The Minns Labor Government is standing with NSW Police as they launch Operation Summer Foreshore to keep the Brighton-Le-Sands foreshore safe over the busy summer months.
NSW Police will ramp up patrols across Brighton-Le-Sands and surrounding areas, targeting dangerous jet ski use, traffic offences and antisocial behaviour on the roads, foreshore and waters of Botany Bay.
Operation Summer Foreshore will run from Saturday 3 October 2026 to Sunday 31 January 2027, across the Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands foreshore, surrounding roads and public parks and the waters of Botany Bay.
The operation comes ahead of the warmer months and summer holiday period, when thousands of people head to beaches and waterways to swim, relax, ride personal watercraft and enjoy the outdoors.
Officers from St George Police Area Command will lead the operation, assisted by the Marine Area Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Central Metropolitan Region High-Visibility Policing Unit.
Police will maintain a highly visible presence across the foreshore, surrounding streets and Botany Bay throughout the operation.
A preliminary operation was conducted in the Brighton-Le-Sands area between 11am and 7pm on Saturday 26 September 2026. The operation focused on community engagement, crime prevention and public safety. Police maintained a visible presence throughout the area, with no incidents of note reported during the operation.
The operation is also a timely reminder that enjoying summer on our beaches and waterways does not mean the rules go out the window.
Jet ski riders must hold the appropriate licence, wear an approved lifejacket and comply with speed restrictions, exclusion zones and minimum distances from people in the water.
Irregular riding is prohibited within 200 metres of the shoreline, while personal watercraft cannot be operated between sunset and sunrise.
Police are also reminding boat and jet ski operators that alcohol and water do not mix. Recreational vessel operators are subject to alcohol limits and may also be subject to random drug testing.
Operation Summer Foreshore forms part of NSW Police’s ongoing work to keep public spaces safe and target hotspots for dangerous driving, crime and antisocial behaviour.
Anyone who witnesses dangerous or reckless behaviour is encouraged to report it to police. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
“We know the foreshore and Botany Bay become increasingly busy as the weather warms up, and we will have police on the ground and on the water to make sure people are doing the right thing.
“If you’re riding a jet ski, driving a car or spending the day at the beach, know the rules and follow them.
“No matter where people are in NSW, we want them to enjoy summer but do it safely and responsibly. If you choose to put other people at risk, expect to see police.”
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“Summer is a great time for the community to enjoy our beaches and waterways, but it’s a timely reminder that everyone has a responsibility to do so safely.
“And just like on our roads, there’s no place for hooning on our waterways. Wear a PFD, watch your speed and keep an eye out for other watercraft.
“Maritime NSW and NSW Police will be out in force to stop reckless and antisocial behaviour, whether it is on the roads or on the water. We want people to do the right thing, so that everyone can enjoy their summer holidays.
“This operation will help ensure locals and visitors can enjoy Brighton-Le-Sands safely over the holiday period, but we’re urging people right across the state to follow the rules.”
Member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper said:
“Brighton-Le-Sands is a much-loved destination for families and visitors, particularly as the weather warms up and more people head to the foreshore and Botany Bay.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy our beautiful foreshore safely, whether they’re swimming, walking, cycling, boating or spending time with family and friends.
“Operation Summer Foreshore will help ensure dangerous driving, reckless jet ski behaviour and antisocial behaviour don’t put members of our community at risk.
St George Police Area Commander Superintendent David El-Badawi said:
“This is a high-visibility operation designed to ensure public safety, and deter criminal behaviour in the busy foreshore areas in Syndey’s south during the peak summer season.
“While officers from the local command, along with Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, will target traffic offences and anti-social behaviour in Brighton Le Sands, they will also engage with local residents and visitors to promote community safety and provide tips on crime prevention.”
Marine Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Siobhan Munro said:
“Police often see preventable incidents occur because people behave recklessly or overestimate their ability to safely operate a vessel. The irresponsible use of jet skis continues to be a concern in Botany Bay, and Marine Area Command officers will be on the water conducting proactive patrols, engaging with jet ski riders, carrying out safety inspections, and undertaking drug and alcohol testing.
“Any anti-social behaviour on the water will not be tolerated. Jet ski riders are reminded to wear life jackets at all times, remain within speed limit zones, and never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police will be out in force, and anyone caught breaking the rules will face consequences.”
