NSW Maritime officers will be out on the Hunter’s waterways this weekend, kicking off a blitz targeting watercraft users.
Jet skis in particular will be on the radar for authorities who say they have surged in popularity across the region, with 14 per cent or almost 13,000 of the state’s licensed riders in the Hunter.
Lake Macquarie makes up the largest chunk of that figure, home to almost 4,000.
Officers are urging locals to understand their responsibilities on the water by maintaining a safe distance, keeping a proper lookout and wearing a life jacket.
NSW Maritime Acting Director of Northern NSW Sonia McKay says lakes, rivers and beaches will be targetted.
“We will be out in full force across many of the waterways in the Hunter, in particular in Lake Macquarie and Nelson Bay, which tend to be very popular areas for locals and tourists.
“Officers will also be out at various other rivers and catchments across that Hunter area,” Ms McKay said.