Waterway hoons will be under the watchful eye of authorities as NSW undergoes its first statewide compliance blitz of the new year.
The crackdown comes after a rising number of jet-ski-related offences and a spate of serious injuries.
There were 1560 jet ski infringements recorded in 2023, a 53 per cent increase on the previous year's tally.
Sydney's Georges River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking were the top spots for illegal activity leading to infringements.
Jet skis and other personal watercraft need to be kept at least 30m from other vessels or the shore when travelling at six knots or faster.
They also need to be operated at least 60m away from swimmers and under applicable speed limits, while they are prohibited from exclusion zones like inside Sydney Harbour.
The popularity of jet skis and personal watercraft has soared over the last four years, particularly among younger riders.
More than 90,000 licensed riders operate across NSW waterways, an increase of more than 35 per cent since 2020.
The largest jump in jet-ski licences has been among generation Z, with more than 23,000 riders in the state aged 28 and under.
The figure is a 22 per cent increase among the cohort compared with a year earlier.
Health Minister Ryan Park said jet skis were over-represented in incidents that involved serious injuries.
"If you have an accident on one, it's highly likely you'll suffer a serious injury," he said.
"They are fast and they don't offer much protection."
Sydney Jetski Club member Wahib Gereige said the stigma about jet ski riders was giving all users a bad reputation.
"Spending a day out on your jet ski with friends is what summer's all about," he said.
"Ruining it for others by being reckless or irresponsible isn't."
