Coastguard slam jet skiers and boaters who ‘terrified’ kids – then broke down and asked for help

The Coastguard have slammed a group of jet skiers and boaters they say were causing disruption off the coast of the south of Wales – before breaking down and asking for their help.

Mumbles Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team posted a video to social media criticising the actions of those who they say were acting in a way disruptive of others on the sea, saying they were “terrifying” children in the sea.

“We have been trying our best with this situation for over an hour this evening,” they said, adding that there was “very little we can do other than pick up the pieces when it goes wrong”.

“Just getting dark and the lifeboat launches to a broken down vessel… hmm, we think. Yes, it’s them broken down. Need our assistance now.”

We have been trying our best with this situation for over an hour this evening. Jets ski and boat terrorising swimmers and lifeguard clubs with terrified kids. Very little we can do other than pick up the pieces when it goes wrong. However… pic.twitter.com/Y3FT1lgwjI

— Mumbles Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team (@MumblesRescue) August 24, 2021

Mumbles Coastguard is made up of 15 highly trained volunteers from a range of backgrounds, on-call 24 hours for Search and Rescue and assisting emergency services.

Their criticism comes after the coastguard issued a plea this summer for people to take care at the coast, with more than usual expected to head to the UK coast because of Covid restrictions on travelling abroad.

“The warning comes as many are expected to travel to the coast for beach holidays and days out in the UK across the remaining summer months,” they said.

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard, added: “We can’t emphasise this enough – the sea has no respect for whether you’re local or not and whether you’re experienced or not.

“Please always check weather conditions and tide times before going out. The Coastguard will always respond to 999 and do all we can to get people home and safe.

“But be careful. Think twice about what you’re doing at the coast that might put you, your family and friends and even those who come to rescue you in danger. Watch out for each other and those you love. Get home safe.

“We’ve seen too many tragedies already this summer and we’re sad for those whose families have been left heartbroken by the loss.”