RNLI issues reminder of watercraft rules following incident where powerboat and jet ski got ‘dangerously close’ to swimmers

Mumbles RNLI have issued a reminder of rules and regulations to watercraft users following an incident at Langland Bay on Tuesday (Aug 24) when users of a powerboat and a jet ski got dangerously close to swimmers.

The RNLI were called out later in the evening to rescue the occupants of the powerboat who had run out of fuel near Limeslade Bay. In a statment on their Facebook page the RNLI said: “The crew were tasked by UK Coastguard at Milford Haven as a boat returning from a day on the Gower had run out of fuel. The alarm was raised just after 9.25 to the boat near to Limeslade bay.

“Following an assessment by the coxswain the safest option was to take the vessel with 3 people on board to the safety of Swansea.”

The RNLI issued the following reminder: “We’d like to remind water users of the rules and guidelines regarding these craft set out by local authorities and advise how best to deal with issues arising from their misuse.
Note the Coastguard cannot always enforce these rules and guidelines. There may also be other laws which are more dominant or have higher legal prominence.
We are providing this information as a guide and we ask that all water users keep themselves and others safe to avoid any incidents.

If you see someone in danger in the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard ⚠️
Swansea Council website – Knab Rock Slipway:

All users wishing to launch a motorised craft from Knab Rock Slipways must register the boat / personal watercraft with Swansea Council.

Access to the slip will be denied if registration numbers are not on display

Access will be suspended whilst complaints are investigated.

Jet Ski Additional Requirements
RYA PWC Photographic Certificate
Minimum £2,000,000 Public Liability Insurance

Be Safe Afloat
DO NOT drink and drive! It is as dangerous on the sea as it is on land
Leave details of where you intend to go and estimate time of return
*Stay at least 100 Metres from shore at popular bathing beaches*
*No recovering at Langland or Caswell unless in an emergency*
Observe speed limits, especially within marker buoys and launching sites
Connect engine shut – off lanyards (kill cords) if able to do so
Do not allow young children or untrained persons to be in control of water craft of speed boats

Before Setting Off
Check the weather forecast
Check local sea conditions, tide times, underwater obstructions, by-laws
Ensure your engine and equipment is well maintained
Always use fresh fuel
Wear a lifejacket **or Personal Floatation Device
Park your car and trailer with care and consideration
Do not obstruct slipways or access for other users or emergency services
Always carry safety equipment or devices for raising the alarm. **VHF Radio / Mobile in waterproof bag / Whistle / Flares.

Swansea Council Bye Laws:
B– 01-11-1990 Prevention of Danger, Obstruction or annoyance to persons bathing in the sea or using the sea-shore:
“3. No person, being the navigator of a pleasure boat, shall cause or suffer such vessel to be driven or sailed in a dangerous manner or without the due care and attention or without the consideration for other persons”
The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
The most important summarised rules to prevent collisions at sea and remember are:
As a jet ski or small powered craft driver, you’ll likely be the smallest and most manoeuvrable boat on the water. This means you must give way to every other kind of vessel, including windsurfers, canoes and pedalos, besides larger fishing vessels or ships.
You always give way to your right (starboard).
When near the shore, you might see a channel marked by green buoys on the right and red buoys on the left. These are to show the routes in and out of the harbour. Keep the green buoys on your right going in and left coming out. Whichever way you’re going, keep right just as you keep left when driving on the road.