Boating Mayhem on Lower Bann

 

During the past few good week-ends there has been a big seasonal increase in boating enthusiasts using the Lower Bann River between Kilrea and Lough Beg. Some are experienced boat-men and others are still amateurs. The stretch which has been zoned in a public poll of water users for water-skiing is at New Ferry. Other places are zoned for fishing and canoeing, etc.

But unfortunately two or three people with high-powered jet-skis have been causing havoc at New Ferry with daredevil stunts. They churn up the water into a disorganized wave pattern which makes the area very unsafe for water skiing, and as a result the skiers have moved further North towards Portglenone where they are in turn messing up the river for those who want to sit near the bridge and do a bit of quiet fishing in what is a classified game angling zone.

I call on all river users to consider the safety of others at all times. Jet skiers should move into their allotted area near the entrance to Lough Beg where they would have plenty of room for all their stunts And other boaters should keep well away from the designated angling zones and obey the speed restrictions. There is much enjoyment to be had by all the different grades of water sports on this river but it would be too bad if a serious collision left someone injured or indeed killed.

The onus is on each person with control of the various craft to wise up now or live with the consequences of having a serious accident so early in the season!

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