Cool Your Jets is here to help you ride smart, stay safe, and make waves the right way on your jet ski all summer long! You can learn more about PWC safety here.

 

Hot tips to cool your jets this summer

Know the 5-knot rule

Skilled riders know when to slow it down. In Victoria, you must travel at 5 knots or under when you're within 200 metres of the shoreline. This increases to within 500m of the shoreline when riding between Martha Point and Point Nepean.

Keep your distance

Riding with awareness is essential on the water. You must be 50 metres from other jet skiers, marine-life and on-water structures and 100 meters from dive flags.

Remember your safety equipment

Being prepared means riding with confidence. Carry your marine licence, a bouyant waterproof torch and a way to raise the alarm.

Ready to hit the water? Check out these videos...

Stay 50 metres from other jet skis when riding

 

This is what it looks like to stay 50 metres from other vessels. This is the law when riding a PWC (jet ski) in Victoria.

Stay 5 knots or under when you’re within 200m of the shore

 

If your PWC (jet ski) creates a wake near the shoreline, you’re going too fast.

Keep your jet ski in top condition to avoid breaking down

 

Make sure your PWC (jet ski) is in top condition before hitting the water this summer.

Know the law when riding a PWC

  • A waterproof buoyant torch.
  • A lifejacket (Level 100, Level 50, or Level 50S).
  • Your marine licence with a PWC endorsement.

  • On ALL Victorian waters a 5-knot speed limit applies to PWC riders if you are:
    • Within 50 m of a person, vessel, fixed or floating structure, wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform or boat ramp
    • Within 100m from a dive flag.
    • Within 200m of the shore on coastal waters and the bays (and 500m from Martha Point to Point Nepean)
  • Ride in proper zones and obey local waterway laws.

  • Avoid sudden turns or unpredictable movements, especially in crowded areas.
  • Always maintain a proper lookout.
  • Keep noise to a minimum, especially near wildlife or residential areas.

  • Wear protective clothing like a full or half-body wetsuit. Avoid bikinis, as falling off could lead to injuries from the jet stream.
  • Keep a phone in a waterproof pouch or carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) to call for help if needed.