A new rapid-response, highly agile water police team has unleashed to deal with some of the state’s most complex marine emergencies.
The newly-formed Small Boat Team, part of the Water Police Squad, will use a mix of jet skis and inflatable rescue boats both inland and along the coast.
The vessels are smaller and more manoeuvrable, making it easier for police to access hard-to-reach areas like sea caves, cliffs and rocky shorelines when responding to search and rescue incidents.
Ten police have been rigorously training for months to form the new team, being launched last week.
Each is skilled in rescue swimming and snorkelling in rough seas, readying them to act swiftly and decisively in a range of challenging conditions.
They will take to the water just in time for the busy summer period when rescues and marine incidents peak.
Victoria Police figures show the Water Police Squad responded to more than 570 incidents last season alone.
The number of people who have drowned in boating incidents has been of particular concern.
“This team will be highly visible, highly agile and hugely beneficial in enhancing our ability to respond to incidents on the water this summer,” Water Police Squad and Small Boat Team acting sergeant, Kristina Clappison, said.
“Jet skis and inflatable rescue boats are able to go where bigger vessels can’t, meaning we can get to people more swiftly when seconds matter.
“We’ll also be using the team to boost our enforcement efforts against anyone who thinks it’s okay to flout the rules and put other water users at risk.
“Whether it’s inland or along the coast, expect to see us out doing all we can to keep everyone safe.”
It’s envisaged the Small Boat Team will boost Victoria Police’s response to such incidents, including vessels which have capsized, collided or run aground.
They will also be able to quickly reach people aboard human-powered vessels like kayaks and paddleboards who get stranded or need urgent assistance.
Enforcement will be another focus, with the team tasked to target unruly boats and jet skis including those travelling too close to swimmers, exceeding speed restrictions or ignoring no boating zones.
Additionally, it will provide emergency assistance during extreme weather events such as floods and bushfire evacuations.
The capability is on top of the Water Police Squad existing enforcement efforts, which include proactive patrols and targeted deployments and safety operations.
