Swimmers Raise Jet Ski Concerns
PAUL McLAUGHLIN
Swimmers and paddleboarders in Hastings have voiced growing concern over the proliferation of jet skis and paragliders along the shoreline during the recent heatwave. There have been several reports of dangerous encounters with jet skis, which have been spotted speeding recklessly close to crowded beaches. Adding to the unease, there are complaints about the intrusive noise and the acrid stench of engine oil, which becomes especially pungent on hotter days.
The danger for swimmers is heightened further by the increased numbers of paragliders. The airborne acrobatics can look spectacular but can also pose a grave threat to public safety. With volatile offshore winds frequently whipping up sudden, unpredictable gusts, pilots can easily lose control of their canopies and endanger unaware swimmers below as they hurtle into the sea.
Hastings Borough Council has advised that there are no specific byelaws banning the use of jet skis along the beaches. A spokesperson for HBC said that “while there is no prohibition on the crafts themselves, launches are restricted to existing authorised sites, such as the East Hastings Sea Angling Association and the Hastings and St Leonards Angling Association, which require user membership.”
Despite the launch restrictions, reports of ‘show-boating’ and high-speed stunts close to the shore have surged during the recent hot spell.
Edwina Hughes, a year-round swimmer at St Leonards Beach, said “the prospect of jet skis zooming up and down from the pier can feel intimidating, as swimmers sit far lower in the water than the skiers – raising the worry that they might not see us.”
HBC confirmed that “jet skis are subject to maritime law and that anyone witnessing the reckless operation of a watercraft particularly where life is at risk should call 999 and ask for the coastguard or police.”
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