Crackdown in prospect for jet-skiers who often strike terror into paddleboarders, bathers . . . and birds

 

Cleethorpes bathers look on nervously as a jet-ski zooms past far too close for comfort 

A CRACKDOWN is on the cards for jet-skiers who often strike fear into bathers and paddleboarders - plus wildlife - off Cleethorpes Beach. 

At next week' meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet, members will be asked to rubber-stamp proposals for introduction of  an Open Space Protection Order.

Jet-skiing provides an adrenaline-rush for participants and makes an impressive spectacle - but the downsides are thought to be greater.

Paddleboarders and bathers have often reported near-misses, while the noise and speed of the skis causes mayhem to the globally-important roost of shorebirds, including curlews, godwits and plovers, on the south beach.

The proposed prohibition wording is:

"To prohibit the irresponsible use of Personal Water Craft (PWC) (including jet skis) on and around the seafront that causes alarm, distress and harassment to others. 

"This may include but is not limited to the following: 

• The use of craft in a manner that poses a risk to the safety of people

• Risk of disturbance to wildlife

• The use of craft in a manner that has the potential to cause harassment, alarm and distress to any other beach or coast users, or residents (eg in the dedicated swim lanes, clearly marked out by buoys)."

Some 90 per cent of those who responded to a survey would support prohibition.

New signage would be necessary, but, once installed, there would most likely be a zero tolerance approach to offenders - as from May - with on-the-spot penalties of £100.

According to a report seen by the Grimsby News, similar action is on the cards for:

* Lighting of bonfires and barbecues on the beach or council-owned land

* Unauthorised vehicle parking on the pier slipwayand Brighton slipway

* Overnight camping/caravanning on all council land 

* Releasing of Chinese lanterns

* Using council land as at take-off/ landing point for paragliders, paramotors and hang gliders

There could also be some restrictions on where metal detecting, fishing and bait digging can be undertaken.    

The council will debate the proposals next Wednesday. 

                                                              

Unauthorised camping could also lead to on-the-spot £100 fines