Brisbane Water Police have charged six people with a total of 23 charges during a targeted crackdown on jet ski offences in the Brisbane River.
The multi-agency enforcement response, Operation Yankee Rooster, was established following increased reports of people dangerously riding and participating in anti-social behaviour whilst operating jet skis (personal watercraft).
The operation specifically targeted riders who are alleged to have deliberately utilised modified, high-powered jet skis to spray passengers on ferries, charter vessels, at ferry terminals, and pedestrians using public walkways.
In one reported incident from around 1pm on 5 July, a young couple and their four-month-old baby waiting at a ferry terminal were deliberately sprayed by a passing jet ski. Investigations into this incident remain ongoing.
Between 25 July to 9 August, Brisbane Water Police, Redland Bay Water Police and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) watercraft and drones conducted the crackdown on jet ski offences, compliance checks and water safety education.
Brisbane Water Police worked in close partnership with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), Brisbane City Council and South Bank Corporation to utilise extensive CCTV camera networks for real time insights to locate, identify and track jet ski riders engaging in dangerous and antisocial behaviour.
During the operation, 86 jet skis were intercepted with six people charged for a total of 23 offences detected including common assault, serious assault, public nuisance, unauthorised damage to property and marine safety offences. 10 marine infringement notices were also issued throughout the operation.
On 1 August, Water Police intercepted a 20-year-old Park Ridge man at Colmslie Boat Ramp following reports he had allegedly operated his jet ski close to boats on the Brisbane River to intentionally spray their occupants.
He was later charged with seven offences including four counts of common assault, two counts of serious assault person over 60, and one count commit public nuisance.
The man is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 25 August.
The operation’s enforcement outcomes are in addition to the regular patrols and watercraft compliance checks Water Police conduct along the Brisbane River.
Brisbane Water Police Acting Sergeant Gene Hill says the operation demonstrates the strong partnership between the Queensland Police Service and partner agencies to make local waterways safer for everyone to use and enjoy.
“Brisbane Water Police will not tolerate dangerous or antisocial behaviour on the Brisbane River or on any of our waterways,” he said.
“Deliberately spraying members of the public with high powered, modified jet skis is not harmless fun; this behaviour is a criminal assault.
“Our message to anyone who endangers others by participating in these behaviours is clear. You will be identified and held accountable.
“Don’t let a day out on the water end in a day in court.”
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said:
“This joint-agency operation brings together targeted on-water patrols and Maritime Safety Queensland’s drone surveillance capability to identify unsafe personal watercraft (PWC) operation, provide intelligence to officers on the water and support enforcement action. Importantly, it also helps us identify and deter dangerous behaviour before it causes a serious incident.
“Our marine incident data shows PWCs are disproportionately represented in reported marine incidents and accidents – all too often resulting in serious injury outcomes.
“Every PWC operator has a responsibility to know and follow the rules, including speed limits and distance-off requirements, and to maintain a proper lookout. Dangerous operation puts operators, passengers and other waterway users at serious risk.”
Learn more about jet ski compliance requirements at Personal watercraft (Maritime Safety Queensland).
