Tag Archives: Jetski

REPORTS of jet skis doing ‘doughnuts’ on Lough Derg and speeding near Killaloe Bridge has prompted gardaí to warn operators that they have the power to seize a vessel. Clare Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks outlines, “There have been a number of incidents in Killaloe of jet skis being operated at excessive speeds – up to 60kph near Killaloe Bridge where the speed limit is about 5kph, and also reports of jet ski operators doing ‘doughnuts’. “Under the Maritime Safety Act Gardaí have the power to seize a vessel if it is deemed appropriate action. “Gardaí can require a person operating a craft or remove it from waters in certain circumstances, to stop, board and inspect craft and also have powers of arrest and forfeiture. We would ask people using the lake to be respectful of others and obey the relevant speed limits, be safe and never take risks on the water.”

NEW Clare County Council byelaws would see the use of jetskis prohibited at White Strand in Miltown Malbay, White Strand in Doonbeg, at Ballycuggeran Lake in Killaloe and Ballyalla Lake in Ennis. The move towards a ban is being criticised by Peter Conroy, the Miltown-based chairman of the Irish Tow Surf Rescue Club, who says it is regressive, and will limit the club’s ability to carry out the training it requires to provide rescue services. He says the club was founded after it became apparent there was a need for safety services. Mr Conroy said, “It was set up about 12 years ago when we started tow surfing at the Cliffs of Moher, that big wave underneath there. “We started surfing there and we started realising that the Coast Guard couldn’t help us if we got in trouble in certain areas, so we started to get professionals over to train us up in jetski rescue and certain medical procedures. Basically …