Reckless jet skiers putting lives at risk

RECKLESS drivers of high powered water craft like jet skis are putting lives at risk in one of the country’s finest bays.

The Bantry Bay Harbour Authority in west Cork has urged the public to report any incidents of this dangerous behaviour to the gardaí.

Gardaí have the power under the Maritime Safety Act 2005 to respond to incidents of reckless boat use.

They can confiscate jet skis and impose on-the-spot fines of between €50 and €150. A court conviction can result in a fine of up to 2,000.

Assistant harbour master Alec O’Donovan said there have been a number of near misses in recent weeks between responsible boat owners and swimmers using the inner harbour area, and speeding craft like jet skis.

The authority has received at least six complaints from members of the public in the last three weeks alone, he said.

While some complaints relate to small speed boats and ribs, most relate to jet skis driving at high speed close to the shoreline.

“These types of craft are causing major safety problems in areas where they operate,” he said.

“The majority of users are responsible and careful but a minority act in a very dangerous manner.

“The minority are indifferent to the safety of others using local recreational facilities.

“Their main problem is lack of knowledge of the hazards associated with the power and speed of the boats they are in charge of and the potentially lethal consequences of hitting a person or a small boat.”

Mr O’Donovan said most of the complaints relate to incidents in the inner harbour but areas of special conservation like Adrigole, Ballylickey and Glengariffe, where seals and nesting swans have been disturbed, have also been affected.

“It is the policy of Bantry Bay Harbour Authority to encourage all water-based activities, but that these activities be carried out with due consideration for the safety and welfare of other members of the public,” Mr O’Donovan said.

He also invited the users of fast powered water craft to meet the authority to discuss maritime legislation, their rights and responsibilities.

The authority has also urged the Department of the Environment to finalise draft byelaws which would strengthen its policing role in the bay.

Under the proposed byelaws, the authority will designate a person to patrol the bay and enforce the Maritime Act.

It is understood the byelaws, which have been drafted and tweaked for the last three years, are in the final stages of preparation.

Authority chairman Aidan McCarthy said he would like to see them finalised and approved soon.

It was hoped they would be enacted in time for this summer season.

Bantry Bay is 29kms long and 8kms wide.

High powered water craft cannot operate within 200 metres of the shoreline.

A six knots speed limit is in place in inner harbour areas.