Police launch clampdown on speeding jet-skiers off Portobello

SPEEDING jet-skiers are facing a police crackdown off Portobello amid growing fears that they are going to kill a swimmer.

Officers have launched a water and beach patrol with the backing of coastguards in a bid to target offenders.

The clampdown was launched after harbour masters warned that a serious accident is going to happen if jet-skiers do not slow down.

They say there is a danger that jet-skiers and kite surfers will stray into safe areas which are cordoned off for swimmers only. Someone may even die if they are hit by a machine, the police have warned.

Now officers on patrol plan to warn people riding jet-skis to take extra care after an accident was narrowly avoided in Musselburgh. Two jet-skiers caused panic recently when they sped into the harbour, despite a group of up to 20 children swimming nearby. .

Sergeant Graham Baillie said jet-skiers must know how dangerous their machines can be. "There is a great potential for a fatality if they hit someone," he added.