Jet skiers who speed in 5-knot zones or get too close to swimmers are the focus of this summer’s Cool Your Jets: Stay in Control safety education program.

The Safe Transport Victoria program encourages jet skiers to have fun while following waterway rules and will reach jet skiers through social and digital media, as well as in-person engagement events at Safety Beach (Port Phillip Bay) and Bonnie Doon (Lake Eildon) in January 2025.

The Cool Your Jets: Stay in Control key safety reminders include:

  • Ride within the speed limits in 5-knot zones near beaches and inland waterways.
  • Slow to 5-knots within 50 metres of swimmers, boats, other jet skis, and marine animals.
  • Always wear the appropriate lifejacket.
  • Ensure their jet ski, safety gear and lifejacket are well maintained
  • Be aware of their speed – if there is a wake, they are exceeding 5-knots.

To reinforce these messages, the program is supported by targeted compliance and enforcement activities at major waterways and busy locations during peak periods.

In partnership with Victoria Police, Safe Transport Victoria will again conduct waterway patrols to target unsafe and illegal behaviour this summer, particularly around swimming areas. Jet ski users who break the law will be caught and face significant penalties. In 2023-24, 388 infringements were issued to jet skiers.

The inaugural Cool Your Jets: Stay in Control program ran during the 2023-24 summer, reaching over 1 million people through online content and in-person events. Its success has inspired adoption of the concept by maritime safety authorities across Australia.

Boaters and jet skiers must be familiar with the rules for the waterways they use and are encouraged to pay close attention to waterway signage.

For more information on recreational boating and the Cool Your Jets: Stay in Control program, visit the Safe Transport Victoria website at https://safetransport.vic.gov.au/cool-your-jets/

Jet skiers can use the Boating Vic website at https://www.boating.vic.gov.au to plan their day on the water, including viewing boat ramp information and checking ramp cameras to see how busy their favourite ramp is.

Boaters can also download the DECKEE app from deckee to see the required waterway rules, speed limits, and essential safety equipment based on the user’s location, allowing them to navigate with confidence.

 

Quotes attributable to Chris Banks, Executive Director – Safety Strategy and Regulation, Safe Transport Victoria

“The Cool Your Jets program helps to ensure Victoria’s rivers, bays and beaches remain safe and enjoyable for all waterway users.”

“Jet skiers must ride safely and follow waterway rules. Those who don’t risk being fined. Always slow to 5-knots when within 50 metres of swimmers, boaters, other jet skis, and marine animals.”

“Cool your jets, stay in control, and make sure everyone has a safe and fun summer on the water.”

 

Note: Jet ski is a brand name owned by Kawasaki. It has become the synonymous term for personal watercraft (PWC).