Loch Lomond rangers on top of 'reckless and selfish' jet ski drivers

Bosses at the National Park say there is a minority of riders who are irresponsible on the water

Author: Alice FaulknerPublished 5th Jun 2023

Bosses at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are urging people to be responsible when taking jet skis out for a ride.

As the weather gets hotter, more and more people are going for a dip in the water - but concerns have been raised that riders are often going too fast and too close to swimmers.

Pictures have emerged on social media which show riders driving "dangerously close" to paddleboarders and bathers, but rangers at the National Park insist they are on top of the issue.

The iconic loch is a hotspot for tourists and water sports, and there are currently bylaws in place which limit the speed jet skis can travel.

'A minority who push things too far'

Head of visitors Kenny Auld says safety is a top priority for all visitors.

He said: "The rules are there for a reason, and we'd ask that all users appreciate what other people are trying to get out of the loch.

"It's a huge area, there is a lot of space for a lot of people out there to enjoy responsibly.

"It's busy, busy, busy with lots of people having a fantastic time safely.

"Unfortunately there's always a minority of people who push things too far, and we do have enforcement taskforces around and we work with the police on those.

"We do target our resources where we know that we need to have more of a presence.

"There is a credible deterrent to those who want to behave in quite a reckless, selfish and dangerous manner - but it is only a tiny proportion of incidents that we hear about and the vast majority are having a wonderful, safe time out there."

'Any vehicle with a motor is dangerous'

Kenny warns that it's not just jet skis which can pose risks if incorrectly handled.

He said: "Any kind of vehicle with a motor is dangerous because there's power - so it's not just jet skis.

"We'd advise with anything of the sort that you know how to control a vehicle of power and operate it safely.

"Generally across the loch, our staff are some of the best in the world for talking to people about water safety because water recreation at Loch Lomond is so key to this part of the country.

Campaign to change bylaws

At the moment, plans are being considered by the Scottish Government to shake up the bylaws surrounding jet skis for the first time in 20 years.

Loch Lomond has suggested lowering the top speeds for powered vehicles to avoid clashes with swimmers.

The maximum speed limit in low-speed zones would be reduced from 11mph to just 4mph.

If approved, speeds will also be restricted to 6mph at Balloch Castle Country Park, Duck Bay, Luss, Manse Bay, Milarrochy, Sallochy and Rowardennan.

Kenny explained that a decision is expected to be reached later this month: "It's still with the Ministers at the moment.

"It's up to the Scottish Government to decide whether our recommendations are appropriate and we'll digest that in due course.

"But in the background, we're continuing to work as a team to improve infrastructure and processes so that no matter what the minister decides, we can keep the loch safe."

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