“Aquabikes” caught the attention of former Irish Times journalist Kevin Myers back in 1982.
The Irishman’s Diary writer was seriously concerned about the pressure windsurfers were putting on the RNLI Dun Laoghaire lifeboat at the time.
He had read about these “aquabikes”, made by a Japanese motorbike company, which “skid across the water, steered by handlebars”.
Although there might be “cacophonous” drawbacks, this vehicle might prove useful in rescuing windsurfers, he wrote - if it wasn’t engaged in knocking them down, or worse...
Almost 40 years later, and jetskis have proved their worth in rescue, with trained riders able to access areas of the coastline that may prove too dangerous for coast and cliff rescue crews, lifeboats or helicopters.
However, jetskis still get bad press among those who don’t understand their benefits – or those who have witnessed untrained and ill-considerate use of them. Now Clare County Council wants to ban their use altogether on a number of beaches.
The Irish Tow Surf Rescue Club has objected to a proposed jetski ban Photo: ITSRC via Facebook
Clare fireman, lifeguard and surfer Peter Conroy owes his life to a jetski rescue. He was one of the founders of the Irish Tow Surf Rescue Club which has provided training, and invaluable support to surfers, and to open water sea swimmers.
Organisers of marine events have benefited from their voluntary assistance, and the club has also provided defibrillators at a number of coastal locations.
Conroy spoke to Wavelengths this week about his rescue, and about why his club opposes the proposed ban.
Listen to Wavelengths below
And you can then view a bit more of the work of the Irish Tow Surf Rescue Club here
