Reckless surfers could face jail

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Surfers and canoeists could face jail and fines up to £50,000 if they are caught causing accidents at sea under Department for Transport proposals.

Unpowered craft would be subject to the same rules as cruise liners and oil tankers as part of plans to bring them under the Merchant Shipping Act.

The change was proposed after a loophole in the law allowed a jet skier to avoid jail.

However, surfing organisations said the rules would be hard to enforce.

The proposal comes after Mark Goodwin, from Dorset, was jailed for six months after a jet ski accident which left another man with severe head injuries.

The sentence was overturned after a judge ruled that jet skis were not technically ships as they were not used for navigation.

'Appropriate measures'

The latest proposals would affect body boards, boogie boards, canoes, kite-surfing and windsurfing boards as well as dinghies.

The Department for Transport (DfT) says the proposals mean they could take action against all owners and users of watercraft who carry out "reckless or dangerous activity on the water."

These sports are already well-regulated with surfing schools and lifeguards at clubs and on the beaches Mark WessonBritish Surfing Association

It would mean surfers and canoeists could be prosecuted for going into the water while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Gus Lewis, legal manager at the Royal Yachting Association, said the new rules were needed to bring Britain in line with an international convention to prevent collisions at sea.

It would mean that all sea craft played by the same rules, he added.

"You can't have a situation where motorbikes and motorcycles are not subject to the Highway Code in the same way cars are," he said.

But Mark Wesson from the British Surfing Association said: "This is going to be very difficult to regulate.

"These sports are already well-regulated with surfing schools and lifeguards at clubs and on the beaches."

A DfT spokesman said: "Everyone should be free to enjoy themselves on the water in the knowledge that there are sanctions in place to deal with those who would put their safety at risk.

"These proposals will ensure that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent the irresponsible few from spoiling the fun of everyone else".