“Somebody will be killed if nothing is done”

Monday 23 October 2017

Swimmers, paddle boarders and children could be killed or seriously injured by speeding vessels travelling within metres of the shoreline without better policing measures, a coastal pressure group has warned.

Current laws state that boats must not proceed at a speed of more than 5 knots within any harbour at any time or within 200 yards of the water’s edge in any bay. Jet skis are also restricted to 5 knots within the bay area.

But Moz Scott, Chairman of the St Brelade’s Bay Association, says that residents and beachgoers spotted a number of “near misses” this summer because some boat and jetski users had ignored speeding restrictions.

Two such incidents were captured on video, and posted on the group’s Facebook page.

Pictured: "That jet ski is frighteningly close," the SBBA said of the incident in which a jet ski passed closely by two swimmers and a boat. (SBBA)

In one, a boat can be seen zipping across St Brelade’s Bay, passing within metres of two swimmers and a boat.

In another, several boats travel close to the shore, and an off-camera voice can be heard questioning whether they’re keeping within the 5 knot limit.

“We’ve been recording quite a few instances throughout the year of boats that are ignoring the speed restrictions in the bay, which are coming incredibly close to areas where you have swimmers and people on paddle boards… Signs say 'watch out for motorcraft - some people say it should be the other way round. It’s an accident waiting to happen,” Ms Scott told Express.

The issue, she argues, is not a lack of robust laws, but a lack of proper enforcement within the area.

Video: Boats pass close to the shore in St Brelade's Bay. (SBBA)

“The regulatory framework is there, but as with so many matters of regulation, the problem is to do with the enforcement by the relevant public authority… It’s useful if people understand that there are consequences to their actions and to breaking the law, and without enforcement they don’t,” she added.

While members of the association are satisfied that the watersports companies working in the area are playing by the rules, they believe that a close eye should be kept on the actions of private users and tourists. At best, they might not know the rules; at worst, they might choose to ignore them.

“Somebody will be killed if nothing is done,” Ms Scott warned.

One answer could come in the form of coastal policing, potentially in the form of an “official presence in the bay during its busiest times to ensure that current safety measures are observed.”

Pictured: "Signs say 'watch out for motorcraft - some people say it should be the other way round," Ms Scott said. (SBBA)

Ms Scott took those concerns to the Harbourmaster, Captain William Sadler, last week. Their meeting came as part of a Ports of Jersey safety audit focused on St Brelade and St Ouen, which is being carried out over the half-term period.

According to Ms Scott, the meeting was “positive.” She now hopes the SBBA’s concerns will be taken into account.

She added: “The Harbourmaster reminded us of the value of education in these matters too. He was keen for all users of the Bays to participate in the review.”

While Ports of Jersey cannot control individuals’ actions, the organisation is responsible for water safety through the issue of beach hire vessel permits, all of which are due to be renewed in January 2018.Earlier this month, they wrote to concessions and key stakeholders in a bid to hear their views. They’re now hoping to hear from the wider beach community.

Though not directly related, the SBBA’s meeting comes three months after Jersey advocate Giles Corbin suffered a “potentially life-changing” leg injury after a speedboat slammed into a jet ski upon which he was a passenger. Southampton doctors told Mr Corbin that there was a 90% chance his leg would have to be amputated.

The speedboat’s 36-year-old driver was arrested for alleged reckless driving following the crash. He remains on police bail while the Harbour Authority and Police continue their investigations.