Here in JHBR, we are blessed with immediate access to the sea from our fantastic beach. As with all shared resources, we ask all users of the sea to keep their own safety and the safety of others uppermost in their minds, while all are enjoying the beach and sea.
The responsibility for the safety of others falls in particular on the owners and operators of powered craft - from jet-skis to boats of all sizes. Owners of sea craft have a responsibility for the safety of users of the sea when they loan their craft to others to operate - they must satisfy themselves first that the borrower will use their craft safely and within the law.
The Government issued a useful site for guidance:
A very readable Code of Practice has been developed by the Dept. of Transport, Tourism & Sport to assist all craft users and is available at this link:
- Code of Practice - The Safe Operation of Recreational Craft - As full booklet of Code or in chapters, including a list of the most recent updates.
We encourage all users of recreational craft to become familiar with the Code and follow it closely, for the sake of themselves and fellow users of the sea at JHBR. It is recommended that the list of updates is reviewed each year.
Jet Ski use
Please stay well clear of the swimming area when operating Jet Skis and powered leisure craft. The swim line will be installed early each season when we get a suitably low tide.
As a general rule please keep at least 300 meters out from the beach and from all local beaches while operating your Jet Ski or powerboat.
Multi-Agency water safety plea as number of Jet Ski incidents on the increase:
A recent spate of jet ski (Personal Watercraft) infringements into swimming areas, resulting in a greater risk to members of the public, and increased demands on Search and Rescue organisations has prompted five organisations
to issue a joint appeal to jet ski users. Personal watercrafts are an enjoyable form of water-based activity. Users must however in addition to their own safety, respect the safety and wellbeing of other water users and remain vigilant at all times to any unnecessary encroachment into other activities particularly swimming areas.
During the months of April & May the Coast Guard coordinated responses to 18 Jet Ski related incidents 12 of which related to complaints pertaining to encroachments into swimming areas.
Roger Sweeney from Water Safety Ireland said : “Just as the public expects road users to comply with laws that keep people safe, Personal Watercraft users should ensure that they are compliant with local bye-laws, approved zones and speed limits. Responsible behaviour is essential for people’s safety and peace of mind.”
Dave Garvey, Training Development Officer with Irish Sailing: “Irish Sailing promote the safe and responsible participation in a wide range of activities on Irelands coastal and inland waters. Irish Sailing offer a range of training courses for Jet Skis (PWC) and other watercraft to educate operators in responsible good practice ensuring their own safety as well as the safety of other water users around them”.
Waterways Ireland encourages the safe and responsible use of the inland waterways by all. They ask jet ski operators to comply with the Bye Laws and speed zones when on the water and to ensure that behaviour does not affect other people’s safety and enjoyment. They are calling on users to respect the waterways, wildlife and environment.
Lisa Hollingum, Water Safety Delivery – RNLI added “With our waterways and coastlines busier this summer we urge all personal watercraft users to have consideration for everyone in or on the water, including local wildlife. Act responsibly and familiarise yourself with the relevant bye-laws and behaviours permitted. Get trained and enjoy the water safely”.
Coast Guard’s Operations Manager Micheál O’Toole said : ‘We would like to thank all members of the public for their continued safety efforts on or near the water as we approach what is expected to be another busy June bank holiday weekend. Please at all times take time to plan your activity, ensure that it is safe to do so and ensure that somebody ashore is either monitoring your activity or knows what time to expect you back”.
The public are requested to familiarise themselves with the following key safety measures before using a PWC / Jet Ski.
Do
- Keep a safe distance from other water users
- Learn how to operate your machine
- Know your own and your machine’s capabilities/limitations
- Wear an approved lifejacket or buoyancy aid
- Always use a kill chord
- Check weather forecasts and tides
- Have a suitable means of attracting attention in an emergency
- Advise someone ashore of your expected departure and return times
Don't:
- Operate your machine in the vicinity of other water users e.g. swimmers, divers, craft such as angling boats, canoes, sailing boats etc.
- Cause a safety hazard by high-speed use
- Create unnecessary noise and disturbance to other people or wildlife
- Allow those under 16yrs of age to operate PWCs or other Fast Powered Craft
- Drink and Drive
- Lend your Fast Powered Craft to inexperienced users of any age