RECOMMENDATIONS FOR tougher laws regulating the use of jet-skis have been greeted with a mixed reaction by a number of sailing and boating organisations.
Jet-skis have been a source of controversy in coastal areas in recent years, with people objecting to the noise they make, their speed and the dangers they can pose to swimmers when used in proximity to busy beach areas.
A Marine Casualty Investigation Board inquiry into the death of a jet-skier at Lough Beltra in Co Mayo concluded that such craft should be licensed and those using jet-skis should have to complete a mandatory training course.
The investigation found the deceased, Alan Joyce of Castlebar, Co Mayo, and his friend Conor Deffley had ignored advice to wear lifejackets, were considered to be poor swimmers and had little or no training in using jet-skis.
On average 160 people drown in Irish waters annually and the Irish Coast Guard's 2007 report indicated that there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of jet-ski accidents last year.
The Irish Sailing Association yesterday told The Irish Times that despite the marine board's recommendations, it is not in favour of compulsory licensing for people using watercraft.
Tony Wright, the association's training manager, said the introduction of such a requirement would impinge on people's right to enjoy boating activities.
"If you look at the number of people going out in boats on the whole everybody is doing it safely, there are very few accidents and very few casualties," he said.
Mr Wright said that people should receive proper training for these activities and that the association offers a wide range of training courses for boats and jet-skis at 130 centres across the country. Some 10,000 people undertake such courses each year.
He also said the association would be willing to offer advice to people in areas where there were issues regarding safety.
"Where there are localised problems with managing fast power boats and jets-skis, groups can put management schemes in place and we will work with them to develop these," Mr Wright said.
The statutory organisation established to promote water safety in Ireland, Irish Water Safety, said it was in favour of the proposals to introduce mandatory training for people using watercraft. Roger Sweeney of Irish Water Safety said regardless of any legislation, if people were going to take part in water activities, they should be responsible for themselves and their actions.
"Water is not our normal environment and the sooner people take responsibility for acknowledging the dangers we'll have a reduction in the number of drownings. They have a responsibility themselves to make sure that they realise that water is a lot more powerful than they will ever be and they should take training appropriate to the activities they intend to take part in," he said.
Mr Sweeney said the growing number of people using watercraft reflects the increase in the disposable income in recent years and that many people have not taken time to train for the activities they intend to take part in.
"People need to start making sure . . . taking simple precautions like wearing a lifejacket, checking forecasts before going out, not drinking alcohol and checking about dangerous currents and strong tides in the area," he said.
