Our picturesque seaside town is being ruined by ‘complete idiots’ – it’s only a matter of time before someone is KILLED
RESIDENTS have been left fuming at “idiots” who have ruined their picturesque seaside town and claim it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed.
Locals in Torbay, Devon, have become increasingly disgruntled at reckless jet skiers who they say are endangering beachgoers.
Residents are worried about potential injuries as well as the jet skis disrupting peace and quiet in the seaside town.
It’s seen a group of open-water swimmers start a petition and campaign to raise awareness and clamp down on dangerous unregistered watercraft.
One video taken by the group – known as The Lost Otters – captured a jet skier racing worryingly close to a group of swimmers at the beautiful Torre Abbey Sands beach in Torquay.
Hannah Martin, a member of the swimming group, told DevonLive: “In the summer obviously it’s a bit warmer so we go further out but the jet skis can be quite scary sometimes. They come in pretty fast.
“There are lots of stories about people who have almost been hit by them, I’m going to write to the council and we’re going to look at starting a petition as it’s so dangerous.
“We reported it to the harbour master but he said as the speed buoys aren’t out yet there’s nothing he can do.”
The Tor Bay Harbour Authority did respond to the problem however and has said that they plan to put out more seasonal buoys to improve safety.
Despite this, the swim group has also noticed that jet skiers often take to the sea before the seasonal buoys are deployed in April.
And Hannah said that buoys need to come out earlier to protect their beautiful town.
Another resident Kate Graeme-Cook has also lodged complaints with the harbour master in Brixham about Elberry Cove beach.
Kate believes that the situation is only going to get worse and has already badly affected their peaceful town.
She said: “I think, in a sentence, it’s an absolute accident waiting to happen and I think the authority is being incredibly weak and it’s pandering to jet skis and water skiers.
“These jet skiers act like complete idiots generally. There tend to be quite a few of them, you get four or five in a group, so there’s very much a ‘lad mentality’.
“They come into the shore really really fast – okay they stay in their zone but what happens when they lose control and go onto the beach or go into the swimmer zone?”
Kate also took particular issue with a sign at the beach warning swimmers that vessels have priority and often speed close to the beach.
She added: “They shouldn’t be doing any more than five knots and I don’t even think they should be there in the first place.
“I think that sign basically totally encourages jet skiers and power boat users to be completely irresponsible right next door to a lovely family beach.”
They come into the shore really fast, it’s an absolute accident waiting to happen”
Kate Graeme-Cook
Kate raised the same issue with the harbour authority last year but said nothing has changed since then although new legislation was passed.
Under the new rules, reckless jet skiers can face up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine.
The legislation was proposed in light of the increased use of watercraft since the pandemic.
Tor Bay Harbour Authority has responded to Kate’s complaints.
A spokesperson said: “Tor Bay Harbour Authority has seen a significant increase in the use of the Pleasure Water Crafts (Jet Skis) especially since the pandemic.
“It would be unfair to assume that all users of these craft are anti-social, as there are groups who are suitably qualified and are sensible on the water.
“There are however visiting groups who are not so sensible. Tor Bay Harbour Authority attempt to ensure that all visiting launches of these craft are carried out in one of our Harbours, where it is attempted to educate and direct the users for safe operation within the bay.
The statement continued: “Regular water patrols are carried out around the bay during periods of high density, with any anti-social behaviour being tackled as it is seen.
“Tor Bay Harbour Authority will be working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency this year to educate water users of the new legislation and where needed collect evidence for the application of any prosecution under the new law.
“Anyone unsure of safe places to water ski or swim are encouraged to look at safety pages of the Tor Bay Harbour Authority website.”