A woman died after a jet ski and a boat crashed off the north Wales coast, an accident report has found.
The incident happened on August 8, 2020 when a ridged inflatable boat called Rib Tickler and a jet ski collided in the Menai Strait between Anglesey and mainland north Wales.
The woman, who was a passenger onboard the boat, was struck by the jet ski and fatally injured, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said.
At the time of the incident, she was named by police as Jane Walker, 52, from the Staffordshire area.
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According to the MAIB, the jet ski was "jumping across" Rib Tickler’s wake when the boat changed course across the jet ski's path. Both drivers were operating too close to each other at high speed and neither understood the other’s intentions, it was found.
The investigation body also said both individuals lacked the appropriate knowledge and skills needed for the manoeuvres undertaken. Neither of them had carried out an appropriate training course.
Although Isle of Anglesey County Council has a marine safety management system in place, the MAIB found that there was insufficient local governance of the marine environment, with a lack of resources, risk assessment for leisure users, or powers to manage their waterspace.
The MAIB made a number of safety recommendations in response to the investigation's findings.
The Royal Yachting Association was asked to review and amend its power boating and jet ski handbooks as well to consider including the relevant training course syllabi, guidance on the importance of manoeuvre safety checks, operating with other craft, the oversight of inexperienced helms and the crossing of waves and wakes.
A recommendation was also made to Anglesey County Council to take measures to improve its governance of the Menai Strait.
Finally, the Royal Yachting Association and Personal Watercraft Partnership were recommended to create a cross-industry forum, focused on the safe and consistent management of jet skis in UK waters.
Andrew Moll, chief inspector of Marine Accidents, said: “As the use of leisure craft in the UK becomes ever more popular, this tragic accident serves as a powerful reminder that uncoordinated, high-speed manoeuvres near other craft are unsafe.
"Personal watercraft, often referred to as jet skis, provide a unique and fun way to enjoy the water, but they are high performance machines, not toys.
"The completion of an appropriate training course will better equip the rider with skills and knowledge necessary for the safe use of a personal watercraft.
“Although there are many harbour and local authorities that manage their waters to provide safe areas for all water users, there is an inconsistency of management around the UK coast, which can lead to conflicted interests and confusion.
"Following this investigation, I have recommended to the Royal Yachting Association and Personal Watercraft Partnership that a cross industry forum be formally created to provide a more consistent approach to the management of personal watercraft around the UK."
In response, Anglesey Council’s head of regulation and economic development, Christian Branch, said: “We recognise that this continues to be an extremely difficult time for the family and friends of Mrs Jane Walker, and our thoughts are with them today.
“Whilst it is clear that safety issues identified by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), in relation to the County Council, did not contribute directly to this tragic accident, we accept the findings of the report as published.
“We have are already started to take positive steps to improve the management of the Menai Strait, as recommended by the MAIB.This has included commissioning an extensive review of maritime activities on the Menai Strait by specialist marine consultants last summer. It has allowed us to engage with various stakeholders as we work towards ensuring a balanced approach to the Strait’s future management, including stronger control measures to influence the behaviours of users.”
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