RNLI Lifeguards have issued urgent safety advice to jet skiers after two collided in the sea at Bournemouth.

The uncle and nephew were jumping off waves formed by the wake of a powerboat when the incident happened.

One of the crafts was badly damaged in the collision and the younger of the two men suffered a suspected broken leg. RNLI Lifeguards responded and the casualty was taken to shore on a rescue jet ski.

Barry Heathfield, RNLI lifeguard manager in Bournemouth, said: "This incident could easily have had more serious consequences. One of the drivers appears to have taken the impact of the crash on the leg - they were both very lucky that there were well-equipped and highly-trained lifeguards able to quickly respond.

"Personal Water Crafts (PWCs) are great fun, but should be used with attention to safety."

Jet skiers should always wear a lifejacket, have a means to call for help, be aware of weather and sea conditions, check their engine and fuel, let someone know when they'll be returning, and very importantly, always wear a kill-cord so that the engine will stop if they fall off.

Earlier this month Judge John Beashel called for a clampdown on jet skis as he jailed a rider who caused appalling injuries to a fellow jet skier.

Paul Facer, from Parkstone, has had four steel plates inserted into his face and has suffered memory loss since the horrific accident in Weymouth last year.

Judge Beashel jailed Mark Goodwin for six months, saying that jet skiers must bear in mind they are in control of "potentially lethal weapons".

RNLI Beach Lifeguard Operational Manager Peter Dawes said: "A collision with another PWC, a boat or a swimmer can happen in spilt seconds, and jet skiers need to make it their responsibility to act in a responsible manner and avoid collisions."

Anyone wanting to learn more about the 'rules of the road' and how to stay safe on their PWC should log onto www. rnli.org.uk/seasafety, or call 0800 3280600.

First published: August 20