The boat driver, arrested after a positive breath test, allegedly returned a breath analysis reading of 0.147.

Four men were riding in the 6-metre boat about 9pm near Bombah Point, when the boat crashed into a maritime navigation marker.

A 24-year-old man who was thrown into the water was rescued a short time later but was seen to be having difficulty breathing.

The boat was driven to a nearby resort and the man was taken to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital for treatment to chest injuries, facial cuts and a broken tooth.

Police from Manning Great Lakes Local Area Command and Marine Area Command attended the scene and conducted inquiries.

They arrested the 25-year-old driver after he was breath-tested and allegedly returned a positive reading.

He was taken to Bulahdelah Police Station where he undertook a breath analysis and allegedly returned a reading of 0.147.