The call follows the death of a 51-year-old South Melbourne man who died after being struck by a jet ski near Lagoon Pier on Port Melbourne Beach.

The accident occurred on Friday, February 24 when a 21-year-old driver allegedly entered a restricted area.

SFA president Vicki Karalis said more accidents would happen unless tougher licensing laws were passed and zoning regulations changed.

Dr Karalis criticised mixed zoning laws, which allow jet skiers to drive to the foreshore.

She said an increase in the number of jet skis along the beach was “hazardous” to swimmers’ safety.

“We want to scrap mixed zones, implement designated areas where jet skis can approach and [install] more visible buoys and warning signs near boat ramps,” she said.

The state’s maritime regulator Transport Safety Victoria said it continually reviewed safety, including vessel operating and zoning rules.

TSV maritime safety director Peter Corcoran said zoning rules made provisions for vessels and bathers.

“Mixed use zoning rules require vessels to travel at no more than five knots within 200 metres of the shore or within 50 metres of a bather, other vessel or structure – no matter where they are,” he said.

But Dr Karalis said: “Regardless of the rules there are a lot of hoons who exceed the speed limit. They’re aggressive, reckless and unreliable riders and the water police can’t keep up.”

Water Police acting senior sergeant David Jaensch said jet ski-related complaints were made on a “regular basis” at hot spots from St Kilda to the Mornington Peninsula.

But he said most jet ski riders were compliant. “Generally the inexperienced riders on PWCs [personal water crafts] capable of travelling in excess of 50 knots cause the problems,” he said.

Bayside City Council city strategy director Shiran Wickramasinghe said while “very few” jet ski-related complaints were lodged with the council, he would support a review of regulations to improve water safety.

“Wherever watercraft of any type mix with swimmers there is risk, and the recent tragedy highlights one of the key risks faced by individuals when using the bay,” he said.

Half Moon Bay resident Alison Horton said she was concerned about jet skis and the threat they posed to swimmers.

“I’ve seen them fly in and out [and] they come right up to the beach where they are not meant to be,” she said.