BCP COUNCIL seafront ranger patrols will be taking down the identification numbers of jet skiers to give to police following concerns expressed about the safety of swimmers off Bournemouth beach.

Beachgoers have become increasingly concerned about the behaviour of jet skiers following a spate of incidents in Christchurch, Mudeford and Swanage in recent weeks.

Earlier this week, Dorset Police said most skiers are behaving responsibly but have urged them to "have a word with friends" who are breaking the rules.

Bournemouth Echo:

Jet skiers at Boscombe pier on June 3 

Swimmers fear that the lack of enforcement could lead to someone being “seriously hurt or killed”.

Donna Couch, who lives in Winton and owns a beach hut at Alum Chine, regularly visits the beach and is also a member of a local sea swim group.

She said: “I know this is a huge concern for many I swim with and a danger to holiday makers.

“We swim quite far along the coast and plenty of us have tow floats to be seen, but not everyone chooses to wear them as it should be vessel free and safe to swim.

Bournemouth Echo:

Jet skiers at Boscombe pier on June 3 

“Visitors would not be wearing such safety devices and it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or killed.

Donna spotted a pair of jet skiers racing close to the shore at Alum Chine on Thursday May 28 but said that this was not an isolated incident.

She added: “We have found some jet skiers are considerate and abide by the rules, but many do not.

“If lifeguards had been on duty, they certainly would have been told to have left that area or slow down, however as found previously, they rarely hear the call on the tannoys.

“I feel jet skis have a right to use the sea however should be outside the buoys when travelling at speed.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Jet skiers at Boscombe pier on June 3 

BCP Council have appealed to people who spot similar incidents to contact Dorset Police’s Marine section, who will take the necessary action to deal with jet skiers.

Councillor Lewis Allison, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Communities said: “Our seafront team have been engaging where possible with jet skiers, from the beach or pier, and obtaining identification numbers to feed this information into both Dorset Police and other partners including Poole Harbour Commissioners.

“With these types of incidents, it is our usual procedure to liaise with Dorset Police’s Marine section to address concerns and take positive action to ensure the safety of swimmers.”