It appears Lake Macquarie is the home of the state’s worst-behaved jet ski riders and recreational boat operators.

The LGA earned itself the unwanted title following a joint NSW Maritime and NSW Police Marine Area Command campaign, Operation Cool Your Jets, at the weekend.

A statewide compliance crackdown, it focused on risky behaviour and keeping waterways safe for everyone.

They targeted busy locations such as Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Botany Bay, Lake Illawarra, Jervis Bay and the Murray River.

Across Saturday and Sunday, boating safety officers carried out nearly 2,200 vessel checks, including about 753 on jet skis.

And, they issued 74 penalty notices and 214 official warnings, with more than a third of official actions linked to powered personal watercraft.

Lake Macquarie headed the Top 10 list with 41, ahead of Georges River (40), Port Hacking (25), Botany Bay (23), Brisbane Waters (17), Sussex Inlet and St Georges Basin (16), Jervis Bay (15) Mulwala (11), Port Stephens (10) and Albury (10).

Top offences related to lifejackets (27%), safety equipment (16%) and speeding (12%).

“Jet ski popularity continues to grow, with more than 92,000 riders now licensed in NSW,” NSW Police Marine Area Command Acting Superintendent David Carlin said.

“That’s a 23% increase in five years.

“With the rise in new riders comes the need for extra vigilance.

“Marine Area Command officers will continue to patrol waterways to ensure all users are enjoying the water safely.

“Although the vast majority of jet ski riders follow the rules, a small number of people cause problems.

“And, reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Riding a jet ski close to swimmers or other vessels is very dangerous.

“So, we encourage the community to report any menacing behaviour.”

NSW Maritime is also trialling powered watercraft restriction zones at Port Stephens to improve safety for all waterway users.

Operation Cool Your Jets coordinator Sonia McKay echoed Acting Superintendent Carlin’s sentiments.

“There have been 11 incidents involving jet skis in the past 12 months, including one fatality,” she said.

“These machines are powerful and fast.

“We want people to enjoy our amazing waterways, but that means respecting the rules and looking out for others.

“Our officers are out 365 days a year and repeat offenders will face tougher consequences because they’re putting lives at risk.”

KEY RULES FOR RIDERS TO REMEMBER

• Jet skis must stay at least 30 metres from other vessels, objects or the shore when travelling at 6 knots (11km/h) or more
• Where possible, keep at least 60 metres from people or dive flags
• Riders and passengers must always wear a lifejacket
• Licences and registrations must be up to date
• Check the mandatory rules sticker on your jet ski and the online handbook for riders for full details

For more news stories:

• Work on major road projects resume throughout Hunter
• Residents in clean-up mode after severe thunderstorm hits Lower Hunter
• Return and Earn even more convenient in Lake Mac

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