More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Jet-skiers could be forced to pay a membership fee and take a proficiency test before being able to enter the sea in the wake of fears someone could be killed off the coast.
Canterbury City Council placed several concrete blocks around the entry ramp in Hampton, Herne Bay, last month after being flooded with complaints about reckless riders.
The local authority is launching a consultation on proposals to introduce a paid-for registration scheme giving exclusive use of its facilities in Whitstable and Herne Bay to those who sign up.
It will also consult residents on plans to require users to secure a personal watercraft proficiency qualification – a one-day course costing about £160 – before being able to enter the sea.
City council leader Rob Thomas said: “We have a beautiful coastline and we want all users to enjoy it responsibly.
“Requiring people to join the scheme would allow us to manage the number of users, allow the council to build a relationship with members and help to stop visitors from simply turning up on the day and launching.
“We would need to install barriers with keypad or fob access for members.”
The council is also hoping to ban the removal of silencers from jet skis, force riders to show ID and their insurance details prior to launching, and to prevent children under 16 from using the machines.
“If a scheme is introduced for jet skis, we would need to ensure that fishing boats and other craft would continue to be able to use the ramps too - whether part of a charging scheme or not,” Cllr Thomas added.
“We know this issue proved to be very divisive at the start of the summer so we really want to hear people’s views and assess the strength of feeling out there on this issue.”
If given the green light, the scheme would sit alongside new by-laws reducing the width of transit lanes and imposing stricter speed limit.
It is hoped this would push the noisier activity 300m away from the district’s shoreline.
When the plans were first mooted, 55-year-old jet skier Carole Butt said: “My council tax includes use of local amenities - and the ramp is a local amenity.”
The council is also consulting on new public space protection orders, which will prohibit riders from entering the sea from beaches, restricting launching to the ramps.
The results of the survey will be considered by a cross-party group of councillors before a decision is taken by committee on how to proceed.
Working group chair Cllr Ashley Clark told KentOnline last month: “It’s not so much of an issue in Seasalter, but in Herne Bay it seems like the wild west. It’s quite horrific some of the near misses going on.
“There are swimmers who are in fear and other users, such as kayakers and paddleboarders, can be disturbed by reckless and irresponsible behaviour.
“My fear’s someone’s going to get killed by one of these imbeciles.”
The consultation will begin tomorrow and run until August 30. To take part, click here or call 01227 862059.
