WATER CRAFT

JET SKIS

…AND OTHER POWERED WATER CRAFT

Historically in the UK, there has been a lack of legislation around the use of jet skis and some powered water craft. In recent years, jet skis have come down in price and there are more used/second hand skis readily available on the market…which has seen an increase in usage. Whilst some legislation has been brought in recent years (as recently as 2023), jet skis are still hard to identify in the water (with no number plate system or identifying marks) and no qualifications or real training required to operate one privately, nor are there any age restrictions. The new laws put a responsibility on the drivers to protect themselves and others whilst operating powered watercraft, all power water craft must now ‘obey the rules of the sea’, they’ve also made it easier to prosecute powered water craft user for dangerous ‘driving’, it includes electric vessels in both fresh and salt water.

MORE INFO :

Jet Skis should operate 200-400m off the beach (local byelaws can extend this distance). They obviously need access to reach that distance, within this 0-400m zone they should travel in a straight line, at idling speed (up to 8 knots).

Jet skis and other powered water craft should maintain a distance of 100m from wildlife, like Dolphins. If they find themselves closer than the 100m, they should travel at a no-wake speed.

Dangerous/irresponsible activity on the water can be reported to the following : MCA’s Regulatory Compliance Investigation Team on +44 (0) 203 81 72490 or email mca.investigations@mcga.gov.uk

Link to the government page and further info - CLICK HERE

LIFEGUARDS & FLAGGED AREAS

Lifeguards can be a great resource on the beach. They know the beaches better than most. Working on a stretch of water daily, may also mean that they have a good idea of the sand banks, rip currents, hazards on the beach and if they’ll move with the state of the tide, the forecast and changes expected in the conditions... If you’re learning and practising how to spot rips, it’s always great to have your observations confirmed by a professional and a great way of learning.

RED FLAG :

Solid, red flag flying above the lifeguard hut, in the middle of the beach, on water edge or the red and yellow flags next to one another and crossed indicates unsafe swimming conditions and the beach being closed.

RED & YELLOW FLAGS :

Represent the safe swimming areas or areas. There may be more than one set of red & yellow flags on larger beaches. This doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the only area that you can swim in. It’s simply the safest area for the masses and keeps the harder, more dangerous water craft away from the majority of swimmers. This area will normally have one of the cleanest waves on the beach between this flagged area and be free from rip currents.

BLACK & WHITE CHEQUERED FLAGS :

Normally a larger area, that accommodates the harder water craft, like surfboards and kayaks. Keeping them clear of swimmers.

ORANGE WIND SOCK :

You may find one on the beach. Typically highlighting the wind direction and strength. This is generally more of a consideration for inflatables, such as cheap inflatable kids boats, inflatable SUPs etc.

KIDS IN THE WATER :

Whilst the red & yellow flags represent the safest swimming zone, it’s no guarantee of safe conditions. Young children and weak swimming children should always be accompanied by adults into the water and observed. Whilst there may be professional lifeguards on the beach, there are no guarantees that these lifeguards are competent or will spot all issues in the water. If you look at drivers on the roads, they all go through the same training and testing yet we all experience bad and poor drivers on the roads. It’s no different with lifeguards or any other profession.

SAILING BOATS

Some general rules for sailing boats in river environments. These may make it easier to plan your swim and avoid any near misses…

  • Powered vehicles should give way to non-powered vehicles, as these vessels are theoretically easier to maneuver

  • Boats should keep to the right hand side of the waterway…

  • ‘downstream’ boats having right of way

  • boats should follow channel marked by buoys/posts

Before swimming it’s always worth researching local sailing clubs and their location, as there is likely to be more activity on the water and it might be an area to avoid. Particularly at times like the weekend, where you might have regular meet ups and races/training sessions.

FERRIES

Larger, heavier vessels that have big turning circles and an inability to react quickly and change course. Best practice is to steer well clear of ferries and their regular routes. You’d also want to avoid crossing areas like harbour mouths, where you can’t see around the corner and boats can’t see you.