Eling Sailing Club members targeted by teenage jet-skiers

Members of Eling Sailing Club say at least one jet-ski repeatedly went within inches of the craft, narrowly avoiding a collision and leaving the crews soaking wet.

The club was forced to abandon one of the races amid fears the teenagers' behaviour could cause an accident.

Eling is a popular watersports area. (Image: Newsquest.)

Vice commodore Ron May said: "A jet-ski went dangerously close to the dinghies, risking a serious injury or even a fatality, before pulling away at the last minute.

"It was deliberate intimidation. We ended up very wet but no-one went into the water."

Mr May said the incident involved about six youths who were using a public slipway near the Anchor Inn last Saturday.

"Someone on the shore called the police, who were there for some time.

"It was a particularly bad but no means isolated occurrence. This sort of thing has been going on for years and is an accident waiting to happen.

"We love to see people enjoying the creek but it seems the only way forward would be to ban jet-skiers from the slipway."

The incident has sparked calls for jet-skiers to be banned from launching their craft from a slipway at Eling.

Several people have taken to social media to voice their anger at what happened.

One person said the teenagers took turns to harass the sailors by roaring past them, which resulted in the dinghies being sprayed with water.

Totton councillor David Harrison, who has had discussions with Mr May, added: "Almost every summer I receive reports and complaints about anti-social jet-ski riding at Eling.

"I worry that one day we could have a really serious incident involving injuries or even a fatality."

Cllr Harrison said jet-skiers could be banned from using the council-owned slipway but added: "I'm reluctant to go this far straight away because there are jet-ski users who use it responsibly."

The incident occurred between Redbridge and Goatee Beach. Picture: Colin Lee.

Ten dinghies were caught up in the incident, which occurred between Redbridge and Goatee Beach. Social media users said a paddleboarder was also targeted.

One person posted: "It was awful to watch. There will be a terrible accident soon."

A police spokesperson said a jet-skier reported to have been acting in an anti-social manner was spoken to by officers and given "suitable advice".

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