Following a series of cases and concerns over the summer over the dangerous and irresponsible use of personal watercraft or jet skis, Gwynedd Council is calling on the UK Government to introduce legislation governing the use of these watercraft.

A High Court has ruled that jet skis do not fall under the definition of a boat – and are therefore exempt from normal maritime regulations and requirements.

At a full Gwynedd Council meeting today (1 October), a notice of motion by Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member, Councillor Gareth Thomas, who has responsibility for maritime matters was unanimously supported by Council members.

Councillor Gareth Thomas said: “During recent years, the number of complaints and concerns from communities about the dangerous use of jet skis have increased significantly. Following the lockdown period, we have seen a further increase in such concerns along with a fatal accident near the Gwynedd coast.

“Unfortunately, due to a lack of legislation, local authorities have very little power to control the use of these vehicles and a several governments have failed to legislate and address this important issue. This concern is not unique to Gwynedd and the introduction of legislation would facilitate the management of the situation along the country’s coast.

“It’s bizarre that there is really no regulation to control boats capable of travelling at speeds in excess of 40mph by anyone regardless of their age and without the need for training, insurance or a licence at all.

“Put simply, what we want to see is that every personal watercraft must have a licence and insurance before using it at sea and that all drivers are tested on their ability to operate the machine and have their knowledge of ‘the rules of the road’ tested.

“I am very grateful to councillors from all political groups for their support to this important proposal. We will now move on to call on the UK Government to take urgent action and to create legislation that will effectively regulate personal watercraft in the same way as rules are in place for motorcycles on the road. “

At present, Gwynedd Council is currently administering a system that requires all powerboats and jet skis launching from Gwynedd’s beaches and harbours to be registered, and that the registration number is visible on both sides of the vessel. However, the Council’s enforcement powers are limited without legislation governing the use of personal water craft.

Councillor Selwyn Griffiths represents Porthmadog (West) ward. He said: “Over the summer, we have seen people flocking to the area’s beaches such as Black Rock Sands, and we’ve situations where families are bathing alongside individuals driving jet skis. Strict national regulations exist in mainland Europe and it stands to reason that legislation is needed to ensure similar arrangements here in Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom. “

Councillor Dewi Roberts, who represents the Abersoch area on Gwynedd Council, added: “The beaches in this area are hugely popular every year and many come here to enjoy the seaside. We want people to be able to enjoy themselves safely, and so it is vital that those who use all types of powerboats are trained. For example, it’s incredible to think that there are currently no legal requirements for jet ski users to have any qualifications and so I was pleased to support the notice of motion in the Council and hope that the government responds positively.”

Councillor Gethin Glyn Williams, member for Barmouth on Gwynedd Council, said: “The tourism industry is extremely important to towns like Barmouth. To ensure that the industry thrives, it is important that we do all we can to ensure that our most popular beaches are safe places. This is undermined by the current lack of existing legislation and we want to see the government take urgent action to tackle the situation. “

At a full meeting of Gwynedd Council on 1 October 2020, councillors supported a notice of motion stating: “The Council calls on the UK Government to make legislation to regulate power boats and personal watercraft in the same way as motorbikes on roads. Specifically, that every personal watercraft must have a license and insurance before using it at sea and every driver to be tested for their ability to operate the machine and to test their knowledge of navigation rules. “

The Council will now write to the UK Government to call for legislation.