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A fatal jet ski collision in France raises concerns about water sport safety. Experts call for stricter regulations as coastal towns implement bans on private jet skis.A 47-year-old mother died in Arcachon Bay, France, after her jet ski collided with her teenage twin daughters' watercraft. The incident has reignited discussions regarding the safety of jet skis and the nation's water sports rules.
The deadly accident took place near the French Atlantic shoreline, where the woman was jet skiing with her partner. Their vessel crashed into another watercraft being driven by their teenage twin daughters. The mother passed away from head injuries shortly after the accident, while her partner and daughters received treatment for minor injuries and shock at a nearby hospital.
French authorities confirmed that the family, from the southwestern city of Angoulême, was under the supervision of a qualified instructor at the time of the incident. This supervision is mandatory under French coastal laws for individuals who do not possess a boat license.
In response to the accident, Sammy Maysonnave, the 2022 French jet ski champion, called for enhanced safety measures. "Riders need more training, perhaps a special license," Maysonnave told reporters. He described current regulations as "a good start" but emphasized that "the regulations should be stricter."
While fatalities from jet ski accidents remain infrequent in France, the number of incidents has risen. Emergency services reported 55 rescue missions on the Atlantic coast last year, up from 34 in 2022. Current safety rules advise, but do not mandate, the use of helmets. A new regulation introduced this year requires riders to wear wetsuits at least 2 millimeters thick to protect against internal injuries.
The accident occurred amid growing tensions between jet ski enthusiasts and local communities, which reportedly led to physical fights. Several French coastal towns, including Arcachon, Lège-Cap-Ferret, Argelès-sur-Mer, and Le Cannet, have recently banned privately owned jet skis, citing concerns over pollution, noise, and antisocial behavior.
These bans have sparked controversy within the jet skiing community. Maysonnave, who also chairs the jet skiers' association Arguin Jet, described the restrictions as "discriminatory." He stated, "We are being deprived of a freedom, but it is not over yet. We are going to take legal action against it."
Defenders of jet skiing argue that the sport should not be outlawed due to isolated incidents. "There are sometimes accidents, as there are in cars, but is that a reason to make jet skis illegal? I do not think so," Maysonnave added.
