Crackdown on jet skis targets unlicensed riders with $500 fines on NSW beaches and waterways

As traffic on the beaches and waterways increase into the summer, so do the number of jet-skis zipping around.

But those tempted to ask a friend or rider for a go on their jet ski may want to think again, because riders are now under tighter scrutiny, as NSW Maritime cracks down on unlicensed drivers with massive fines for offenders.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Operation Ride Right to crack down on NSW jet-ski riders.

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NSW Maritime officers were out checking for licenses, life jackets, PWC safety behaviour stickers over the weekend, and were informing thousands of riders about personal watercraft (PWC) safety, as part of their Operation Ride Right campaign.

Those caught without a licence can cop a $500 on-the-spot fine and a 12-month suspension from riding.

“Unlicensed riding is not as uncommon as what you might think. You get a number of unlicensed riders out there,” NSW Maritime principal manager Shane Davey told 7NEWS.

There has been a massive increase in licensed jet-ski riders over the last five years, with 30,000 newcomers bringing the total to 90,000 jet-ski riders in the state, with almost 60,000 of those based in Sydney.

“We’re also seeing a large increase in younger jet ski operators, with those under 30 making up about 40 per cent of new PWC licence holders over the last five years,” NSW Maritime said.

“Unlicensed riding is not as uncommon as what you might think. You get a number of unlicensed riders out there,” Davey said.

There were nearly 1800 jet-ski offences were recorded in the state over the last 12-months, but only about 600 of those offences incurred a $500 penalty, the other 1200 or so getting away with an official caution

The most frequent offending occurred in the Georges River where 350 people were caught breaking the law, Port Hacking where 227 were caught, and Botany Bay where 219 were caught.

Last weekend alone, there were 89 official cautions and 52 fines handed out, with about 23 per cent of those relating to licensing or registration — but over 3000 were spoken to by authorities.

CCTV camera among new safety measures

The main aim of the Ride Right campaign is to increase safety on the water.

“We’ve seen the popularity of jet skis soar, and we get it, they’re fun! But they can be dangerous,” NSW Maritime said.

“We’re educating everyone on the rules, making sure they know the rules and that they stick to them,” NSW Maritime principal manager Shane Davey told 7NEWS.

“We know that jet-ski riders are overrepresented in accidents and collisions.”

People involved in an accident on a PWC also have a 50 per cent chance of suffering a serious injury, NSW Maritime said.

Davey added that jet skis are “fast, heavy, and they don’t offer much protection” and urged riders to “use common-sense if you’re jumping on one.”

Transport NSW also noted that a new CCTV camera will be installed at Bonnie Vale, new speed limit and restriction zone signage put up at Botany Bay and the Georges River, and a new “paddle craft only area” established at Ettalong.