Speedboats, jet skiers and so on

Gedge · Post by **Gedge** » 13 May 2004, 18:11

As the weather begins to warm up it seems it is once again time for the speed boats and jet skiers to appear off the beach of Portobello. Does anyone else share my feeling that these people are exhibiting selfish behaviour in the extreme ruining the peace and tranquility of weekend afternoons? And how come they are allowed to bring vehicles onto the beach to transport their boats and so on into the water. Are they not a hazard to small paddlers? Can anything be done to stop them?

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 13 May 2004, 18:44

I don't have a strong view on this one way or another having only seen people behaving with a fair amount of consideration so far. I did, however, read about an incident last weekend, off Portobello beach, involving an adult jet skier and a 10 yr old girl who were thrown into the water when their jet ski overturned. The owner of the jet ski apparently tried to swim out to them and also got into difficulties. Thankfully they were all brought to safety by lifeboat. Anyone know anymore on this incident?
Last time I saw the jet skiers ,they were giving trips on the back of their machines to a queue of eager kids, but maybe they're not that safe after all?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 13 May 2004, 19:52

This problem was raised last summer as well. If you go to page 3 of the forum you will find a topic named 'Jetski Danger'. I believe that once the current Promenade improvements are complete, there should only be one entrance to the Prom at either end, with a barrier to prevent unauthorised vehicular access. Hopefully this will prevent jetski owners from accessing the main stretch of beach with their vehicles. I agree that this area of the seaside should be off limits to jetskis and powerboats but it could be difficult to enforce.

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 13 May 2004, 20:25

Here is an item from the Evening News about Sunday's jet-ski incident. I believe it was at the Seafield end of the beach.

http://news.scotsman.com/archive.cfm?id=534722004

Hope the link works!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 14 May 2004, 16:52

I have received the following message from Richard Barclay, City Development (and local resident):

The current works to remove the rusted railings and replace them with bollards will be completed in the next few months (I do not have an exact date from our Network Services section in Transport who are the project managers for this item of work) - the current open access to the promenade will be stopped with the use of locked gates - only authorised vehicles will have access to the Promenade.

The Council are currently considering all aspects of beach management including watersports through Environmental and Consumer Services. It is anticipated that the unloading of boats, jet skis etc, will be restricted to the slipways either end of the Promenade, the vehicles will only be allowed to unload and not remain parked on the beach. These issues will be subject to consultations at the appropriate stage.

I am aware that the police have had calls on the subject of both the jet skiers and their dangerous actions and the illegal use of the promenade as an access to the beach and sea.

The Portobello Initiative has been working with the local Community Council and Amenity Society to improve the quality of Portobello for residents and visitors alike, the group have limited resources but will happily consider realistic suggestions for improvements from the wider public.