A Kilsyth boater helped bring the tally of vessel operators caught flouting the law at Lake Eildon to 14 after being allegedly drunk.
The 38-year-old skipper had several passengers on board a 3.5 metre tinny when he was intercepted by the Water Police Squad about 5pm on Friday 31 January.
He returned a positive on a preliminary breath test and allegedly blew 0.134 during an evidentiary breath test.
The Kilsyth man had his marine licence immediately suspended for six months and was fined $840.
“As the warm weather continues, we want safety to be front and centre in everyone’s minds,” Water Police Acting Senior Sergeant Dave McHenry said.
“If you’re planning to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. We all know how devastating the consequences can be.”
The squad – which regularly patrols the popular waterway throughout summer – conducted more than 60 vessel inspections, licence checks and breath tests during last weekend’s deployment.
Eight further boaties were issued with infringement notices for operating a boat without a licence, failing to carry a lifejacket (x4), towing a skier without an observer (x2) and failing to maintain safety gear.
“Lifejackets also remain an issue. They are mandatory for jet ski riders, children under 12, solo boaties and in small boats up to and including 4.8m, yet we still see people without them,” Acting Snr Sgt McHenry said.
Water Police also had jet skis closely in their sights.
Four riders were caught allegedly speeding too close to shore or other vessels, while another was fined $988 for riding unlicensed.
The Water Police Squad will continue to have a highly visible presence at inland waterways this summer.
Several planned operations will take place across Victoria, on top of regular patrols.
Boat and jet ski operators can expect to be breath tested, and have vessels inspected for mandatory safety equipment including lifejackets.
“Police will continue to conduct random breath tests, vessel inspections and licence checks to ensure everyone is playing their part this summer.”
