New marine team makes waves

The squad’s unit commander Acting Inspector Victor Velthuis was thrilled to introduce the Small Boat Team to Victoria Police and said the team’s 10 members have been rigorously training for months in preparation for deployment during summer.

“The Small Boat Team will be highly visible, using a mix of jet skis and inflatable rescue boats both inland and across the coast,” A/Insp Velthuis said.

“The vessels are smaller and more manoeuvrable, making it easier for officers to access hard-to-reach areas like sea caves, cliffs and rocky shorelines when responding to search and rescue incidents.”

Each officer is also skilled in rescue swimming and snorkelling in rough seas, readying them to act swiftly and decisively in the most complex marine emergencies.?

A/Insp Velthuis said the team will be hugely beneficial in enhancing police’s ability to respond to incidents on the water this summer and keeping everyone safe. “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,”

“The team will also boost our enforcement efforts against anyone who we see breaking the law and putting water users at risk.

“It includes targeting unruly boats and jet skis, with those caught travelling too close to swimmers, exceeding speed restrictions or ignoring no boating zones to face significant fines.”

The Small Boat Team will hit the water during the state’s peak summer period when rescues and marine incidents spike.

“The Water Police Squad responded to more than 570 incidents last season alone,” A/Insp Velthuis said.

These included vessels that had capsized, collided or run aground. In more serious cases, the squad attended incidents that involved missing persons, serious injury, and sadly three fatalities. ????

A/Insp Velthuis said for this reason he envisaged the team boosting the organisation’s response when these situations occur – with more specialised officers on the water able to mobilise. ?

The team will be able to quickly respond to search and rescue incidents on the water, as well as reach people aboard human-powered vessels like kayaks and paddleboards who get stranded or need urgent assistance.

“The team will also complement our existing enforcement efforts, which include proactive patrols and targeted deployments and safety operations and provide emergency assistance during extreme weather events such as floods and bushfire evacuations,” A/Insp Velthuis said.

“Victorians can expect to see us out in force this summer doing all we can to ensure people’s safety on the water.

“Whether it’s inland or along the coast, we will be there to respond and keep the community safe.”?