13th July 2022. Recently, the National Coastwatch Institution station at Torbay observed a group of four jet skis near Roundham Head who were making very slow progress towards Torquay.

The volunteer watchkeepers contacted Solent Coastguard to advise that they had visual on the jet skis and that one of the four PCWs was towing a fifth. They also confirmed that the wind and sea conditions were deteriorating, so the watchkeepers would maintain a watchful eye on them. Solent Coastguard then called NCI Torbay to say that they had received a further report of the stricken jet skis and were tasking the All Weather Lifeboat from Brixham to assist.

As the AWLB approached the area, they contacted the station on Marine Channel 65 and requested that the watchkeepers guide the lifeboat onto the jet ski. The Lifeboat reported that all was okay and that the PWCs had been towing for 2 hours and were happy to continue under their own power to Torquay harbour. A spokesperson for NCI Torbay said “If you are venturing out on a jet ski, always remember to check the weather and tides, carry a phone (in a waterproof pouch) and keep it on you - and, if you do get into difficulty, call the Coastguard on 999”.