Cracking Down on Anti-Social Jet Ski Behaviours in Botany Bay

Botany Bay is a shared space intended for the safe enjoyment of all users, not a venue for reckless driving or showing off in high-powered vessels such as jet skis. Reckless behaviour, aggression, and intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

We are cracking down on dangerous and irresponsible behaviour in Botany Bay, with serious penalties in place. Offenders risk substantial fines, loss of licence, and in some cases, the impounding of their vessels.

The vast majority of riders throughout Botany Bay conduct themselves responsibly, allowing all members of the community to safely enjoy our stunning beaches and waterways during our most popular times of the year.

Regrettably, a small minority continue to engage in inappropriate behaviour whether through aggression, recklessness, or inexperience.

On Friday, October 17th 2025, I had the pleasure of hosting representatives from NSW Marine Area Command, Botany Bay Water Police Command, St George Police Area Command, NSW Maritime and Bayside Council for a productive meeting focused on community safety and cohesion.

We discussed key issues impacting Botany Bay and surrounding areas, including dangerous behaviour on the waterways, compliance with marine regulations, and broader public safety concerns.

Together we explored collaborative strategies to support our local community ensuring our public spaces, both on land and water, remain safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone.

Cracking Down on Illegal Jet Ski Behaviour

Botany Bay is subject to designated Personal Watercraft restriction zone rules, which all riders are required to follow.

Rules for restriction zones

In restriction zones, jet skis must not be used for 'irregular driving' within 200m of a riverbank or shore.

This means they must be operated generally in a straight line within 200m of the shoreline.

Examples of irregular driving are:

• driving in a circle or other pattern

• weaving or diverting

• surfing down or jumping over or across, any swell, wave or wash

• driving too close to the shore or swimmers in the water

To report jet ski behaviours in NSW, you can contact the NSW Maritime general enquiries line at 13 12 36. This line is available for reporting illegal and anti-social behaviour on jet skis across Greater Sydney and the Illawarra. The line is part of a joint operation by NSW Maritime and NSW Police officers to crack down on such behaviours.

If you require any further information about NSW State matters, please do not hesitate to contact me at my office on 02 9597 1414 or email [email protected]