UK PWC News

UK Personal Watercraft News

27th March : JetskiTraining.org.uk.

Recently combined, Avos Watersports Den and Jetski Training are as of the past weekend an RYA approved training centre.

The RYA’s Personal Watercraft course is designed for first time and experienced riders alike.

Increasingly the certificate is required for launching in UK harbours, but is also needed if you want to use your PW abroad.

The course teaches you how to use your PW safely, responsibly and with confidence, ensuring that you get the best out of your craft.

It covers high and low speed riding skills, essential safety information, collision avoidance and orientation at sea.

If you are looking for somewhere to complete your RYA Personal Watercraft proficiency course in the North West of England then give them a call.

Courses can be booked either at the shop on 01772 811 866 or via the website at...

www.jetskitraining.org.uk

20th March : Hydrospace News.

Power Kit 180 World Finals 2006 - 800cc Engine
For your own experience with a winner ski Hydrospace offers the exclusive ‘Power Kit 180 World Finals 2006’ inkl. a 800cc engine.
Net Price: € 13.200

New South Europe Sales Manager
Hydrospace is proud to introduce their new South European Sales Manager, Jean Gabriel Meric from Montpellier.
He will be the central contact person for all Hydrospace interested dealers in the South European area (France, Spain and Portugal).
Contact:
Phone: +33 (06) 20 83 05 56 Email: meric@hydrospace.at

Special Offer - While Stocks Last
If you order a Hydrospace ski now - you will get a Bag Set:
Travel bag + Backpack for only € 75 (net)!
You can order 2 sets/ski.

Race Support Program
Hydrospace will establish a world-wide Race Support Program.
The HSR Race Support Program is a unique program, which offers all Hydrospace pilots the possibility to profit from it.
Hydrospace supports all Hydrospace pilots of all ages and abilities, in form of a bonus depending placement in attended races.
For further information regarding the Race Support Program please contact:
Estibaliz Amatriain, Email: esti@hydrospace.at
www.hydrospace.at

19th March : Coastguard Races To Rescue For Jetskier.

By Daniel Thomson, The Journal

A Jetskier was rescued yesterday after breaking down in rough seas off the Northumberland coast.

The man was at Blyth Harbour with another Jetskier when his engine failed at about 12.55pm.

His friend came to his aid, but his Jetski also broke down.

The second man decided to swim to shore through the icy water where he rang the coastguard for help.

Blyth RNLI, Coastguard and Independent Lifeboat were dispatched and rescued the Jetskier who had been in the freezing water for about 20 minutes.

The Jetskis were then towed back to shore.

Neither men were hurt during the incident and did not need hospital treatment.

A Humber Coastguard spokesman said there had been extremely severe winds out at sea, which had caused rough conditions.

He said: "The incident happened when two Jetskis broke down off Blyth Harbour.

One of the men swam to shore and rang the coastguard.

"The water was rather cold and the other man was in the water for about 20 minutes.

The wind was also very strong, but because it was coming from the west the harbour was deceptively calm.

"However, further out at sea we had forecasts of winds reaching almost hurricane levels earlier in the day and this would have caused problems for anyone who strayed out too far from land.

"The lifeboat retrieved the man from the water and towed the Jetskis back to shore."

The coastguard also warned against "wave-dodging" which is when people attempt to play "chicken" with waves on piers, sometimes to tragic effect.

He said: "We've had a number of incidents of wave-dodging up and down the coast and would urge people not to do it. Adults and children can easily be swept off their feet and it doesn't even take a huge wave to do it.

"In this weather, a wave can easily become what we refer to as a high wave, which is capable of dragging an adult into the sea."

"We want people to enjoy the sea, but anyone who does this is putting themselves and the rescue services at risk."

Last year, a 13-year-old boy from Sunderland died after being swept into the North Sea during a game of wave-dodging with friends.

Mark Langton, died in April on the first day of the Easter school break, after he was caught by a wave and quickly carried 200 yards into deeper water, where he was battered against rocks, at a sea-break off the coast of Hendon, Sunderland.

icNewcastle

19th March : Weymouth Watercraft Pre-Season Show.

Skitek2000, the Personal Watercraft specialist based in Weymouth is hosting a pre-season watercraft show at the Rendezvous nightclub at Town Bridge in the centre of Weymouth on Saturday 24th March from 10am onwards.

This is the first time such an event has been held on the Quayside at Weymouth and it has attracted a lot of interest both from existing watercraft users and those interested in joining the sport.

The event continues to grow with more attractions being added almost daily, currently there will be:

2007 range of Yamaha Waverunners from the Lagoona Park Network

Selected Seadoo, Yamaha and Polaris pre-owned machines with low hours

Jet powered inflatable ribs by Animal

The stunning H2 Sportsboat

The ultimate PW trailer newly imported from Shadow trailers

Wakeboards, kneeboards and 1, 2 or 3 person inflatables

Wetsuits, buoyancy aids and other accessories

Weymouth Harbour Permits

Season tickets for the Riviera Centre at Bowleaze

RYA training advice from Absloute Aqua

More details are available from Andy on (01305) 759435 or Skitek2000@btconnect.com

skitek2000.co.u k

16th March : Jetskier & Personal Watercraft Magazine.
The April Edition of JS&PW is on sale from all the usual stockists priced £3.20. Included in this edition are all the usual sections plus Wakeboarding tips with Matt Crowhurst, Handheld Electronics Compared, Joe Kenney Special Report, Buying Secondhand GP800, Win Free RYA Training and much more.
Get Yours Now!

15th March : Ministers Float New Jetski Curbs.

Curbs on the use of jet-skis on a national park are to be extended, the Executive has said.

The area of Loch Lomond covered by an 6.8mph speed limit is to be extended from 22% to 30% of the loch, covering islands and its eastern shore.

The move was announced by deputy environment minister Sarah Boyack who also approved the management plans for Scotland's two national parks - Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and the Cairngorms.

icLanarkshire

14th March : Hydrospace Race Support Program.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
For Hydrospace it is very important to be present in the market with new inspiring ideas for the whole racing scene.
Due to this, Hydrospace would like to inform you about the new developed Hydrospace Race Support Program (HRSP).
In the present race season 2007 no factory race team is planned for Hydrospace, due to new ideas which Hydrospace would like to present and to distinguish this year.
For this reason it needs a more comprehensive strategy, than it is known in the industry so far, where only a few racers are supported.
Hydrospace prepares a broader way, which should be smoothed for experienced as well as new Hydrospace racers.
Hydrospace will establish a world-wide Race Support Program, which is already used in 2007. Which concept is behind it?
The philosophy is simple to explain.
The HRSP (Hydrospace Race Support Program) is a unique program, which offers all Hydrospace pilots the possibility to profit from it.
There are no restrictions to isolated racers, who are placed only in top positions. Hydrospace supports all Hydrospace pilots of all ages and abilities, in form of a bonus depending placement in attended races.
Thus innovation is the guiding principle of the company, which not only finds approval in product development, but also in the development of a unique Support Program.
The manufacturer Hydrospace relies thereby on a specifically made race list, which involve international and national listed races, in which Hydrospace pilots participate.
A further condition for getting support by Hydrospace is the declaration as a Hydrospace racer. The registration can be done directly at the manufacturer.
Also due to the new developed Support Program of the manufacturer Hydrospace there should be especially in the new season again a multiplicity of Hydrospace inspired to find.
Regarding the last year race results, this suggests inimitable advantages for all Hydrospace pilots.
In addition to the advantage of riding an outstanding power and speed product of Hydrospace the racer will be honoured with a bonus according to his placement.
Basically it means that not only top-performers or a few riders profit from the support of the manufacturer.
Hydrospace is interested in creating a Support Program, which is meant for each pilot, who can realise his enthusiasm for the sport in the races.
In order to develop enthusiasm and love for racing, it does not need always a championship title, this is also considering Hydrospace in the evaluation of the Support Program.
At the time when the development of the HRSP is finished, all necessary information will appeal on the website of Hydrospace
Take a look – take your chance.
www.hydrospace.at

12th March : London Man Dies In Bahamas.

By Patrick Maloney, Sun Media

On the day he would have turned 22, the body of Derek Taylor will return to London from the Bahamas, where he died after what police there believe was a freak accident.

The Saunders secondary school graduate, who arrived for a sun-soaked holiday Sunday, was knocked off a rented jet ski and, within minutes, lay dead on a Nassau-area beach in a strange tragedy on Monday.

"I just couldn't believe that something so freaky would happen," said Susan Miszczak, whose daughter Katie was on the jet ski with Taylor, her boyfriend.

"He died in her arms, basically. He was a wonderful young man," Miszczak said last night.

Taylor's body is to be flown home Sunday, his birthday, she added.

Contacted last night, Bahamas police said foul play isn't suspected in the death. While the investigation continues, it "appears to be a freak accident," said Chief Supt. Hulan Hanna.

The young couple, dating about a year, rented the jet ski on the beach, Hanna said, though it's unclear if they were given lessons. A large wave knocked them off and they struggled to get ashore, he said.

Taylor was pronounced dead on Colonial Beach, he said.

That's similar to the account Katie gave her mother over the phone: She recalled Derek trying to return to shore after seeing the high waves.

After they were knocked off the jet ski, and had made it back to the beach, Derek said he thought he was having a panic attack. He then sat down and, within minutes, was face-down in the sand.

"(Katie) is hysterical, basically," Susan Miszczak said. "She said she was screaming for help and there wasn't anybody close enough."

Taylor's father, Larry, has arrived in the Bahamas, Susan said. He and Katie are to return with Taylor's body Sunday.

By yesterday many of Taylor's friends had posted online messages mourning his death. One friend described him as "a great guy."

"He always lived every day like it was his last," the friend told The Free Press.

Taylor had been employed at a London factory until recently, those who knew him said, but wasn't working when he went on vacation.

About 2:12 p.m. Monday, Royal Bahamas police were called to the beach emergency, Hanna said.

London Free Press

12th March : Freestyle Training Day Pics.
A selection of Jetmans photos taken yesterday at Westhorpe Watersports at the Freestyle Training Day Part II are now online.
Check them out in the photo gallery.

10th March : Out N About Pics.
A selection of Jetmans photos taken today at Sixhills are now online.
Check them out in the photo gallery.

9th March : Lifesaving Toys To Combat Perils Of The Sea.

By Frances Bickerdike

Jetskis and quad bikes are surely more boys' toys than lifesavers.

But Blackpool Beach Patrol are using the leisure vehicles – more commonly associated with the affluent, posing playboy lifestyle – to help protect the public from the perils of the sea.

This year's new additions to the lifesaving fleet – the first ones along the Lancashire coastline – are expected to make regular appearances on the seafront throughout the season.

Terry Rogers, head of Blackpool Beach Patrol, said jetskis were a welcome addition to their fleet.

He said: "Both the jetski and the quad bikes are a great way of getting to people quicker and therefore helping to save lives.

"We have already used the equipment towards the end of last season and they are expected to play a full role throughout this coming season."

The jetski has already helped guide a dinghy with four boys inside, which was drifting out to sea in an offshore wind, back to safety.

The new equipment is being used alongside Landrovers and pedal cycles – which are currently used.

Mr Rogers said the jetski was also a good way of keeping a higher profile between the piers while other jetskiers were out at sea.

"The fact that we are out there means that if anything happens we will get to people quicker.

When the Coastguard is called they will contact us to see if we are in the location.

Sometimes it means we can get to the scene before the inshore lifeboat."

All the beach patrol staff are trained by the Royal Yachting Association.

The jetski is a three-seater craft so the rider can stay with the vehicle while a pillion can help tow a stray vessel such as a dinghy, or rescue someone who has got into difficulties.

The quad bikes are used to navigate the stretches of sand along the whole of the seafront. They can also go along the promenades if there is an emergency situation anywhere along the beach.

Mr Rogers added: "The whole idea of this equipment is so that we can get to the scene far quicker on the jetski or quad bikes. They have already helped save lives in the short time we have been using them.

"We feel our presence out there helps reduce the chance of accidents as people on jet skis tend to drive them more responsibly once they realise that we are out there.

"I'm sure they will both be extremely valuable in helping save lives this coming year."

Blackpool Today

7th March : RNLI Sea Safety.
Tayjet Personal Watercraft Club got their annual Sea Safety Checks today at Broughty Ferry Harbour from the RNLI.
The local Arbroath based Sea Safety Team led by Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer Rae Martin completed the Safety Equipment Advisory Check on all PWC’s (Jet Ski’s) in the Tayjet Club and were impressed at the attitude towards safety and the amount of safety equipment carried onboard these vessels.
Rae Said “normally Jetskis get a bad reputation around the country but Tayjet have got their act together and we should be proud that they are so actively involved in safety measures.”
Part of the RNLI’s role in saving lives at sea is by helping to prevent accidents in the first place.
RNLI Sea Safety aims to to save lives by changing attitudes and behaviours amongst leisure boat users, beach users and fishermen.
Every year around 300 people drown in the UK & Ireland and over 7000 are involved in serious incidents. Most of these accidents could be avoided if people took simple safety precautions and had a better awareness of safety issues.
For the highest risk groups we are actively involved in preventative education, through a combination of means, like volunteer advisers, road shows, the web and literature.
The logic is simple, if we can prevent an accident, we can help save lives and prevent risking the lives of our own volunteer crew member.
The local Sea Safety Team is available completely free of charge to all leisure craft owners and clubs in the area and can provide…
Sea Checks Presentations Practical Demonstrations Attendance at Events Road Shows Club Talks Information on Safety Issues (Recalls, Notifications etc)

What Is A Sea Check?
A SEA (Safety Equipment Advisory) Check is a free service provided by the RNLI designed to save lives by changing the attitudes and behaviour of those who go afloat for fun.
Actually, ‘check’ is probably the wrong word since it implies that it is an inspection with the possibility of a pass or fail.
Instead, it is a friendly, confidential face-to-face chat with the owner or skipper, aboard or beside his or her boat, about safety equipment.
We talk about what needs to be carried, where and how it should be fitted, how to use it and the importance of regular maintenance. We use a checklist as an aide memoire for items of discussion but nobody and no boat can fail a SEA Check.
It should be emphasised, however, that a SEA Check is not a survey, nor an inspection of the engine, electrical or gas system. Nor does it give any party the jurisdiction to prevent a boat or owner from going to sea.
The service is operated on a friendly, non authoritarian, approach to safety at sea to encourage sea-going people to partake in the scheme. It's not a formal compulsory check where we report our findings to the authorities just an informal chat on how best to prepare your vessel for the way you generally use it or even just confirm that you have been right all along with what you keep onboard, we are not surveyors so we do not check the structure of the vessel. The advice given is only related to safety equipment and systems and is not a certificate of sea worthiness. All non commercial craft can have a SEA Check or advice, from Jet Ski's (PWC) to Cruisers and Kayaks to Yachts.
The check can be done anywhere and at a time to suit the owner and takes between 20 minutes and an hour, the information recorded is in strict confidence and any advice given can, if the owner pleases, be disregarded; on completion a copy of the SEA Check and a year dated boat sticker confirming a check has been carried out is given to the owner, as well as a copy of the Complete Sea Safety guide which includes a fantastic CD-Rom for your computer.
SEA Checks done annually as a way of confirming that no safety equipment is overlooked or out of date prior to the start of the season.

The RNLI SEA Check itself:
A SEA Check entails a visit to your craft by an authorised RNLI SEA Check advisor; the advisor is a volunteer who has a sea going background and is trained to perform the safety check.
The check is of a pre-printed form (top +3 carbons) based format with the first part of the form being the owner and the boat details and requires a signature from the owner allowing the SEA Check to be carried out.
The form is divided primarily into 2 columns labelled Priority Equipment and Recommended Equipment and both columns further subdivided into categories that describe conditions under which the craft is going to be used.
Small Leisure Craft Sheltered Use Inshore Use Offshore Use Extended Passage Use
the category of use is discussed and agreed with the owner before the check can be started. The category generally agreed upon by most diving craft is Inshore Use; this means the craft will cruise along the coast normally within 10 miles from a safe haven. The check then continues down the rows associated with the agreed Use column to discuss each item of recommended safety equipment, firstly down the Priority Equipment and then the Recommended Equipment.
The Priority Equipment list covers:-
Anchor with warp/chain and strong point, Radar reflector, Appropriate Navigation lights, shapes and sound signals, Lifebouy or similar, MOB recovery equipment, Liferaft, Emergency steering, Kill cord, Alternate means of propulsion/starting, Tool kit and spares, Lifejackets/Bouyancy Aids, Safety Harnesses, Bailer and bilge pump, Charts and table of emergency signals, Compass, VHF radio, EPIRB, Torch/spotlight, Pyrotechnics in date, Fire blankets/extinguisher, Temporary hull repair kit, First aid kit, (and Oxygen kit for dive boats)
Remember not all of the above equipment is required, it all depends on your passage use and type of craft.
The Recommended Equipment list covers:-
Fairlead, Towing warp, Throwing line/quoit, Kedge Anchor, Sea Anchor, Boarding Ladder, Dan Buoy, LW/MW Radio, Additional Portable VHF radio, Navtex, HF/Satcom, EPIRB, Emergency Aerial, Barometer, Echo sounder, GPS, Hand bearing compass, Log, Binoculars, Personal protective clothing, grab bag, Emergency water, Storm Sails, Repair Materials and a means of severing rig.
Again not all of the above equipment is required, it all depends on your passage use and type of craft.
At the end of the check any comments, as a result of the check are added by the SEA Check advisor who then signs the form, he gives the top copy of the form to the owner of the craft and issues a year dated craft sticker. The remaining copies go to RNLI headquarters, Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer and the SEA Check advisor.
Visit www.rnli.org.uk for downloadable safety factsheets specific to each sport.
For more information on water sport safety, along with beach and sea safety,
Phone 0800 328 0600, email seasafety@rnli.org.uk or visit www.rnli.org.uk for downloadable factsheets.

7th March : JSRA Winter Series Pics.

Dave Stewart of Xtreme Action Images has uploaded a selection of pictures taken at the fourth round of the Winter Series at Tattershall on Saturday.

Visit xtreme-action-images.com and check out the Jetski link in the Sports Galleries.

6th March : Man Denies Dolphin Jetski Claims.

A 21-year-old man has denied recklessly harassing dolphins by driving a jet ski at high speed in Moray waters.

Nicol Wood, from Banff, was alleged to have disturbed a school of bottlenose dolphins in June last year.

The offence was said to have happened in coastal waters about half a mile offshore at Faw Bay, Macduff.

Mr Wood appeared at Banff Sheriff Court and trial was set down for later this year. It is thought to be the first case of its kind in Scotland.

He has been accused of intentionally or recklessly disturbing or harassing a dolphin by splashing water in an attempt to attract the attention of the creatures.

It has been further alleged that he drove a jet ski at high speed in a reckless and erratic manner at and around a school of bottlenose dolphins.

An intermediate diet was set for May, with a trial scheduled for June.

BBCNews

6th March : Kite Surfer Rescued.

By Craig Manning

AN eight-year-old Wirral boy was treated for hypothermia in hospital after the jet ski he was riding broke down on the River Mersey.

The boy and the man who had steered the vehicle were left drifting near to Fort Perch Rock lighthouse for half an hour before a concerned onlooker raised the alarm on Saturday afternoon.

A crew from New Brighton Lifeboat station arrived at the scene to rescue them just after 4pm and they were both suffering the effects of cold.

On Sunday, the crew rescued a kite-surfer who went missing and was later found alive near to the shoreline in New Brighton.

wirralglobe.co.uk

5th March : JSRA Winter Series Results.
Results from Round 4 held at Tattershall Country Park, Lincoln and the overall Championship final positions of the Jetsport Racing Association Winter Championship are now online.
Check them out at...
www.jsra.co.uk
Congratulations to the Winter Champions!

3rd March : Yamaha 0% Extended.
You can't beat the '07 WaveRunner range for style and performance...
and you can't beat this great deal either:
0% finance over 2 years with just £999 deposit!... your dream WaveRunner just got that little bit closer.
But if you want to take a little longer to repay, then we've put together some amazing heavily subsidised alternatives
3% over 36 months
4% over 48 months
5% over 60 months
Figures shown (flat rate)
PR rates will differ and include Acceptance and Documentation fees Please talk to your Yamaha Dealer for further information.
The choice is yours...FX HO both standard and Cruiser versions, GP1300R, the complete VX family including Deluxe and Cruiser.
So you'd better get down to your local Authorised Yamaha Dealer though as this offer, like the new WaveRunners, won't hang about for long.
Offer now extended unitl the end of March 2007.
Conditions:
Each agreement must include a minimum deposit of £999. Maximum amount that can be financed is calculated as the manufacturers normal Retail Price including VAT less the minimum deposit amount.
Finance is only available for a limited period through Authorised Yamaha WaveRunner Dealers to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status and is applicable only to officially imported Yamaha 2007 WaveRunner models - FX Cruiser HO, FX HO, VX Cruiser, VX Deluxe, VX, VX700, GP1300R, SJ700.
Finance is provided through Capital Bank plc, City House, City Road, Chester CH88 3AN.
www.yamaha-motor.co.uk