“RECKLESS” jet skiers have been spotted riding close to the shorelines as police launch an investigation and increase patrols over the bank holiday weekend.

A group of approximately nine jet skiers were seen riding up and down the seafront “close to the beach and bathers”.

Emma Clark, 35, was among one of the residents who saw the group “recklessly” riding within an area covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order.

She said: “Every summer jet ski owners are getting more and more reckless with their behaviour.

“The weekend just gone, there were a group of nine, racing up and down the seafront onto Westcliff Beach.

“It is a yearly problem with out-of-town jet ski owners thinking there are no rules. But there is going to be an incident soon.”

Essex Police say they were made aware of the incident and are investigating the reports.

There is a PSPO in place covering Southend seafront, where anyone riding a personal watercraft, must stay at least 400m from any public beach, pier, or berthing area.

Failure to comply is a criminal offence and can lead to a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a fine of up to £1,000 upon conviction.

Following the incident, Essex Police has said they will be maintaining a presence in the area over the bank holiday weekend to remind people about the dangers of riding at speed and in close proximity to other water users.

Sgt Alex Southgate, of Essex Police’s Marine Unit, said: “We are aware and are investigating reports of individuals riding personal watercraft (PWC) close to the shoreline at Southend last weekend.

“Together with my team, we are maintaining a presence in the area today (Saturday 25 May) to remind people about the dangers of riding at speed and in close proximity to other water users.

“We will also be enforcing the Public Space Protection Order covering Southend seafront.

“The only place you are allowed to launch a PWC from is the Shoebury Common Slipway in Ness Road and everybody riding a PWC has to stay at least 400m away from any public beach, pier or berthing area.

“Failure to comply with a PSPO is a criminal offence and can lead to a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a fine of up to £1,000 upon conviction.

“During the 2022 season, we stopped and spoke to 179 personal watercraft riders and 49 people in power boats about their behaviour on the water.

“This activity is very much continuing, and I would urge anyone witnessing similar behaviour as seen last weekend to contact us.”