What’s Happening?
Brisbane Water Police have laid multiple charges following a targeted crackdown on dangerous jet ski activity along the Brisbane River. Called Operation Yankee Rooster, the multi-agency response followed increased reports of dangerous riding and antisocial behaviour.
Police allege some riders used modified, high-powered jet skis to deliberately spray people near ferries and public walkways. Those affected reportedly included ferry and charter vessel passengers, people at terminals, and pedestrians beside the river.
The operation ran from 25 July to 9 August, combining enforcement, compliance checks and water safety education. Brisbane and Redland Bay Water Police worked alongside Maritime Safety Queensland throughout the campaign.
Why It Matters
Dangerous use of a modified jet ski can injure members of the public and place other waterway users at risk. Police have warned that deliberately spraying people is not harmless behaviour and may constitute criminal assault.
Brisbane Water Police Acting Sergeant Gene Hill said the response reflected close cooperation between police and partner agencies.
“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.”
Local Impact
One reported incident occurred around 1pm on 5 July, while a young couple waited at a ferry terminal. Their four-month-old baby was with them when a passing jet ski allegedly sprayed the family deliberately. Investigations into that incident remain ongoing.
Another reported incident led Water Police to Colmslie Boat Ramp on 1 August. Officers intercepted a 20-year-old Park Ridge man following reports about his conduct on the Brisbane River.
The man had allegedly ridden close to boats and intentionally sprayed their occupants. Police later charged him with seven offences, including four common assault counts and two serious assault counts.
Both serious assault charges involved people aged over 60, while the seventh charge concerned public nuisance.
By the Numbers
- 86 jet skis were intercepted during the operation, which also included compliance checks and water safety education.
- Six people were charged with 23 offences detected during the crackdown. The allegations included common assault, serious assault, public nuisance, unauthorised property damage and marine safety offences.
- 10 marine infringement notices were issued alongside the criminal charges and other enforcement action.
Zoom In
Officers used watercraft, drones and extensive CCTV networks to monitor activity across the Brisbane River. CCTV from Brisbane City Council and South Bank Corporation provided real-time information to police.
The information helped officers locate, identify and track riders suspected of dangerous or antisocial behaviour. Maritime Safety Queensland also contributed on-water patrols and drone surveillance throughout the operation.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the joint effort supported enforcement and prevention.
“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.”
Zoom Out
The operation’s results supplemented regular Water Police patrols and watercraft compliance checks along the Brisbane River. Mr Dillon said marine incident data showed why continued enforcement and rider responsibility remained important.
“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.”
What To Look For Next?
The 20-year-old Park Ridge man is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 25 August. Investigators are also continuing inquiries into the 5 July incident involving the couple and their baby.
Meanwhile, regular patrols and watercraft compliance checks remain active along the Brisbane River. Continued education and enforcement may deter unsafe riding before another serious incident occurs.
Operators can review personal watercraft compliance requirements through Maritime Safety Queensland.
