A FATHER has expressed anger after he and his 11-year-old son were “nearly killed” by a “careless” boat driver.

Keen snorkeller and spear fisher Nick Parker was with his young son along Studland training bank on Thursday evening, when the driver of a 25-foot boat sped perilously close to the pair, causing Nick’s son to injure his ankle.

Mr Parker told the Daily Echo: “My son and I were spearfishing in an area of man-made rocky reef away from Studland beach near Poole Harbour at around 8pm.

“We were diving well within the red marker posts, which indicate divers in the water and warn boats to steer clear.

“My son came to the surface and was hanging on to a clearly marked girder to clear water from his mask. All of a sudden, this massive boat that was travelling too fast swung left and headed straight towards us."

He added: “The boat narrowly missed me and was even closer to my son. If he hadn’t jumped out the way, the boat would have gone directly over him.”

Mr Parker said his son suffered bruising and a cut to his ankle after jumping away from the metal girder. The boat then slowed after hitting rocks on the shallow reef bottom.

“I’ve dived at this spot for 10 years now,” he added. “This was pure stupidity and had we not got out the way, we could have been killed. Their carelessness could have killed my lad.

“This is a renowned diving area with clear markings that they totally ignored. I obviously shouted at the driver and he just swore at me, like it was somehow our fault.”

Mr Parker, 37, reported the incident to the harbour master, who said that they were investigating and had reportedly identified the boat involved.

“I own a boat half the size and would never dream of driving like he was,” Mr Parker said.

“I’d like to see them fined. If it was a car and a pedestrian had to jump out the way, a penalty or more would be incurred. A careless boat driver nearly killed two people, it needs to be addressed.”

The harbour master was unable to comment on the issue due to “ongoing enquiries relating to a bylaw infringement”.

A Dorset Marine Policing spokesperson said: “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.

“Anyone using a watercraft or driving a motorised boat should watch their speed. From the shore to the yellow speed marker buoys the speed limit is six knots (assume 5mph) – they are there for a reason.”