Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
Our marine officers have reported a man for riding a personal watercraft at ten times the speed limit on the water near Point Clear.
A personal watercraft was seen launching into Brightlingsea Creek and speeding up to approximately 40 knots per hour in the 4-knot speed limit, remaining at the same speed through the 8-knot limit.
Marine officers, who were out on their regular patrols to promote water safety and tackle anti-social behaviour on the water, stopped a man at Ray Creek and he has been reported to Colchester City Council, which enforces the local water byelaws.
Our Marine Unit were also supporting the annual Colne Smack and Sailing Barge Match and Sergeant Alex Southgate said that meant there was a significantly higher amount of boats and water users in the area that day.
“It’s really important that speed limits are observed. Brightlingsea Creek is the entrance to a very busy harbour and marine and the speed limit keeps everyone safe by reducing the risk of collisions and injury.
“We have worked closely with the Brightlingsea Harbourmaster team this year, which has included making joint patrols on their harbour launch.
“But, although the number of reports and incidents of anti-social behaviour on the water has reduced since we started our regular summer patrols along the coast in 2022, we still see instances where people put themselves and others at risk.
“We ask that personal watercraft riders and people in boats keep to the speed limits and bear the safety of other water-users in mind.”
Information about keeping safe on the water, and our PWC Code of Conduct, can be found on our Marine Unit pages.
We're offering more ways for our communities to stay up to date with our work across Essex.
Our e-newsletter, Dispatch, delivers news, information, and advice from Essex Police.
Dispatch is a ‘one stop shop’ for local police news – direct from the source.
Sign up is completely free and you can unsubscribe at any time.