150 watercraft users 'spoken to' by police

Police Community Support Officers teamed up with colleagues from BCP Council and Poole Harbour Commissioners as part of the force's first operation Seagoing.

The operation was launched in response to complaints and concerns from the public about antisocial behaviour involving people using personal watercrafts, including small speed boats, wet bikes and jet skis.

Earlier this month the Echo reported how two boats were badly damaged during a series of incidents in and around Christchurch Quay.

Read More: Police look into incidents near Christchurch Quay

During Saturday's operation, the policing team said not all of the people they spoke to had been doing anything wrong, with many simply given safety advice.

Police Sergeant Sophie Williams, of Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “There are a lot of very responsible personal watercraft users that already work with authorities, supplying information and intelligence against those behaving dangerously.

"We want people to enjoy our fantastic harbour, beaches and water this summer and we are committed to working with our partners to make sure no one comes to harm."

"Anyone using a personal watercraft needs to ensure they respect all water users, behave responsibly and be mindful that people are swimming in the sea. Some people see the harbour simply as large open space, but it is the largest natural harbour in Europe, it is home to over 300 different species of birds and 7,000 yachts are permanently moored there.

"It needs to be treated as an extension of the town and we wouldn’t expect people to behave like this when travelling along a high street or precinct.

"Inappropriate or dangerous use of any type of watercraft or small boat will not be tolerated in our county.

"If people are found to be flouting the rules we, or our partner agencies, will take robust action against them and they could end up in court and with a heavy fine.”

There is a 10-knot speed limit in Poole Harbour and anyone found breaking this could be fined up to £1,000 by Poole Harbour Commissioners.

In Poole Bay beach goers and people using personal watercrafts will see yellow buoys along the seafront of BCP beaches.

These are placed 200-metres from the shoreline and set out where people can swim safely.

People using personal watercrafts are able to enter that zone, but they must ride the watercraft at six knots or less in Bournemouth and Poole and eight in Christchurch, which is a walking pace.

Sophie Ricketts, head of seasonal response at BCP Council, said: “BCP Council is working with Dorset Police, the RNLI and harbourmaster colleagues to address water based anti-social behaviour and remind water users of the relevant byelaws.

"We encourage all personal watercraft users to act responsibly and ensure they are mindful of swimmers and other water users.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am aware of the problems these small watercrafts can cause if they are used irresponsibly, and I know this can have an impact on boat users as well as people living close to our harbours and beaches."

Meanwhile, Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) Harbour Master, Captain Brian Murphy, said: “Every year the majority of byelaw offences in Poole Harbour are due to the reckless behaviour of a minority of personal watercraft users.

"PHC has had mitigation in place since personal watercrafts were first introduced to the market.

"This includes a designated area, byelaw enforcement, permit to operate with associated terms and conditions, CCTV, patrols including joint patrols with Dorset Police and SIFCA and signage.

"We have seen a significant increase in the number of permit holders over the past two years, increasing by 50 per cent each year, which seems to be aligned with the easement of Covid-19 lockdowns.

"This large increase in numbers has resulted in a similar increase in the number of byelaw infringement reports received from patrol officers and other harbour users, which has led to additional mitigation."