A 54-year-old man lost his marine licence on the Sunday before Christmas after being caught more than double the legal blood alcohol limit on Lake Eildon.
The skipper had several passengers on board a ski boat when he was intercepted by the Water Police about 12.45pm on Sunday, December 22.
Water Police inspected his vessel before conducting a preliminary breath test which returned a positive result. Water Police Sergeant Dave McHenry was left unimpressed.
“Alcohol does not mix with water. It leads to poor decision-making and slower reaction times,” Sgt McHenry said.
The man then underwent an evidentiary breath test on the police boat and returned an alleged reading of 0.122 per cent BAC.
His marine licence was immediately suspended for six months and he was fined $840.
“The last thing we want to see around Christmas time is a tragedy occurring.,” Sgt McHenry said.
Water Police had travelled from Melbourne to patrol the popular waterway and deter unsafe behaviour.
Over one weekend they conducted more than 25 vessel inspections, licence checks and breath tests.
Around a dozen boaties were found not to be carrying mandatory safety equipment including fire extinguishers. Several children under 12 were not wearing life jackets as required by law.
“That means carrying the mandatory safety equipment, wearing a lifejacket, and ditching the booze if you’re the master of the vessel,” Sgt McHenry said.
All were issued formal warnings.
Two boat operators were fined $395 for not having life jackets on board their vessels.
The Water Police Squad will continue to have a presence at Lake Eildon this summer.
Boat and jet ski operators can expect to be tested for drugs and alcohol and have their vessels inspected for mandatory safety equipment.
As Christmas nears, boat operators are reminded that children under 12 must always wear a life jacket.
“The community can expect to see us out and about this summer conducting vessel checks, licence checks, and alcohol and drug tests to ensure everyone can enjoy the break safely,” Sgt McHenry said.
If operating alone, skippers must wear a life jacket and attach an engine kill switch to ensure safety if they fall overboard.
