In the first state-wide compliance blitz of the new year, Operation Stay Afloat, NSW Maritime officers have stressed to jetskiers a good time should be a safe time for everyone on the water.
As part of the safety and educational campaign aimed at driving home the importance of responsible riding on the state's waterways, NSW Maritime crews conducted more than 2000 vessel safety checks.
While 87% of boat and jetski operators were found to be complying with all license and safety requirements, NSW Maritime issued 186 official warnings and 81 penalty notices.
31.4% were issued for not wearing or carrying a lifejacket, 27.7% were for unlicenced drivers or unregistered vessels and 11.2% were for speeding.
It follows a year where jetski-related offences were on the rise. There were a total of 1560 jetski offences recorded in NSW during 2023, up 53% on the previous year's 1023 jetski infringements. Speeding made up almost 30% of offences recorded.
More jetskiiers are found to be non-compliant in Sydney waters compared to other parts of NSW, with the George's River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking taking the top spots for illegal activity leading to infringements.
The popularity of jetskis and personal watercraft has soared over the last 4 years, with over 90,000 licenced riders in NSW, an increase of over 35% since 2020.
The largest jump in jetski licences has been among Generation Z, those born between 1995 and 2010. There are more than 23,000 licenced riders aged between 13 and 28 in NSW, an increase of 22% on this time last year.
The top 5 Local Government Areas for newly issued licences are Canterbury-Bankstown, Sutherland Shire, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and the Northern Beaches.
A spate of serious injuries involving personal watercraft, including jetskis, has authorities on high alert a week into the new year. Locations of particular concern to authorities are Brighton Beach and Georges River in Sydney.
For more information on jetski safety, check out the Personal Watercraft (PWC) Handbook.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:
"Jetskis are a lot of fun, but they've got to be used responsibly.
"The best way to enjoy a day out on a jetski is to plan your adventure, pack essentials like water, food and sunscreen, wear a lifejacket and stick to the rules.
"It's great to see a new generation enjoying our beautiful waterways, but inexperience means they need to be extra vigilant when it comes to safety.
"Dangerous driving can be deadly, so ski carefully and look out for yourself and others."
Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:
"The George's River is South-West Sydney's very own water wonderland where locals from Picnic Point to Bankstown come to cool off and create fun memories with the whole family. Everyone has a role to play in making it a safe place for boaters, swimmers and jetskiers alike.
"We're lucky to live on the banks of one of NSW's most beautiful and accessible inland waterways, the George's River. Compliance blitzs like these keep our waterways safe. It's important that everyone knows the rules, behaves sensibly and is looking out for each other so people can keep making happy memories here for generations to come."
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
"Speeding and unsafe riding on a jetski is a recipe for disaster on our waterways.
"Jetskis are overrepresented in serious injury incidents, if you have an accident on one, it's highly likely you'll suffer a serious injury."
"They are fast and they don't offer much protection. Use common-sense if you jump on one.
"We want our Illawarra and South Coast communities to feel safe and relaxed when using all of our beautiful waterways, including Lake Illawarra. If jetski riders are making others uncomfortable, Maritime will take action."
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"A fun day on the water shouldn't turn into a tragedy.
"It's great we're seeing locals enjoy our Hunter waterways on jetskis, including young people. But we need them to look after themselves, and each other. Safety and compliance are the priorities.
"When you take out a jetski, just like anything on the water, follow the rules so everyone can relax and enjoy themselves."
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:
"The Central Coast's beautiful waterways are one of the things that make the Coast such a wonderful place to live. While we are out and about on the water this summer, it's important to remember that our beaches and waterways are there for everyone to enjoy.
"I am always thrilled to see people get out and enjoy the water in new ways and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our stunning maritime landscapes. However please remember, safety always comes first. Be mindful of those around you in the water, making sure that everyone can stay cool and safe on our beautiful waterways this summer."
Jetski Club member Wahib Gereige said:
"Spending a day out on your jetski with friends is what summer's all about. Ruining it for others by being reckless or irresponsible, isn't.
"There is a stigma about jetski riders which is giving us all a bad reputation. Rules and regulations are there for a reason, respect them and everyone can have a great time out on the water."
