Police plea over 'reckless' water scooter riders

Northumbria Police has warned water scooter riders they could face criminal action

Water scooter riders have been urged to act responsibly, after police warned other water-users could be put in danger.

Northumbria Police said its marine unit had responded to "a string of incidents" in recent days, including "recklessly excessive speeding" at Blyth and Newbiggin, off the Northumberland coast, last weekend.

On Tyneside, two water scooters were seized at Gateshead on Sunday as part of a "significant" search operation along the Quayside following a report of a crash and subsequent sighting of a man clinging to the banks of the River Tyne.

He was reported for speeding to the Port of Tyne harbour-master, along with a woman on a second water scooter who had been with him.

Sgt Simon Falconer said the sunny weather had seen "many people flock" to the region's beauty spots.

"With this, we also see an increase in people using watercrafts – such as jet skis and boats – with a handful of people using them in an antisocial manner and speeding," he said.

"What many riders don't understand is that you can still face criminal action in water, and there are new powers nationally to crackdown on those on powered watercrafts who put themselves and others at risk."