“I was just yards from the accident when it happened. I didnt see the crash, but I certainely heard it! My ski was anchored up and the son of the injured man ran to my ski asking me to take him to the crash scene. We got there and found his dad in a bad way to say the least. The othere guy (who was riding the other ski involved) was holding the injured man and trying to pull him over to his ski, but fortunatley 3 guys arrived on another jetski and said they were trained life guards. They were excellent! They took over and were very proffessional. They were aware that there may be a spinal injury and took all precautiions to eleviate any further damage. I went back to inform the family that he was ok, but hurt. I called out for an ambulance, but was informed that one had already been sent for and that the RNLI were enroute. It was the jetskiers and family members who held the injured man untill the RNLI took over and placed him on a stretcher.
That same day ,I had myself ,as I often do approached two jetskiers who were skiing in an unorthorised area. One of them being the guy who hit the jetski. The other was at Shaldon beach. He was riding his ski in and around the designated swimming area. I informed him that the buoys were there for a reason and that he may only approach the beach via the ski lane. I made sure he understood what I was saying and went on my way. I came back to find him again riding up and down the swiiming lane. I stopped, shook my head at him, but short of myself breaking the rules and riding into this area I was unable to do more. Being a former Prison Officer I am a stickler for rules! It does annoy me when I see the blatant flouting of the rules. If these people dont know the rules .... well, ignorance is no excuse for the law. I spend a lot of my time "policing" these unruly skiers, much to the annoyance of my wife, who believes that someday one of them may punch me. I am not rude in my manerism toward them, but I make the point very clear. They let the whole jetski industry down in their disregard for others enjoyment and particulary safety.
Jetkiing is a very enjoyable pastime and I have owned several ski's over many years. I have completed a RYA course and so too has my daughter. We have a licence, insurance and carry all the safety equipment including flares.
So if you are one of the skiers who has been unfortunate enough to be summoned to my ski for a quick lesson in the purpose of the buoys and what they all mean .......... then next time .... take notice!!!”

“All that sea yet they managed to crash into eachother!”

“Whilst it is sad that injuries were sustained, these "Aqua Chavs" are generally a nuisance to other water and beach users....”