After the recent death of an 18-year-old holidaymaker Gill Farrington investigates what could be done to improve safety for waterbikers.

Maggie Hoppe dreads the summer. She cannot bear to watch as the weather warms up and more people take to the water off the Sussex coast on waterbikes, also known as personal watercrafts (PWCs).

She said: "I saw a waterbike on the back of a trailer while I was driving in my car and just stopped in the middle of the road.

"I am so appalled by them it is as if I'm drawn to them. If I see someone using them on the sea I cannot take my eyes off them.

"They are powerful and lethal machines."

Ms Hoppe's experience of PWCs is a tragic one. The bank holiday weekend marked the fourth anniversary of her daughter Jacqui's death who was killed in a waterbike accident.

She died after being hit head-on by another waterbike being ridden by her best friend.

The friend said she lost control of the machine as she slowed down and turned the machine round.

Jacqui died instantly in the accident which happened on Lake Mead, near Boulder City, Nevada.

Alan Manton, a training instructor at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), said the accident was an example of why people should receive training before going on a PWC.

He said: "If PWCs are used sensibly and carefully they can be fun machines. Training is needed so people know how to handle them."

The engines and steering mechanism of PWCs and the original Jet-Skis, a trade name for the stand-up crafts created by Kawasaki, are unlike most other boats.

Water is sucked in through the engine and is pushed out through a pipe at the back to propel it forward.

Steering works by moving the pipe from side to side. If the rider is not using the throttle, less water is pulled through the pipe making it harder to steer.

Mr Manton, who lives in Storrington, said: "If someone realises they are on a collision course instinct tells them to slow right down and attempt to turn but that is exactly the opposite of what they should do.

"They will not be able to control the machine and will stay on the collision course. Instead they should boost the power to kick the back of the machine round and get away.

"It is the reverse of everything we learn about driving on the road so education is needed to override instinct."

Unlike countries such as Germany, riders of PWCS and Jet-Skis in Britain do not need a licence, insurance or any training.

It is down to local authorities to try to control the use of PWCs as much as they can.

Brighton and Hove City Council has a series of buoys placed 200 yards out to sea which the machines have to be ridden beyond to protect swimmers. There are also particular launch spots along the coast.

Worthing Borough Council has a similar system as does Lewes District Council which is in charge of the coast from Saltdean to Newhaven.

However, no council has the power to make people wear safety equipment.

A Worthing beach officer said: "It is so surprising so few people wear crash helmets and even lifejackets. We advise them it is not a good idea to go out to sea like that but they often just tell us to mind our own business."

Mr Manton said few accidents occurred off the Sussex coast, where most people have bought their own craft, compared to the number of accidents involving hire companies abroad.

Despite this he believes PWC training should be made a legal requirement.

This is contrary to the RYA's stance which says it should be voluntary.

Mr Manton said: "There are rules about giving way on water just like there are on the road which people should know about.

"I believe the relevant authorities should have the power to ask riders to produce their insurance and licence and if they do not, to ticket them like road users."

Ms Hoppe wants the Government to set up a national certificate of competence to try to improve safety standards but the RYA does not believe it is the best way forward.

Their spokesman said: "It is easy to say riding PWCs is comparable to driving on a road but it is not that simple.

"There are different conditions all along the coast and it is different again on lakes and the sea.

"We believe it is better for people to gain training in their local area so they can adapt to the local conditions."

Ms Hoppe, of Old Shoreham Road, Shoreham, believes that is not good enough.

She said: "How many people will have to die before the Government does something about this?

"No-one would be allowed to take a motorised vehicle of any kind on a road without a licence, instruction or suitable protective clothing.

"It makes no difference this is on water. It still has the ability to kill."

Anyone who wants to contact Alan Manton about training courses can phone him on 07950 968348.