Marker buoys are being reinstated at several Island beaches this summer in a bid to protect swimmers from anti-social behaviour on the water.
Work is due to start next week to install 16 marker buoys off Bembridge, Yaverland, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin, and a further four buoys and a launching lane at Colwell and Totland Bay.
The move follows a rise last summer in complaints of anti-social behaviour on the water, including jet ski use, resulting in Hampshire Police’s Marine Support Unit launching Operation Wavebreaker to tackle the issues.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, the council's Cabinet member responsible for beaches, said regulating safe areas for bathing would provide a welcome boost to beach safety.
He said:
"The mixing of powered craft among swimmers is a recipe for disaster.
"Beaches form an essential part of Island life, supporting the local economy through tourism and jobs. We need them to be safe places that everyone can enjoy."
The distinctive orange marker buoys have been bought by the Isle of Wight Council, but it's thanks to the support of local town and parish councils that the scheme has been made possible.
Sandown Town Council, Lake Parish Council, Shanklin Town Council, Bembridge Parish Council and Totland Parish Council have all agreed to fund the annual installation costs as part of a five-year partnership with the Isle of Wight Council.
Councillor Bacon added:
"I very much want to thank our town and parish councils for their support — we simply couldn't have done it without them.
"As a new council, we have been very clear that we want to work more collaboratively with our town and parish councils to bring about community improvements, and this is a great example."
Though not possible this year, from 2022 the buoys will be deployed in early May and removed again in September with the work being undertaken by local contractors, Cowes Harbour Services.
Ed Walker, Cowes harbourmaster, said:
“We are glad to be able to assist the council with such an important project that will allow all beach users to stay safe.”
Earlier this year, the council approved a Beach Management Strategy Framework which, among other actions, would look at other authorities and see whether it is feasible to implement an Island-wide policy on personal watercraft.
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