Creating waves on a jet-ski

Feb 15 2005 By Ross Smith, The Journal

Speeding jet-skiers who disrupt a popular family seaside spot have become the latest group threatened with anti-social behaviour orders in the growing clampdown on neighbourhood nuisances.

Residents and boat users at Cullercoats, North Tyneside, have complained about people on jet-skis flouting speed limits in the harbour and menacing other sea users.

And North Tyneside Council has responded with the possibility of Asbos for anyone who does not stick to a set of strict new rules.

The move comes as the Government injects £125,000 into the North-East to tackle problem families and coincides with a think tank report, published yesterday, branding Britain's law and order policies as the least effective in Europe. The crackdown on jet-skis - up to 20 of which are in use at Cullercoats on a typical summer Saturday - is in response to complaints from local people who say many cause a hazard by travelling too fast close to the shore.

The council plans to ask jet-ski riders to sign a code of conduct, under proposals being put to its cabinet today.

And the authority says it will apply for an anti-social behaviour order on anyone who continues to ignore the rules on speed, keeping barriers shut and not lending out harbour keys.

A 5mph speed limit will be enforced within 440 yards of the shore.

A spokesman for Cullercoats Lifeboat Station said: "These jet-skis are flying around when we're trying to do bits of maintenance on boats. They're doing 30mph just yards from the shore.

"I don't know how there hasn't been anybody seriously hurt before now.

"If they just abided by the rules, then when they were clear of the harbour they could go as fast as they like.

"But if you try to say something they tell you where to go. It's probably the minority, but they spoil it for everybody."

Cullercoats councillor Lawrence Goveas said: "We have had a lot of complaints from residents about the noise and speeding in the bay.

"With them being used late at night in summer, it creates problems for residents. And they are extremely worried about safety, especially for youngsters coming down to swim."

Northumbrian Windsurfing Club secretary Peter Amos said: "We don't have a specific problem at Cullercoats, because windsurfers rarely go there.

"But generally, I think it's fair and reasonable for them to use the sea, and I would think it would make sense to regulate them and for them to have designated zones."

British surfing number one Sam Lamiroy, who was raised in Cullercoats, added: "The general code we have is that if no surfers are in the water, or if they're towing surfers towards waves, then fine.

"But as soon as surfers start paddling, it is not a place for jet-skis to be.

"I think for the council, it's worth clamping down on reckless use."

The Journal: Today's Voice of the North

Page 2: Surfers welcome news of curbs