BOATING enthusiasts fear its only a matter of time before someone is killed in a jet ski accident.

The Daily Echo was swamped with comments from anxious sailors following our coverage of Studland Bay jet ski accident that left a man in hospital with serious leg injuries.

Poole Harbour user Mark Goddard said: “Most weekends when the weather is good it can be a nightmare in Studland Bay and the harbour entrance. Jet skiers and some power boaters behaving like idiots.

“I truly believe there will be more incidents this year and there will be a fatality before very long.”

Meanwhile, Poole Harbour Master Captain Brian Murphy, who is responsible for navigation safety within the harbour, has warned jet ski – or personal watercraft – owners to obey speed restrictions and ensure they have the correct permits.

He said: “It is unfortunate that the actions of a few can be perceived to be the normal actions of many.”

In 2009 there were 650 permits issued and only 18 complaints or bylaw infringements recorded. So far this year there have been 10 complaints or infringements.

Capt Murphy added: “The minority of personal watercraft operators who continue to ignore the requirements and bylaws will be caught and liable for prosecution with fines of up to £1,000 plus costs.

A sailor calling himself Seasick Steve was one of many readers who posted comments on the Daily Echo website.

He said: “I sail in and around Poole Harbour on a regular basis, and virtually on every excursion I encounter some uneducated moron on a jet bike or a motorboat behaving irresponsibly on the water, causing havoc for other boat users.”

Jet ski users need written permission from the harbour master. Riders need to display their registration number at all times and ensure no one under the age of 16 rides unsupervised.

Jet skis are prohibited from lingering in the harbour entrance or venturing into the quiet area to the south of Brownsea Island.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We are working with our partner agencies, the Poole Harbour Commissioners and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

“Dorset Police and its partners are working to ensure that Poole Harbour is a safe place in which to work and visit. Dorset Police will deal robustly with anti-social behaviour, on land or sea.”