The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, Irish Sailing and RNLI have thanked the public for the positive response to a recent appeal to users of jet skis to respect the safety and wellbeing of other water users by remaining vigilant at all times.

The organisations have reiterated the appeal to a small number of jet ski users to avoid encroaching into swimming areas. Open water swimmers are also reminded to ensure that they are visible by wearing brightly coloured swim caps and using tow floats and equally to avoid open water areas where jet skis and other personal water craft are operating.

The reminder was issued as part of National Water Safety Awareness Week (14–20 June) and includes a particular call on the owners of personal water craft to demonstrate responsible use of their craft, to inform themselves of local regulations and avoid areas where swimmers are present.

All water users are asked to take individual responsibility for their actions and to contribute to the safety of all water users by adhering to the following safety guidelines:

• Be mindful of others as you adopt a ‘shared water space’ approach when on the water and be aware of your impact on other water users.
• Never operate any motorised craft within proximity of other water users including, swimmers, divers, anglers and paddle boarders.
• When taking up any new water activity, get some basic training before entering the water.
• Always advise someone ashore of your intentions, where you will be and when you will return.
• Swim at lifeguarded waterways and never swim in channels where there is a likelihood of motor activity.
• Be visible from shore and to other water users by wearing a brightly coloured swim cap or use a tow float.
• Never swim in unfamiliar areas to social distance.
• Swim within your depth and stay within your depth.
• Inflatable toys should never be used on the open waters of beaches, rivers and lakes.

The organisations emphasised that the objective is to ensure all water users enjoy the water and return safely to family and friends.

There are a wide number of courses available to allow for improved personal safety and better experience by all water users. See safetyonthewater.gov.ie for links to water safety training information.

If you see somebody in trouble or think they are in trouble, dial 112 or use marine VHF Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.

Waterways Ireland has issued a notice to provide advice to operators of Personal Water Craft (Jetskis) in order to ensure the safe enjoyment of the inland waterways for all.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) are largely enjoyed responsibly, yet they present a risk to other water users, protected wildlife and can be a source of nuisance. This note provides legislative guidance for enforcement officers.

Definition

PWCs, often referred to as jet-skis, are rapidly increasing in popularity. PWC is a watercraft that is less than 4.88 metres, propelled by a two or four-stroke petrol engine that powers a water jet pump. Capable of speeds exceeding 100 km/hr and are highly manoeuvrable.

• Associated Hazards. Recent experience has identified:
• Fatal or near-fatal accidents involving collisions with swimmers.
• High incidence of accidents with PWCs and collision with other craft.
• Breach of local speed limits.
• Associated anti-social activity; noise, nuisance/aggressive driving and disregard for other water users.
• Disturbance of protected wild-life.

Legislation

PWCs are subject to Local Authority Bye-Laws[3] and the Maritime Safety Act 2005[4] the majority of which require users of PWCs to:

• Be familiar with relevant bye-laws in force in the waters they use, as bye-laws differ, and many inland lakes prohibit PWCs e.g. Corrib and Mask.
• Have a permit granted by the Council or Waterways Ireland, that can be produced when requested by an authorised officer or member of An Garda Síochána.
• Comply with local water speed limits. Specifically, 5 knots when entering and exiting launch areas or areas with designated speed limits.
• Exceptional care and attention in the vicinity of bathers, no more than 5 knots.
• Irrespective of local speed limits; no PWC should be navigated at such speed or in such manner as to cause or be likely to cause nuisance, injury or damage to persons or property or to other vessels or boats.
• Wear Personal Flotation Device / Lifejacket at all times, including when being towed.
• Act in such a manner as not to cause annoyance to any person using a beach or swimming in the sea or to disturb naturally occurring flora and fauna.
• On coastal areas, the use of PWCs within 300 metres of the foreshore is prohibited except at the designated launch areas.
• No person shall bring a jet-ski or fast powerboat into a Designated Bathing Area.
• Persons under the age of 16 years should not operate a PWC (SI 921 of 2005).
• PWCs must be launched and recovered from designated sites.
• Penalties vary depending on Local Authority Bye-Laws.

Exempt from bye-laws are craft operated in the course of duty of the Council, An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, Revenue Commissioners, Central Fisheries Board or a Regional Fisheries Board, Irish Coast Guard, Commissioners of Irish Lights and Royal National Lifeboat Institute, Community Rescue Boats or any craft involved in bona fide law enforcement, emergency or rescue missions.

Waterways Ireland thanks waterways users for their co-operation in relation to this matter.