Jet-ski training call after death of young man

A YOUNG man’s death after falling from a jet-ski has prompted the Marine Casualty Investigation Board to recommend that mandatory training be introduced for all people operating the machines.

Alan Joyce, from Co Mayo, died on August 6, 2006, after falling from a jet-ski that he and friends had been riding on Lough Beltra. The 19-year-old and 11 of his friends had gone to the lake that morning to try out the two machines.

According to the board’s report into the incident, there were five lifejackets available for their use on the day.

Mr Joyce and another man, Conor Deffley, took out the jet-ski at about 4.30pm.

“It is important to note that neither man wore a lifejacket although they were available,” said the board’s report.

“Indeed, statements suggest they had been advised to wear lifejackets, but chose to ignore this. It is noteworthy to point out that neither man would be classed as ‘swimmers’.”

The report said witnesses saw the two men heading outside a safe zone of shallow water marked out on the lake.

The board said the vessel keeled over after the two men executed a left turn at low speed.

Both men fell into the water and Mr Joyce got into difficulty 10m from the jet-ski. Attempts were made to get the vessel going but the men did not know that the “deadman” cord had been activated and needed to be reversed in order for the vessel to be restarted.

Mr Deffley twice tried to help Mr Joyce, but the other man kept grabbing him and he had to let go.

In addition, two other men, brothers Aidan and John Fenton, swam out to help the stricken pair.

However, they could not get to Mr Joyce in time to save him from drowning.

The board concluded Mr Joyce and Mr Deffley were “poorly prepared for the adventure” because:

* They had little or no familiarisation training of jet-skis.

* They were considered to be very poor swimmers.

* They chose to ignore advice and failed to wear lifejackets.

* They ventured out of shallow water into deep water.

The board made a number of recommendations in light of the accident.

It said, owing to the escalating incidence of jet-ski accidents, the Department of Transport should explore the feasibility of mandatory training.

It said jet-skis should be registered and that any person wishing to operate a machine should be licensed and have completed a recognised training course.

It said all craft should be regularly serviced and carry a minimum of life-saving equipment.