Safe jet ski use on Peninsula beaches

We want summer at our beaches to be safe and fun for everyone.

If you see dangerous or life-threatening behaviour on the water when you’re enjoying time at the beach, call triple zero (000) immediately to report the incident to the police. If an incident has occurred but you are not in immediate danger, report it to Victoria Police by calling 13 14 44

During the busy summer months, our beaches are shared by many swimmers and jet ski/personal water craft (PWC) riders. This raises community concerns and safety issues. Jet ski/PWCs are generally much more powerful and manoeuvrable than traditional powerboats, it's important they are ridden safely and responsibly.

Dedicated Swimming only zones along our beaches exist on our beaches to improve safety. These zones are prohibited to all vessels and are located in the following areas: 

  • Eastern side of Rye Pier, Rye
  • To the east of the McCrae Lighthouse, McCrae
  • Western side of Dromana Pier, Dromana
  • Opposite Balmoral Avenue, Safety Beach 
  • Between Kilburn Grove and Dominion Road, Mount Martha South Beach
  • Mount Martha Surf Life Saving Club to Balcombe Creek, Mount Martha
  • Northern end of Fishermans Beach, Mornington 
  • Southern end of Mills Beach, Mornington 
  • Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, Point Leo

Safe Transport Victoria is responsible for general jet ski/PWC compliance matters. The Shire is working with Victoria Police and Safe Transport Victoria on surveillance and enforcement activities along our beaches during summer.

Council is calling on the Victorian Government to introduce a range of measures to address community and Council concerns regarding personal safety, amenity and threats to marine wildlife. For further information on the Shire's advocacy work in this area, please see our Jet Ski Safety advocacy page.

Safe jet ski operation

Maritime Safety Victoria advises riders to remember that PWCs must be operated within the rules relating to powerboats.

The Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) introduced new responsibilities on owners, masters and operators of recreational vessels which includes PWCs, including:

  • PWCs and other vessels are not permitted to enter or remain in dedicated swimming only zones
  • In other areas, PWCs and other vessels must not exceed 5 knots (8kph) within 200 metres of the shore or 500 metres from shore as designated from Safety Beach to Portsea
  • PWCs and other vessels must not exceed 5 knots (8kph) within 50 metres of swimmers, other vessels, wharfs, jetties, slipways, boat ramps and not exceed 5 knots when passing through a recognised anchorage for small craft.

On-the-spot fines are applicable for PWC / Jet Ski operators found to be contravening these rules.

Further information: Safe Transport Victoria | Jet skis (personal watercraft)
Cool your jets: Stay in control on a jet ski this summer

On-Water Hoon Laws

Hoon behaviour is dangerous and may cause someone to get hurt. It can include:

  • Performing ‘doughnuts’ within 50 metres of swimmers or other water users
  • Speeding more than 5 knots (8km/h) within 50 metres of swimmers or within 200 metres of the shore
  • Victoria Police may seize, impound or immobilise vessels, including PWCs if it is believed they are being or have been used in committing a relevant offence

If you see dangerous or life-threatening behaviour on the water, call '000' and immediately report the incident to the Police.

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