A recent spate of Jet Ski (Personal Watercraft) infringements into swimming areas, resulting in a greater risk to members of the public and increased demands on Search and Rescue organisations, has prompted organisations to issue a joint appeal to jet ski users. Personal watercrafts are an enjoyable form of water-based activity. Users must, however, in addition to their own safety, respect the safety and wellbeing of other water users and remain vigilant at all times to any unnecessary encroachment into other activities, particularly swimming areas.
During the months of April & May, the Coast Guard coordinated responses to 18 Jet Ski related incidents, 12 of which related to complaints pertaining to encroachments into swimming areas.
Coast Guard’s Operations Manager Micheál O’Toole said: ‘We would like to thank all members of the public for their continued safety efforts on or near the water as we approach what is expected to be another busy June bank holiday weekend. Please at all times take time to plan your activity, ensure that it is safe to do so and ensure that somebody ashore is either monitoring your activity or knows what time to expect you back”
The public are requested to familiarise themselves with the following key safety measures before using a PWC / Jet Ski.
Do
- Keep a safe distance from other water users
- Learn how to operate your machine
- Know your own and your machine’s capabilities/limitations
- Wear an approved lifejacket or buoyancy aid
- Always use a kill chord
- Check weather forecasts and tides
- Have a suitable means of attracting attention in an emergency
- Advise someone ashore of your expected departure and return times
Don’t
- Operate your machine in the vicinity of other water users e.g. swimmers, divers, craft such as angling boats, canoes, sailing boats etc.
- Cause a safety hazard by high-speed use
- Create unnecessary noise and disturbance to other people or wildlife
- Allow those under 16yrs of age to operate PWCs or other Fast Powered Craft
- Drink and Drive
