Authorities are warning tens of thousands of beachgoers as they conduct a major safety blitz targeting risky behaviour on the water. With summer now hitting its peak, a crackdown on irresponsible jet ski and motorboat use is underway in the country’s most populous state.
Police, transport and maritime officials in New South Wales are embarking on the week-long blitz, which launched on Saturday and runs until Sunday, January 11, to tackle dangerous activity.
Personal watercraft (PWCs), including jet skis, have surged in popularity across NSW and Australia in recent years, driven by improved accessibility and a growing appetite for the high-powered devices.
With that growth has come increased risks, and when speed limits, exclusion zones and licensing rules aren’t followed, the consequences on crowded waterways can be serious.
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In NSW over the weekend, maritime and transport officials issued 74 penalty notices and 214 official warnings. Source: NSW Maritime
In the past 12 months alone, 11 dangerous incidents — including one recent death — have been reported.
Across NSW on the weekend, officers carried out nearly 2,200 vessel safety checks, including some 753 on jet skis.
Among them, 74 penalty notices and 214 official warnings were issued, with over a third linked to jet skis.
Failing to wear a lifejacket can set riders back between $250 and $500, while fines for speeding can vary between $100 and $500.
On Saturday, a woman at Shoal Bay shared that, “despite the restrictions, many jet skis and some powered boats” were among the swimmers, “all along Shoal Bay beaches”.
A spokesperson for Port Stephens council told Yahoo News signage is “displayed at nearby boat ramps and launch points” to “educate riders before they enter the water” in the area, but said issues relating to compliance and enforcement fell under NSW Maritime and Transport.
In October, a 17-year-old boy on a jet ski allegedly led police on a high-speed, 10-minute-long chase around Botany Bay, which led to his eventual arrest and watercraft confiscation.
In July, a 15-year-old died after a jet ski accident in southern Sydney.
A 17-year-old allegedly led police on a 10-minute-long chase at Brighton Le Sands in Botany Bay in October. Source: TikTok/thelanddownunder
Jet ski uptake increasing across NSW
Jet ski ownership is surging across the state, with more than 92,000 riders now licensed in NSW.
That reflects a 23 per cent increase over five years, highlighting the growing need for vigilance as more newcomers take to the water.
Related: Crackdown on reckless summer beach activity after 1,950 fines already issued
Lifejacket compliance accounted for the highest proportion of offences (27 per cent) over the weekend, followed by breaches relating to safety equipment (16 per cent) and speeding (12 per cent).
The highest concentrations of offences were recorded at Lake Macquarie (41) and the Georges River (40), with further hotspots including 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).
In response, NSW Maritime is trialling powered watercraft restriction zones at Port Stephens as part of efforts to improve safety for all waterway users.
CCTV cameras have also been installed at key locations across NSW waterways, including Brighton-Le-Sands, enabling live monitoring and faster deployment of Boating Safety Officers when dangerous behaviour is identified.
NSW Police Marine Area Command Acting Superintendent David Carlin said the public should be aware of the rules, and offenders can expect to be called out and penalised.
“Marine Area Command officers will continue to patrol waterways to ensure all users are enjoying the water safely,” he said.
“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.”
Carlin added that “riding a jetski close to swimmers or other vessels is very dangerous” and “we encourage the community to report any menacing behaviour”.
In July 2025, a 15-year-old was killed in an accident in Sydney’s south. Source: 9News
Key rules for riders to remember:
Jetskis must stay at least 30 metres from other vessels, objects or the shore when travelling at six 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 jetski and the online handbook for riders for full details.
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