Police on the Surf Coast are warning jet-skiers to do the right thing this summer or faced being fined or charged.
Police said they had been kept busy with “disappointing and dangerous behaviour” from a number of personal water craft users.
During an operation earlier this week, over 10 penalty notices were issued.
A 27-year-old Waurn Ponds man was issued a penalty notice for exceeding the speed limit on a PWC in the Barwon River in an area only around one metre deep.
Police said he raised significant water spray but seen by a local photographer who provided this image to police.
Police said the main offences were PWCs exceeding the five knot speed limit, particularly in the Barwon River area, and coming within 50m of another vessel.
Sergeant Michael Knight of Bellarine Police said it appeared a “rogue element” had the potential to ruin someone’s summer.
“PWCs are incredibly powerful machines and when you combine that with risky behaviour, the potential for disaster is high,” Sgt Knight said.
“If you are operating a PWC, remember it is an offence to speed in swimming zones or operate within 50 metres of another vessel.”
“Overall the majority of people using PWCs do the right thing, but there’s a small number of people who don’t seem to be getting the message or even just having a lapse in judgement.”
Anyone who witnesses risky behaviour on the water should contact triple zero (000) and take down any identifying details of the PWC or user.
