JET skis being used in an anti-social manner have led to a rise in complaints to the police and Isle of Wight Council.

Hampshire's police marine unit is looking into the issue following a surge in anti-social on-the-water behaviour, including jet ski use — and complaints about them.

A spokesperson said: "After a significant surge in reports of anti-social behaviour on the water in the last month, Hampshire Marine Support Unit have launched Operation Wavebreaker to address the issues and start to look for some long-term solutions to this perennial problem.

"In addition to working with other police marine units around the country to share ideas and practices, we are working closely with the local harbourmasters, maritime rescue agencies and community groups to quantify the issue and look at effective ways of modifying the current behaviours to ensure everyone can use the water in a safe, enjoyable environment.

"Wavebreaker will address all types of anti-social behaviour on the water from small craft being used dangerously to groups of people swimming in prohibited areas causing a nuisance.

"If the lives of our marine community are being negatively affected by others acting in an anti-social or dangerous manner, we want to know and we will take positive action”

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said “We currently have an Islandwide pleasure boat bylaw which is displayed at each beach location.

“The bylaw includes speed restrictions, driving in a dangerous manner and noise control.

“There has been a substantial increase in the use of jet skis with lockdown easing.

“This has subsequently increased the number of complaints that we are receiving.

"The authority is in contact with the police marine support unit on ways forward to monitor these events and enforce the bylaws.”

HM Coastguard has no powers of enforcement, but instead issues advice.

A spokesperson said: "The majority of jet skis and personal watercraft users are responsible but there are those who don’t respect the water.

“We want people to enjoy themselves at the coast, but also to make sure they’re staying safe.

“They are powerful machines and the last thing you want is to find yourself in the water after being thrown off."

They recommended use of a buoyancy aid, kill cord, hand held VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for more remote locations, mini flares and a mobile phone in a plastic bag.

They said: “If any bylaws are in place, stick to them and be respectful of others in the water. If you see anyone putting others at risk or in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

A member of the ocean recovery team at the Marine Conservation Society said jet skis were 'generally not a good idea for people or wildlife'.

They cited the main concerns as speed, with unregulated use having the potential to cause damage and danger to wildlife and swimmers.

They said they create noise which is likely to scatter dolphins, and disturb other animals in sheltered waters and coves such as seals, birds and sharks.

They said revving up near shore can damage delicate marine habitats like mudflats and the animals in them, and could uproot seagrass beds.

They said: "Zones of restriction and mandatory use areas would help regulate the use of jet skis.

"Tax on use, launching fees, speed restrictions, max number allocations per area, and qualification required by users would all help make the use of jet skis much safer for people and planet."

Pictures by Graham Reading Photography at www.grahamreading.com