Water Police and local officers took to Lake Nagambie and nearby waterways over the weekend, cracking down on unsafe behaviour as new speed limits came into force.

The joint operation between Water Police, Nagambie Police, Seymour Highway Patrol and Safe Transport Victoria saw more than 400 people spoken to across two days.

Officers focused on raising awareness of the new boating rules while enforcing compliance where needed.

Among the offences were four jet ski operators fined $407 each for ignoring new speed restrictions despite earlier warnings, and a vessel operator fined $611 after testing positive for methamphetamine.

Ten vessel operators were caught not wearing lifejackets and received $407 fines, while two operators were fined $254 each for not carrying fire extinguishers.

Around 20 further warnings were issued to jet skiers not adhering to the new rules.

Police also caught two motorists drug driving — one testing positive for methamphetamine and the other for cannabis — with both drivers losing their licences and set to face court.

One unroadworthy vehicle was detected, with a defect notice issued.

The new regulations, introduced by Safe Transport Victoria following consultation with waterway users, Strathbogie Shire Council and local enforcement agencies, include a 20-knot speed limit for all powered vessels on Lake Nagambie, excluding designated five-knot zones.

Within these slower zones, vessels must operate with minimal or no wash.

A 30-knot limit also now applies to previously unrestricted areas of the Goulburn River between Hughes Creek and the Goulburn Weir.

Signage has been installed across Lake Nagambie to inform users of the changes.

Water Police Squad Senior Constable Jake Cooper said deployments such as these were vital for safety on Victorian waterways.

“We are focused on working with the community to build awareness about the changes but will not hesitate in enforcing against people blatantly flouting the law,” he said.

He said police would remain highly visible across the state as summer approached.

“Too often we see the consequences of careless or dangerous behaviour on the water — don’t let a bad decision be your last.”

Anyone who witnesses dangerous behaviour on the water can report non-urgent incidents via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or call 000 in an emergency.

Further details about the new speed restrictions are available at safetransport.vic.gov.au

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Wednesday, 19th January 2028

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