Boating and swimming zones

Boating and swimming zones are prepared under the Marine Safety Act 2010 with the primary aim of providing a safe access and use of the coast and waterways. They apply conditions of operation and prohibit incompatible uses for safety reasons.

Parks Victoria, as the Local Port Manager of Port Phillip and Western Port, jointly with Transport Safety Victoria who oversee the management of recreational boating across Victoria, extensively consulted local community to apply zones across Port Phillip and Western Port. An Interactive Map is available on the Safe Transport Victoria website to view all local boating and swimming zones.

The near shore zones within Port Phillip and Western Port are marked with aids to assist in navigation and clear signage installed. The standard set of zones boating and swimming zones are:

• Boating Only - swimming is not permitted in this zone.
• Swimming Only - all vessels, including personal watercraft, powered and non-powered vessels, are not permitted in this zone. Consistent application of ‘Swimming Only’ zones in front of Life Saving Clubs increases swimmer safety.
• Shared Wind Sport Area - this zone provides an area for kite boarding, sail boarding and other wind based boating which may exceed 5 knots except within 50m proximity to other vessels and swimmers. Other vessels are permitted in this area. Allow for the safe operation of the increasingly popular sport.
• 5 Knot Speed Limit – all vessels, applicable either:
  • as a zone extending to 200m from shore. Swimming and boating are permitted within 200m of the shore subject to defined areas above. All vessels must adhere to the 5 knot speed limit in this zone; or
  • as a zone extending to 500m from shore on the Mornington Peninsula from Martha Cove, Dromana to Sullivan Bay, Sorrento. Swimming and boating are permitted within 500m of the shore subject to defined areas above. All vessels must adhere to the 5 knot speed limit in this zone.
• No Wind Sports – sailboarding and kiteboarding are not permitted;
• No Personal Watercraft – personal watercraft (including jetskis) are prohibited in this zone.

Prepare before your visit

• Interactive Map boating and swimming zones
  An Interactive Map available on the Safe Transport Victoria website to views all local boating and swimming zones.
• Keeping vessel owners and waterways safe for everyone
  To understand the rules, Safe Transport Victoria help you be safe on the water.
• Boat ramp conditions and weather
  Boating Victoria help your trip preparation. 
• Boating and Swimming Zones brochure (PDF)
  The boating and swimming zones become a Vessel Operating Zone Rule enforceable under the Marine Safety Act 2010.  Parks Victoria, Safe Transport Victoria and the Victorian Water Police will continue to enforce boating and swimming zones. Notices to Mariners will also be issued to advise of any revised zone arrangements and works occurring on the water.

For further information and to keep updated with boating and swimming zones in your local area, please contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or email [email protected]