powercraft.

The Water Safety Council has discussed the regulation of jet skis already and the issue is set to be top of the agenda at their next meeting.

They are hoping new guidelines can be established in time for the summer, in conjunction with owners, operators and watersports associations.

Sheelagh Cooper, chairman of the WSC, said they didn't want to resort to legislation unless it was absolutely necessary.

She was speaking following the conviction earlier this week of Bruce Dawson Foggo, a jet ski rider who was involved in a boat collision in which a man died.

Foggo, of Ballast Point, St. George's, was fined a total of $800 for driving without due care and attention, and failing to give a breath test. He was found not guilty of impaired driving.

In the incident, which happened last April, Devonshire man Al Reulle Reuben Shamsid-Deen, 50, drowned. The boat, which was shorter than 20ft, had no lamps but the jet ski was equipped with running lights.

Marine regulations state that a vessel shorter than 20ft does not require running lights.

Mrs. Cooper said there was a need to look at water safety for all users, and not target just jet skiers.

But she said she believed all boats, no matter what their size, should have lights.

Of jet skis, she said there was a need for haste as the numbers on the Island grew daily. "They are growing, they are becoming more powerful. It is important that we become proactive in addressing this issue. But I think it is crucial not to single out jet skiers. We need to focus on water safety in its totality -- they are not the only type of water craft that can be dangerous but we definitely need to address the problem.'' The WSC is currently reviewing a report on jet skis compiled by the UBP and have decided to look at a number of aspects of the issue, including age, proximity to other vessels and swimmers, and lights.

In addition, they are looking at how other jurisdictions deal with the problem.

"We want to explore ways in which we can encourage the safe use of jet skis.

We want to come up with something that the owners and associations are willing to work with -- they are interested in safety too.

"We will be working as quickly as we can, the season is almost upon us and more are being imported daily.'' Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said he did not want to pre-empt what recommendations could be made by the Water Safety Council.

The former UBP Government banned the use of jet skis at night in the tightening up of regulations.

In addition, those renting skis must be at least 16 and undergo some form of instruction.