A boatie lost his licence on the weekend before Christmas after being caught more than double the legal blood alcohol limit on Lake Eildon.
The 54-year-old skipper had several passengers on board a ski boat when he was intercepted by the Water Police Squad about 12.45pm on Sunday.
Water Police inspected his vessel before conducting a preliminary breath test which returned a positive result.
The man subsequently underwent an evidentiary breath test on the police boat and returned an alleged reading of 0.122.
His marine licence was immediately suspended for six months, and he was fined $840.
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, and several children under the age of 12 were not wearing life jackets.
All were issued with 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 highly visible presence at Lake Eildon this summer.
Boat and jet ski operators can expect to be tested for drugs and alcohol, and have vessels inspected for mandatory safety equipment.
As Christmas nears, boat operators are reminded that children under 12 must always wear a life jacket.
If operating alone, boaties must wear a life jacket and attach an engine kill switch to ensure safety in the event they fall overboard.
Quotes attributable to Water Police Sergeant Dave McHenry:
"We want everyone to enjoy the waterways - we just them to do it safely.
"That means carrying the mandatory safety equipment, wearing a lifejacket, and ditching the booze if you're the master of the vessel.
"Alcohol does not mix with water. It leads to poor decision making and slower reaction times.
"The last thing we want to see around Christmas time is a tragedy occurring.
"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."
