Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Reckless jet-skiers face fines and jail under tougher law
Reckless jet-skiers now face up to two years in prison and unlimited fines under new national legislation aimed at reducing dangers on the coast.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency will be given more powers from March 31 to prosecute people misusing the recreational vessels. Watercraft such as jet-skis are not currently covered by wider maritime safety legislation but there has been a rise is the number of people using them since the start of the pandemic. City councillor Ashley Clark previously told the Gazette jetski usage was turning Herne Bay into “the wild west” - with fears someone would be seriously hurt.
The growing concerns prompted the authority to introduce a jet-ski registration scheme in Herne Bay and Whitstable, requiring riders to sign up to use the machines.
Cllr Clark, who represents Seasalter, welcomed the tightening of the law.
He said: “At the end of the day this regime is needed nationally. “At local level we have a comprehensive system with our own jet-ski legislation scheme that has been working very well.” Of the new laws, maritime minister Baroness Vere said: “The watercraft industry is thriving and it’s great to see more and more people enjoying leisure activities. “However, they must do so safely.
“That’s why we’re introducing anewlawtocrackdownonany dangerous misuse of watercraft like jet skis.” Concerns around reckless jet-skiers have been shared across Kent.
In 2021, Cllr Georgina Treloar, from Folkestone and Hythe District Council, said: “It is not just the disturbances they create, such as noise, but the impact on people and wildlife.”