The 54-year-old had several passengers on board when he was intercepted by the Water Police Squad about 12.45pm on Sunday, December 22.
Police inspected his vessel before a preliminary breath test of the man returned a positive result.
He then underwent an evidentiary breath test on the police boat, which police said returned a reading of 0.122.
The man’s marine licence was immediately suspended for six months, and he was fined $840.
Water Police had travelled from Melbourne to patrol Lake Eildon for a weekend operation to deter unsafe behaviour.
They performed more than 25 vessel inspections, licence checks and breath tests.
Around a dozen boaters were found not to be carrying mandatory safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, and several children under 12 were illegally not wearing life jackets.
“We want everyone to enjoy the waterways — we just them to do it safely,” Water Police Sergeant Dave McHenry said.
“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.”
All the boaters 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 frequent the popular waterway this summer.
Boat and jet ski operators can expect to be tested for drugs and alcohol, and have vessels inspected for mandatory safety equipment.
“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,” Sgt McHenry said.
Boaters are reminded this festive season that children under 12 must wear life jackets.
If boaters are operating alone, they must wear a life jacket and attach an engine kill switch to ensure safety in the event they fall overboard.
20°C