Call to crack down on jet ski dangers
GOVERNMENT URGED TO MAKE REGISTRATION, INSURANCE AND TESTING COMPULSORY
COUNCILLORS have unanimously backed calls to clamp down on the use of jet skis and other water vehicles following reports of “dangerous and irresponsible use” over the summer.
A full Gwynedd Council meeting on Thursday urged the UK Government to treat such personal water vehicles in the same way that motorbikes are governed by road legislation.
Gwynedd Council already requires all powerboats and jet skis launched from county’s beaches and harbours to be registered, with the unique number visible on both sides.
But concerned their enforcement powers are “limited” without tighter government restrictions, councillors backed a motion calling for every personal watercraft to be insured with every driver given a test on their ability to navigate and manage the vehicle.
Cllr Gareth Thomas, who holds the maritime portfolio, said complaints of dangerous jet ski use had “increased significantly,” but wasn’t confined to only Gwynedd.
Anglesey Council says the volume of people on beaches, coupled with “the irresponsible behaviour of a minority of personal watercraft users” led to numerous complaints.
“It’s bizarre that there’s really no regulation to control boats capable of travelling at speeds in excess of 40mph by anyone regardless of their age and without the need for training, insurance or a licence at all,” said Cllr Thomas. “Put simply, what we want to see is that every personal watercraft must have a licence and insurance before using it at sea and all drivers are tested on their ability to operate the machine and have their knowledge of ‘the rules of the road’ tested.”
He added: “We wouldn’t let our children or grandchildren travel our roads on a motorcycle. But there’s no law in place to prevent a 12-year-old from jumping on the back of these powerful machines and playing on our waters, it makes no sense.”
In an open letter to the Minister for Transport earlier this year, the UK Harbourmasters Association pressed for closing the loophole in the law by clearly defining a jet ski is recognised as a “ship.”
But according to councillors, businesses have been reporting sales of power vehicles to have increased by over 30% this summer, with concerns it could be an even bigger issue next year if foreign travel continues to be problematic.
Cllr Dewi Roberts successfully lobbied for the motion to encompass all powered craft.
Cllr Gethin Glyn Williams said: “It’s the minority who act irresponsibly, travelling too close to other water users and speeding when they travel closer to the shore, causing the problems and concerns.
“Council maritime departments need extra resources to supervise and support during the busiest periods of the year.”
Cllr Selwyn Griffiths added that while the vast majority of users were sensible, some were “causing problems” on beaches.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “Jet skis and motor vessels can be powerful machines, and we encourage everyone to operate safely and be aware of the presence of other water users. We encourage all users to know the local rules that are in place, and if you see anyone putting others at risk or in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Cllr Thomas’ motion was backed, with the authority now writing to the UK Government.