UK PWC News

UK Personal Watercraft News

30th May : Taking Care On The Sea.

With reference to two recent articles with concerns over jet ski riders at Pevensey Bay, I am writing on behalf of Eastbourne Personal Watercraft Association.

We are a small jetski club that operates from the beaches of Eastbourne.

We are so disappointed to read that jetski riders from Pevensey Bay have given residents cause for concern. Such actions, in the long term, give all jetski riders a bad name.

I would like to take the opportunity to point out to readers that we at E.P.W.A have set guidelines that all our members adhere to.

Over the 10 years that we have been running our club we have had little concern expressed by Eastbourne residents. So we can only advise the Pevensey Bay jetski riders to take note of the concerns they are causing in their area.

My advice to Wealden District Council would be to appoint someone to make sure that jetski riders using its beaches have public liability insurance.

Eastbourne Council asks us to make sure that all our members are insured and abide by the guidelines.

Our message is Keep The Beach Safe For All To Use .

Richard Tobin, Wilton Avenue, Eastbourne

EastbourneHerald.co.uk

30th May : Jet Skis Need Statutory Controls.

Andy and Janet Pink rightfully raise the very serious safety issues with some jet ski riders, along with the riders attitude and anti social behaviour.

As a jet ski owner myself, I am aware that many people buy them and immediately put them on the water and use them without any training and have little regard for the safety of bathers and other craft.

There are various training courses available such as the RYA which train prospective riders in theory and practical use which includes a safe way to use them, not only for themselves but for all other users of watercraft and bathers.

The training involves basic sea rules, weather conditions, recognition of buoys and markings as well as ensuring that you are correctly equipped in the form of protective clothing, life jackets, flares and other safety equipment.

Following the successful completion of the theory course, one undertakes a practicable test and on satisfactory completion, you are issued with a certificate, which demonstrates one's competency.

I am also aware that many people who own and use jet skis have no insurance cover which can be obtained freely for around £450 annually.

If an accident occurred without insurance cover, there would be long and protracted litigation, which could lead to the possibility of bankruptcy if found to be guilty of neglect where they do not have their own funds to cover the award of the court.

Added to this, one freely sees the added ingredient of alcohol being liberally served on the beach and people going onto the water in these craft having consumed more than acceptable amounts, which is a recipe for an accident and is certainly not accepted on our roads, so why is the sea exempt?

Many parents allow their children to use these crafts which are capable of speeds of up to 65 mph on a calm sea.

Without adequate training and in the wrong hands, these crafts can turn into a lethal weapon. This can only be construed as reckless action and totally irresponsible of parents which could not only lead to the serious injury or loss of their child but also to innocent people as well.

In some countries, it is a requirement in law to have the relevant certificate of competence and adequate insurance cover.

However, in this country, I am unaware that such legislation exists. Although I am the last to advocate the nanny state, in this case, such legislation should be vigorously pursued and put in place at the earliest opportunity in the UK.

Jet skis can be tremendous fun and can give hundreds of hours of enjoyment to all who use them responsibly and safely.

They are not toys, but high powered craft that must be treated with respect and the rules observed for the safety of everyone.

Like all other forms of motorised equipment, it is not the equipment that is dangerous but the human beings in control of them that are the hazard.

As far as the bye laws are concerned at Pevensey Bay and the question of enforcement, as a Wealden District Councillor, I shall pursue these issues with the Council who are the responsible authority for this part of the coastline and raise the relevant questions on the lack of enforcement of the bye laws.

Cllr Nick Ellwood, Hailsham

EastbourneHerald.co.uk

29th May : Air Ambulance At Heacham Jet Ski Incident.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance dropped in at Heacham beach yesterday (Wednesday) lunchtime after a report of a person coming off a jet ski at high speed.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said the air ambulance was in the area when the call was received shortly before 1pm and diverted to the beach, off Jubilee Road.

Two paramedics on board checked out the 55-year-old woman who had come off the jet ski.

They found that she was winded and had swallowed water but was otherwise unhurt, the spokesman said.

A coastguard team also attended the incident after hearing that three people in lifejackets were in the sea and one needed checking out.

LynnNews.co.uk

29th May : Jetskis And Robots Help QinetiQ Us Grow.

Bill Condie, Evening Standard

Defense equipment developer QinetiQ, known for its James Bond-style gadgets, is booming in the US, having added an unmanned jet ski to its range of bomb-disposal and reconnaissance robots.

The company now has more than 2000 robots in combat situations round the world, having sold 800 in the past year.

QinetiQ, formerly the Ministry of Defence technology arm, said the jet ski, named Sentry, will provide military and civilian users with a fast, cost-effective and efficient inshore vessel for reconnaissance and security roles.

The craft can be operated from a laptop fromup to 16 nautical miles away.

Chief executive Graham Love said sales soared 17.5% in North America as its targeting of the homeland security market paid off, with sales of robots and listening equipment surging strongly.

'The North American business is really powering ahead and we are now the leading provider of military robots in the world,' Love added.

He believes the next important technology for the company will be its Zephyr high-altitude unmanned air vehicle (UAV), a solar-powered carbon-fibre aircraft that can stay aloft for more than 50 hours, providing a platform for surveillance and communications.

Other big sellers include the EARS listening device that can detect and lock on to sniper fire, tracking bullets to their origin.

The current wave of conflicts involving the US has driven the company's revenue up almost 19% to £1.37bn compared with last year. It now has sales in the US of more than $1bn (£505m).

Net profit fell to £51.4m from £89.3m last year as a result of restructuring charges that will see 320 jobs go by the first quarter of the new financial year.

Organic revenue growth in the UK was almost 5% despite uncertain times for defence spending.

QinetiQ has established three new businesses in Australia, where it is an adviser to the government, and plans to establish those before setting its sights on Asian markets including the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and India.

ThisIsMoney.co.uk

29th May : JSRA British Championship Round 1 Pics.

Dave Stewart of Xtreme Action Images has uploaded a selection of pictures from Round 1 of the 2008 JSRA British Championship at Stockton-on-Tees last weekend.

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

29th May : Time To Update Your EPIRB Or PLB?

From 1st February 2009 the processing of the satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) 121.5 / 243 MHz frequency in the GMDSS will cease; in simple terms this means the 121.5 / 243 MHz frequency will no longer be monitored for distress signals.

Newer EPIRBs and PLBs use the 406MHz frequency for their initial emergency alerting, but some boaters may still have the older models which signal their initial alert on the 121.5 / 243 MHz frequency.

It is these older beacons, which will no longer function as a call for help, from 1st February 2009.

However they will still function as a homing signal, once the initially call for assistance has been made by another means.

The MCA has issued a Marine Guidance Notice MGN 361 which gives further information.

RYA.org.uk

29th May : RYA Revise Guidance On The Use Of Buoyancy Aids And Lifejackets.

In order to make it easier for beginners and less experienced water users to make a decision about when to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid the RYA has revised its guidance to make things clearer.

For many boaters making the decision about wearing personal buoyancy is based upon factors such as weather conditions and the experience of the crew, however if you’re a beginner or still relatively inexperienced, making these judgements is often not that easy.

Therefore in order to help clarify when a lifejacket or personal buoyancy aid needs to be worn, the RYA recommends that you ‘wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid unless you are sure you don’t need to’.

RYA Training Manager James Stevens says:

“We are fully aware that a lifejacket could save someone’s life, but we don’t expect people to wear lifejackets when they feel it’s not necessary. Such occasions could be when safely moored, below decks or sailing in fine weather when the risk of entering the water is low. Also if the skipper has decided that lifejackets are unnecessary. However if you are at all unsure the best advice is to wear one.”

The wearing of a life-jacket has become much more the norm than the exception these days. Nearly all dinghy sailors wear a buoyancy aid, all professional power boaters wear a lifejacket and most amateurs, along with users of personal watercraft wear specially designed buoyancy aids.

“The RYA’s new policy reflects good practice for professional and amateur boat users”, concluded James.

RYA.org.uk

24th May : Jetski Championship Begins.
Preparations have been made for the first round of The Jet Sport British Championships at the Tees Barrage.
Video Report from..
BBC News

23rd May : BRP Sponsors Charity Ride.

Sea-Doo watercraft to circumnavigate the UK in 14 days

BRP Recreational Products UK Ltd, with its Sea-Doo watercraft brand, is sponsoring the Emergence-SKI charity event in aid of raising funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and the ChildLine service it provides.

On Sunday 29th June, Esther Rantzen, Champion of ChildLine and well known television personality, will officially signal the beginning of the challenge when the duo; Jo Tearall and Lyn Parson will depart Poole on their Sea Doo GTX 155 HP watercraft in an attempt to circumnavigate the UK in 14 days.

Created by eight individuals determined to help support the NSPCC and with an interest in PWC riding, Emergence-SKI includes Dorset police officers, who have links with Protective Services and the Marine Section, as well as a support team made up of emergency services personnel.

One crew member on the support boat is an officer with the Dorset Fire & Rescue Service, who rowed in the first Atlantic Rowing Challenge in 1997.

The challenge will take Jo and Lyn near Great Yarmouth, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Inverness, Caledonian Canal, Fort William, Liverpool, Aberystwyth, Swansea, Newquay and Weymouth before returning to Poole.

“We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from individuals and businesses in preparation for the event and the response from people across the UK has been fantastic – the support is really helping us to raise awareness of the NSPCC and its work,” says Sue Baker, Team Manager.

An ideal touring watercraft for the Emergence-SKI challenge, BRP's three-seater Sea-Doo GTX watercraft offers superior comfort with an ergonomic riding position, wide handlebars and a sculpted touring seat.

Features include dual adjustable mirrors and a convenient left-side mounted forward/neutral/reverse lever, which will make it easier for the team when docking. A multi-function digital information centre with compass will provide all the information the riders need at a glance, from fuel levels to speed.

Each Sea-Doo GTX watercraft is powered by a Rotax 4-stroke engine that delivers superior power, outstanding reliability, and low maintenance.

These engines have also earned a coveted CARB (California Air Resources Board) 3-star rating for ultra-low emissions, while meeting EC Rules for low noise.

For more information about the 2008 Sea-Doo line-up, please visit www.brp.com

For more information on Emergence-SKI and to donate to their campaign, please visit www.emergence-ski.com

23rd May : £1,000 Jetski Stolen.

Thieves stole a £1,000 jetski, after breaking into a garage.

The white Kawasaki jetski was taken from the garage in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, between 4pm on May 16 and 12pm on May 21.

Alan Jones, police spokesman, appealed for witnesses who might have seen a van or other vehicle near the garage at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0300 3334444, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Echo-news.co.uk

21st May : British Championship Sponsors.

The JSRA are delighted to announce the 2008 British Championship Sponsors.

Please visit their SPONSORS page for the low down on this years Sponsors

Yamaha SuperJet Challenge Sponsored by Yamaha UK
Ski GP Sponsored by Jet Shed
Runabout GP Sponsored by SB Components
Junior Ski Sponsored by Hot Products
Amateur Freestyle Sponsored by Loki Customs
Amateur Limited Ski Sponsored by Fielder Racing
Veterans Runabout GP Sponsored by Control Panel Services
Expert Junior Ski Sponsored by A52 Hydrospace.com
Amateur 4-Stroke Stock Runabout Sponsored by SB Components
Amateur Stock Ski Sponsored by Jet Tribe
Limited Runabout Sponsored by Aitken Construction

Further Sponsorship opportunities still available.

Visit...

www.jsra.co.uk

16th May : Sun Brings Fears Over Jet Ski Riders.

Young jet skiers using Pevensey Bay are an 'accident waiting to happen' according to a resident.

Andy Pink, who has been a windsurfer for nearly 20 years, was enjoying last weekend's sunshine on the beach when he saw youngsters riding jet skis dangerously.

"We sat on the beach and watched accidents waiting to happen," said Andy.

"Nine jetskiers were launching from the beach and most were being driven by people without wetsuits or life jackets, despite the water temperature being less than 55F.

"There was also a blatant disregard for the buoy system to protect swimmers and to make matters worse some of the craft were piloted by children as young as 12 — it can only be a matter of time before a tragedy happens."

Andy's wife, Janet, said, "I understand people have been cooped up indoors and they want to go down to the beach and enjoy themselves in the sun but they need to be careful."

Sue King, watch assistant at Dover Coastguard, said, "Jet skis can be potentially dangerous machines — you must know what you are doing and wear the correct clothing.

"The water is very cold at the moment and if you come off your chances of survival are limited.

"People often think drowning is a concern but hypothermia could also occur."

A spokesperson from the Maritime Coastguard Agency said there are no age restrictions on jet skis but explained local authorities may have byelaws regarding age and speed limits.

A spokesperson from Wealden District Council said, "The yellow buoys clearly separate the bathing area from the boating area.

"It is vital to public safety that users obey the signs and stay the correct side of the buoys."

This comes after two young men were rescued by windsurfers when their kayak tipped over just off the coast at Pevensey Bay last Thursday (May 8).

EastbourneHerald.co.uk

14th May : Rye Harbour Lifeboat Goes To Aid Of Stranded Jet-Ski.

Rye Harbour lifeboat went to the aid of a broken down jet-ski off Camber Sands on Sunday.

The boat launched at 2pm and was with the stranded jet-ski in ten minutes.

It towed the jet-ski, and its two riders, back to Rye Harbour.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Richard Tollett said:

"They did the correct thing by calling for assistance. They had taken all reasonable steps to get the jet-ski re-started but to no avail."

R yeandbattleobserver.co.uk

14th May : Jetskier & Personal Watercraft Magazine.
The June 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 IFWA Freeride Kicks Off In France, Winter Series Wrapped Up, Freestylers Dressed To Impress, Heads And Carbs Explained, Northern Monkeys, Kawasaki Ultra LX On Test and much much more.
PLUS Ride Guide - Your Free Copy Of Where To Launch And Train 2008/09
Get Yours Now!

13th May : Yamaha Superjet Challenge 2008.
Yamaha Motors UK is pleased to announce support to a new one make PWC race series solely for 2008 Yamaha Superjets.
The Superjet Challenge will be run as part of the 2008 JSRA British Championships and offers riders the chance to race their new Superjet for free and have a chance to win cash prizes at each meeting.
The six round Challenge will be open to all levels of riders over 14 years of age, results and prizes will be awarded in two classes, experienced racers and newcomers.
The Superjets being raced must be standard 2008 models with no modifications allowed, limiting costs and creating close and exciting racing.
The race skis whilst standard in specification can be individually painted or liveried and most will carry the name of their supplying Yamaha WaveRunner dealership.
Many of these dealers are planning to get involved with the new series, both as a way of promoting their business and also to help attract new riders to the sport.
Riders may decide to participate in as many or as few rounds as they wish. For example they may decide to contest just their local race or go for the full six round championship and the coveted overall crown.
This initiative not only promotes the Superjet SJ700 model but gives the JSRA a new class which will help to attract new riders to the sport.
The Superjet Challenge will make buying a new Superjet even more attractive with a dedicated race series open to owners.
Dates for the 2008 Superjet Challenge are as follows:
Round 1 24/25th May The Barrage, Stockton-on-Tees Round 2 7/8th June Glyn Neath Lakes, South Wales Round 3 21/22nd June St Osyth, Nr Clacton, Essex Round 4 12/13th July Tattershall Country Park, Lincolnshire Round 5 9/10th Aug Nitrojet Action Sports, Nr Oxford Round 6 6/7th Sept Willen Lakes, Milton Keynes
yamaha-motor.co.uk

11th May : Club Racing Pics.
A selection of Jetmans Club Racing images taken today at Nitrojet are now online.
Check them out in the Racing section of the Photo Gallery.

9th May : Freeride Innovations.

Freeride Innovations make and distribute freeride and freestyle parts and accessories.

The southwest company also offer a footwell, Mat Kit and parts fitting service.

All their products are tested in house by their team of freeriders and freestylers.

They claim you can be confident that they are strong. reliable, functional and good value.

All parts come with full detailed colour pictorial fitting instructions and a money back guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied.

Why not visit them at...

freerideinnovations.co.uk

8th May : New Lifeboat Unfazed By Exe Low Water.

Exmouth's new lifeboat the Margaret Jean on Wednesday rescued two jet skiers suffering from hypothermia after their engine failed.

The Mersey-class boat showed its worth as it made its way without difficulty through knee-deep low water to pick up the two men and take them back to shore.

The men, both from Exeter, were spotted by an auxiliary coastguard after an object was sucked into their jet-ski equipment, causing it to fail.

The Exmouth lifeboat had been out on an exercise and a message was received by the crew to help.

One of the men was taken to Exmouth Hospital where he was checked by medics.

devon24.co.uk

6th May : ATP Inlet Manifold Spacer Kit.
Previously only available in Silver,
Now also available in Red or Blue.
This natty bit of kit loads the rear boost port more efficiently therefore increasing throttle response.
Comes with gasket and hardware.
Available in Silver (clear) anodised or New for 2008 Red or Blue anodised.
Price: £35
Product Code: ATPD6
airtimeproducts.co.uk

6th May : ATP Carb Diaphragm Covers.
Replace your tired and boring Carb Diaphragm Cover Plates with ATP Billet aluminium ones.
Available in Red or Blue anodised for mikuni carbs and supplied with Stainless bolts.
Price: £34 per pair
Product Code: ATPCARPL
airtimeproducts.co.uk

3rd May : Bea Is A Whiz On Back Of Jet Ski.
Royal teen Princess Beatrice shows she has a bea-rave side by riding the waves in the Caribbean on a powerful jet ski.
After trying some tricky twists and turns, she ended up with a faceful of water and later sported some strange expressions before mastering the machine.
Her trip to St Barts with American boyfriend Dave Clark, 25, is the latest in a string of gap-year stops for Beatrice who is fifth in line to the throne.
Beatrice has taken in Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Belgium, not to mention two skiing trips to Switzerland.
She has also been spotted in Los Angeles.
She is said to be keen to spend as much time as possible with Mr Clark before she begins a course at Goldsmiths College in London in September.
The American, a St Andrews University friend of Prince William, works for Sir Richard Branson on his Virgin Galactic space project.
TheSun.co.uk

2nd May : Round Britain On Jet Skis.

A team of emergency services personnel from Dorset are preparing to circumnavigate Britain - on jet skis.

Five Dorset Police workers - including special constable Pete Walker from Dorchester - will make the 14-day trip on Sea Doo personal watercraft this summer.

And the officers, who have seen the effects of neglect, abuse and cruelty on children first hand, will be raising cash for both the NSPCC and Childline along the away.

The team, who will also be joined by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service trainer Steve Isaacs, will set off from Poole on June 29.

Their journey will take them to locations including Dover, Newcastle, Inverness, Fort William, Liverpool, Swansea and Cowes before they return home on July 12.

Team manager Sue Baker, a Dorset Police trainer, said:

"The Emergence-SKI team members have been selected based upon their specific professional qualifications and experience.

"The team includes officers who have seen the effects of neglect, abuse and cruelty inflicted on vulnerable children and are determined to make a difference."

Schoolchildren across Dorset will be encouraged to enter Emergence-SKI educational competitions.

For more information visit www.emergence-ski.com

thisisdorset.net

1st May : Xtreme Freestyle Frenzy.

May Bank holiday 24th 25th 26th (3 days of skiing)

The Xtreme Action team headed by our very own Anthony burgess will be on hand to give advice and tips for a full weekend of Xtreme freestyle and roller coaster fun.

£75 for 3 days of skiing including access into Thorpe Park.

Camping close by or Plenty of cheap hotels...

Xtreme Hotel Deal at the Thames Lodge Hotel

£45 per room per night

Hotel Booking Line: 0845 456 6399 (ask for Lorna)

www.xtremeaction.co.uk

1st May : Jetski Champ Gets Double Boost.
Jetski Champ, Jason Young from Measham has had a double boost as he prepares for this years racing season.
He has gained a new sponsor with Champney Springs a local health resort who have come onboard to assist with his 2008 title challenge.
And he can't wait to race in his Scottish homeland when The JSRA host a special race event at the Glasgow River Festival in July.
Asked about his double boost Jason commented:
"Champney Springs support is fantastic news as their facilities are second to none. Fitness plays a huge part in my training and with their help I hope to be well prepared for the first round of the British Championship at Stockton on Tees.
The chance to race in Scotland for the first time is also fantastic. It's been a few years since the racing has been across the border and it will be a great opportunity to make racing more accessible to the Scottish public."
Stockton on Tees is a venue that Jason holds close to his heart. This was where he clinched last years title in the ski limited class.
If you are interested in finding out more about Jason visit his website at...
www.jasonyoung.gb.com