Personal watercraft rider in his 80s caught speeding in Brightlingsea
Local byelaws breached as speeds exceed limits on Essex waterways
A personal watercraft rider in his 80s from the Clacton area has been reported for speeding along Brightlingsea Creek.
The rider was spotted travelling at 15 knots on Saturday, 25th July 2026, exceeding the local speed limit of 4 knots enforced by river byelaws.
This incident follows reports of three other men, aged 19, 24, and 29, who were recently caught speeding on the nearby River Colne.
The Essex Police Marine Unit, in collaboration with the Brightlingsea Harbour Master, conducted patrols as part of Operation Wave-Breaker.
The initiative aims to prevent anti-social behaviour and ensure safety along Essex’s 350-mile coastline.
PC Craig Stocker emphasised that local water byelaws and speed limits are in place for safety and are displayed at all slipways.
Residents can consult the harbour master at Brightlingsea for advice on byelaws.
More details on the PWC Code of Conduct and local water byelaws can be found on the Essex Police website.
Advice on water safety is available through the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s website.
The Marine Unit also attended Blackwater Sailing Club's annual Cadet Week on Sunday, 26th July, offering young people an opportunity to explore their patrol boat, Sentinel, and learn about marine safety.
The patrol continued along the Thames estuary, engaging with boat skippers before returning to Bradwell Marina.