THE DANGER of jet-ski riding without taking proper safety precautions has been flagged up by Swanage Coastguard who attended a broken-down craft on Sunday.

After attending a training exercise, Coastguard officers spotted a broken-down jet-ski in the waters off Old Harry rocks.

"We monitored the vessel for over an hour and although the two riders managed to start it, it wasn't right and they broke down several more times as they crossed Studland Bay," said a spokesman.

"Discussions were taking place with the control room regarding the best course of action to recover the jet ski when it was taken under tow by a passing boat and returned to the shore where it was met by some of the team who had made their way from the training to South Beach."

However, when officers spoke to the riders they were told the jet-ski had been bought second hand and broken down on its first trip.

"The riders had no radio, no flares, no proper buoyancy aids, no anchor to stop themselves drifting and no collapsible paddle to get out of trouble," said the spokesman. "Words of advice were given."