Push to tackle jet-ski hooning under boating boundary changes

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Proposed tweaks to boating rules in Port Phillip Bay have triggered a fresh call to push jet-skis further away from Melbourne’s beaches amid concerns about dangerous riding.

But experienced jet-skiers believe boundary changes will do little to stop hoons who flout existing laws anyway.

Experienced jet-skiers believe the proposed tweaks to boundary changes will do little to stop hoons.

Parks Victoria recently revealed planned changes to no-boating zones around St Kilda and Altona piers.

The adjustments, released for consultation on November 12, would account for the piers’ new designs.

However, some water safety advocates want authorities to take the opportunity to go further and expand current zones that require jet-skiers to go at least 200 metres away from shore to operate their craft freely.

The end of Altona Pier is outside restriction zones for boats and personal watercraft that are designed to protect swimmers and other beachgoers.

The proposed changes to the no-boating zone at Altona Pier to account for its new design. Some want the restricted area to be extended out from shore.

Vicki Karalis, a former president of the Sandringham Foreshore Association who previously pushed for no-go zones for jet-skiers at bayside beaches, said more separation was needed.

Jet-ski registrations have increased by 50 per cent in the past decade, according to the state government, while Melbourne’s population boom continues to drive bigger beach crowds every summer.

Karalis argued this meant the chance of jet-skis colliding with swimmers was rising to new heights.

“It’s a recipe for disaster,” she said.

Vicki Karalis, a long-time campaigner against jet-skis, at Sandringham Foreshore.

Alongside blanket no-boat zones at key beaches, jet-skis also currently cannot perform any doughnuts, weaves or other “irregular” manoeuvres within the shared five-knot speed restriction zone that extends 200 metres from shore across much of Port Phillip Bay.

However, on the Mornington Peninsula, this five-knot zone extends 500 metres from the shore, which Karalis argued was a better standard.

“It would make it quieter and safer, allowing swimmers to feel comfortable,” she said. “As soon as they hit that 200-metre mark, [jet-skis] are still very noisy and disruptive.”

Peter Kovas, a regular jet-skier and co-founder of the Victorian Ski Riders group, said boundary changes would do little to stop hoons who already flout the rules.

Peter Kovas, a co-founder of Victorian Ski Riders, at the Patterson River Boat Ramp.

“You can propose what you like, but these people break existing laws anyway,” he said. “There are the riders who are mature and respect the laws, and there are people who do not care.”

Kovas suggested better licensing would stop dangerous jet-skiers more effectively.

He pointed out there are no limits on the power of a jet-ski that a young person can ride, whereas licences for young road users stipulate they cannot drive vehicles with an excessive power-to-weight ratio.

“You can’t have a 16-year-old sliding around a jet-ski with 325 horsepower,” Kovas said.

A police spokesperson said any changes to boating legislation were a matter for the state government.

However, the spokesperson said police issued about 300 infringement notices to jet-skiers last summer and were still concerned with the behaviour of some riders as this summer approaches.

“We urge all jet-ski operators to know the rules and adhere to them,” the spokesperson said. “Jet-skis are not toys and the result of a collision with a swimmer or another vessel can be catastrophic.”

A spokesperson for Life Saving Victoria (LSV) commended police efforts to educate jet-skiers and enforce rule compliance, especially during peak periods.

The spokesperson did not take a position when asked if the 200-metre exclusion zone for irregular jet-ski riding, or no-boating zones, should be extended.

“While the majority of jet-ski users do the right thing, the behaviour of a small minority can put swimmers, lifesavers and fellow water users at risk,” the LSV spokesperson said.

“That’s why LSV supports continued review and improvement of exclusion zones and waterway management strategies, guided by data, risk assessments and community feedback.”

A spokesperson for Hobsons Bay Council backed the proposed exclusion zone changes at Altona Pier, and suggested they could go further.

“In principle, council would generally support further extensions where possible, but recognises decisions regarding boating zones and enforcement are the responsibility of Safe Transport Victoria and Parks Victoria,” the council spokesperson said.

Port Phillip Council, meanwhile, expressed concern about high-powered jet-skis and said it would review proposed changes to exclusion zones around the revamped St Kilda pier.

“Ultimately, we want our beaches to be as safe as possible,” Mayor Alex Makin said.

“We know many of our residents are conscious about swimming near the presence of jet-skis and bad behaviour by some riders at St Kilda recently sparked complaints.”

Safe Transport Victoria and Parks Victoria were contacted for comment.

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