Concerns raised over “dangerous” use of jet skis off Southsea coast
Jet skis have been ridden at excessive speeds
Concerns have been raised over the “dangerous” use of jet skis along the Southsea coastline.
This summer’s hot weather has inevitably attracted a large number of people to the sea. Jet skis have proved popular with sea-lovers, though there have reports of people riding at excessive speeds close to the shoreline.
In July, the dangers were laid bare when a man in his 50s died having been on an inflatable pulled by a jet ski just across the water from Lee-on-the-Solent at Calshot when it overturned.
Coastguards dashed to help the struggling man following a medical incident after he was thrown into the sea. He was taken to hospital where he died.
Simon Buckingham, a member of Southsea Rowing Club, says he has witnessed repeated examples of jet skis being operated at dangerous speeds during the summer. He says many of the incidents take place “extremely close to the shoreline where members of the public are swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and using other watercraft”.
He said: “This is not an isolated occurrence - it has become a regular and worrying sight across much of the Southsea seafront.
“Many operators appear to be using the coastline as a place to show off, travelling at ridiculous speeds and, in some cases, clearly not being in full control of their craft. I have personally witnessed riders being thrown from their jet skis due to the manner in which they were being operated.
“The behaviour is equally concerning around Portsmouth Harbour and Gunwharf, where jet skis are frequently seen travelling at inappropriate speeds despite the presence of commercial vessels, leisure craft, rowing boats and other harbour users. My understanding is that concerns have also been raised by the Royal Navy regarding unsafe jet ski activity within the harbour area.”
Mr Buckingham has also suggested the designated swimming area at Southsea be reviewed. “The existing line of yellow swim marker buoys to the left of South Parade Pier provides some protection and creates a strict no sailing/jet ski/ boating area, but there is no equivalent protected area extending to the right,” he said.
“Extending these markers further along the seafront would provide greater separation between swimmers and powered watercraft and could significantly improve public safety.”
The resident is also calling for more clarification on the current monitoring and enforcement arrangements for jet ski activity in the Southsea area. “While I understand that resources are limited, the frequency of dangerous behaviour suggests that greater enforcement or a more visible presence may be required to ensure operators comply with existing regulations,” he said.
“I sincerely hope that action is taken before another serious injury or possible fatality occurs. It would be a tragedy if stronger measures only followed another preventable incident involving a member of the public or damage to property.”