Villagers in Luss are backing calls to ban jet skis from Loch Lomond – warning a “fatality” could happen unless urgent action is taken.
Last week, the Lennox Herald reported how Jackie Baillie MSP had called for a blanket ban on the crafts, claiming many are unregistered, while blasting those who drive them while drunk and at dangerous speeds.
Loch Lomond Boats and Jet Skis, which has more than 6,300 members, hit back and said her comments were “ill-informed”.
But now, Luss Estates Company and Luss and Arden Community Council say a ban must be considered unless tighter rules are established and effectively enforced.
Dave Pretswell, of the community council, said the issue was particularly bad over the recent Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend.
He said: “Irresponsible use of jet skis on Loch Lomond in areas used by open water swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders has now reached such a point that it now presents a real threat to life and unfortunately we fear that the inevitable fatality could happen at any time.
“We now understand that neither Police Scotland nor the national park authority have the resources, nor the legal powers to
manage and control jet skis adequately.
“They are already unable to enforce the existing byelaws, they cannot restrict jet ski numbers, cannot insist on insurance, nor check seaworthiness, nor impose any skills or training requirements on the drivers.
“In effect, they have lost control of the water bodies within the park - the very thing that makes the area so beautiful and which the national park was set up to safeguard.
“The situation on Loch Lomond is one of unmanaged and potentially lethal chaos.
“Every community around the loch, and many visitors, have seen how appalling the behaviour of a significant minority of jet ski owners has been over the past two years - it simply cannot be allowed to continue and requires urgent intervention.”
The Loch Lomond byelaws are being reviewed this year and a public consultation will be launched by the authority later this summer, which will cover a range of issues including motorised craft.
Luss Estates Company say the park’s proposals are not good enough and wouldn’t even make it a violation for a jet ski to be driven by an anonymous, inexperienced and uninsured 14-year-old who could have launched without obtaining permission.
It claims there are now almost 1,000 jet skis registered for use on Loch Lomond with no requirements for personal watercraft training or a certificate of competence to be held by potential jet ski users, or any form of insurance or age restriction.
Simon Miller, CEO of Luss Estates Company, stated: “Luss Estates Company has long promoted increased access to both land and loch, and can evidence many examples of this.
“However it is our view that unless the use of jet skis can be effectively legislated to ensure public safety, then an overall ban must urgently be considered.
“We are concerned that the current proposals would not even make it a violation for a jet ski to be driven on the loch by an anonymous, inexperienced and uninsured 14-year-old who could have launched across the ground without obtaining access permission. “This is clearly not in the best interests of the communities and visitors to Loch Lomond, let alone the protected natural environment.”
Last week, Loch Lomond Boats and Jet Skis invited Jackie Baillie MSP and the national park to work with them to come up with a strategy to tackle any anti-social behaviour.
A spokesman said: “Our community promote responsible behaviour at all times when on the loch and contribute hugely to the local economy in both business and organise charity events that raise thousands of pounds for Loch Lomond Rescue Boat which in turn benefit every user of the loch from swimmers, to boaters, paddleboarders and jetskiers.
“To simply call for a ban of all jet skis is a wholly disproportionate response. How would the motorcycle community react if motorcycles were banned from the roads due to a few reckless riders?”
Kenny Auld, head of visitor services at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said it has been closely monitoring recent trends and behaviours on the loch and is considering what might be required as part of the byelaws review.
He said: “Measures to improve safety and reduce conflict are a priority.
“We will be launching a public consultation on the byelaw review later this summer.
“This will cover a range of issues, including changes potentially affecting motorised craft.
“We will be seeking the views of local residents, businesses, loch users and interest groups and this follows a series of informal meetings with some of these groups last month.
“The views and contributions from the public consultation will help shape the final proposed byelaws to be presented to Scottish ministers for consideration.”
