Buying a jet ski is "like buying a bicycle" claims O'Rourke

The Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council has strongly condemned the irresponsible use of jet skis on the waterway network in Athlone and has called on Waterways Ireland to lead the way in drafting proposals to deal with the “dangers and nuisance” associated with their use.

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke claimed that buying a jet ski is “like buying a bicycle – you can go online, do the deal and next day you are doing 70kmph down a busy navigation lane on the river Shannon.” He also added that anyone can own and operate one of these machines “without training, without a licence, registration or insurance .”

As Chair of Athlone River Safety Awareness, the Council Cathaoirleach described the situation as “crazy” and said he felt “a strong obligation and responsibility” to highlight the dangers and concerns relating to these machines and their use.

Having been “inundated with complaints” throughout the summer from members of the public, local angling groups, Athlone Boat Club, boat owners and swimmers at Coosan Point, Cllr O’Rourke has now called on Waterways Ireland, as the agency responsible for the navigable waterways, to lead the way in coming up with a set of proposals to tackle the dangers associated with the irresponsible use of jet skis.

“Waterways Ireland already have a 5km speed limit in place around Coosan Point for all boat users, but jet ski owners, by and large, pay no attention to speed limits – raising the question of safety for all water users and the risk of damage to property” said Cllr O’Rourke, who said many jet ski owners are “new to the water and have little or no regard for other boat users, or for those out enjoying our public amenities.”

In addition to having no regard for other people, Cllr O’Rourke said their lack of experience of many of those who own and operate jet skis makes them “a danger to themselves and to others” and he said many of these “thrill-seeking” owners have been seen out “unitl 11.30pm at night on the water with engines at full throttle.”

During the recent fine spell of weather, Cllr O’Rourke said he witnessed eight jet skis in the water in and around the Hodson Bay public amenity, while he was told that another six were “flying around the water at Coosan Point” on the same day.

“I would like to see a coming together of all stakeholders with Waterways Ireland to discuss these concerns” said the Council Cathaoirleach, with a view to coming up with a set of proposals to deal with the dangers and nuisance posed by the use of jet skis on the river Shannon.