A CRICCIETH resident fears that it will take a tragic accident in order for action to be taken against “disrespectful” jet skiers off the town’s coast.
Marcia Ody said she saw a jet ski, with a child on the back, speed close to swimmers.
She told the Cambrian News about her concerns and said she feels an accident is inevitable.
Marcia said: “It’s an ongoing problem. I’ve lived here for over 15 years and there’s always been issues with jet skis being too close to the beach.
“What has added to this is a greater number of people visiting the area and some of these not having respect for others. There needs to be more responsibility from people out on jet skis.
“The site where they launch is over at Black Rock Sands and they come speeding towards us at Criccieth.”
She added: “Lots of people are out swimming at the moment and there are many others in kayaks and on paddleboards.
“I was driving past on Monday, and I was horrified to see a jet ski riding very close to people who were swimming. There was even a child on the back.
“This raises questions about are these people insured and should they even have a child on the back of a jet ski?
“The risk is getting higher. This will increase with more people using jet skis and more people coming to swim in the sea.
“We have no lifeguards here on the beach and this is a concern.
“The people who use a jet ski need to show more respect. I fear that it will take a tragedy to make something happen.”
Marcia added: “I wouldn’t go out on my kayak during the day. This is partially because of the weather but also because there are so many more people around.
“I went to the beach at 7.30pm/8pm one evening last week and there were mainly local residents there who wanted to wait until the evening as well.
“My message to the jet skiers who ride too close to the beach is go out and enjoy yourself, but go away from the beach.
“The sea is big enough for them to go further out to sea and away from others enjoying themselves closer to the shore.
“The scene I saw is not isolated, it’s an increasing and more dangerous issue.”
Barry Davies, Gwynedd Council maritime officer, said: “All powered craft that launch from Gwynedd beaches and harbours must be registered with Gwynedd Council, and the registration number has to be clearly visible on both sides of the craft.
“The owners of all registered crafts must agree to abide by the strict conditions relating to safety and enjoyment of the public and the protection of wildlife when navigating on the coast of Gwynedd.”
The council encourages the reporting of antisocial behaviour on the sea, as Barry added: “Any craft not observing the relevant regulations will have their registration removed and will not be permitted to launch in Gwynedd.
“As a council, we would urge members of the public to report any anti-social behaviour with boats on the coast to the council’s maritime unit or contact North Wales Police stating the registration number of the craft if this can be clearly seen.”