Mornington Peninsula are popular during summer holidays, all boaters and riders should follow the waterway rules so everyone has a great day out.”
As part of the summer safety push, Safe Transport Victoria’s Cool Your Jets behavioural awareness program will return, focusing on speed and distance requirements and reinforcing respectful behaviour on the water.
The program directly engaged with jet ski users over the Australia Day weekend through The Idle Zone, a series of beach activations encouraging riders to slow down, stop and learn how safe choices improve everyone’s experience.
State-wide waterway rules apply to jet skis, also known as personal watercraft (PWCs). Vessels must not exceed five knots:
- within 50 metres of a person, vessel, fixed or floating structure, or the shore on inland waters
- within 50 metres of a person, vessel, wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform, or boat ramp on coastal and enclosed waters
- within 100 metres of a dive flag
- within 200 metres of the shore on enclosed and coastal waters
- within 500 metres on Mornington Peninsula beaches from Martha Cove, Dromana to Sullivan Bay, Sorrento
- Or as specified in scheduled waterway rules.
Anyone who witnesses unsafe jet ski behaviour or breaches of waterway rules is encouraged to report it to the Victorian Water Police on 1800 135 729 or via the Safe Transport Victoria incident reporting form.
Mornington Peninsula Shire deputy mayor Paul Pingiaro also highlighted the importance of shared responsibility on local waterways.
“Jet skis and recreational users can share the waterways together, but they must do it responsibly,” he said in a social media post.
“Play it safe out on the water, look after each other remember life jackets save lives.”
Authorities say education, enforcement and cooperation between waterway users are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone.
First published in the Mornington News – 27 January 2026
