New South Wales Maritime units started the summer off by giving a plethora of tickets and fines to jet ski riders during Operation Ride Smart. Hundreds of riders were checked out and lawbreakers were fined for speeding and other infractions. The crackdown by authorities in Botany Bay saw maritime officers stopping riders and checking their licenses and registrations. They were also on the water making sure everyone was riding safely and following the rules.
The officers performed over 700 checks over the weekend, handing out only 22 fines and most of those were for speeding. It sounds like the lockdown years saw an increase in the number of licensed riders. The area recorded an uptick of 24% more PWC licenses and registered jet skis. Of note, young women between the ages of 12 and 27 are the fastest growing group of riders. Most riders follow the law and ride safely as shown by the number of tickets written by maritime officers during Operation Ride Smart.
The fines are hefty though and generate a good amount revenue. It will cost $500 if you’re caught on an unregistered jet ski and $750 for speeding. If you’re busted without a license, that’s $500 for the rider and another $500 for the owner for the first offense. Those are seriously painful penalties. Check out the video for all the details and to read the comments. There are some good ones! The NSW Maritime Unit reminds us to wear our lifejackets when cruising on the waterways! We’re good with that.
