The horror unfolded off France’s Atlantic coast on Sunday (Picture: Shutterstock / Napat Photography)
A mum was killed after she was hit by another driven by her 16-year-old twin daughters.
The woman was riding a jet ski with her her partner under the supervision of an instructor when she was hit in Arcachon Bay off France’s Atlantic coast on Sunday.
She died from her injuries a few hours later.
Her partner and twin daughters were taken to hospital and were treated for minor injuries and shock.
The family is from the southwestern city of Angoulême.
Sammy Maysonnave, winner of the French jet ski championship in 2022, told regional newspaper Sud Ouest: ‘Helmets should be compulsory, it’s basic. Riders also need more training, perhaps a special licence.’
Although they are not compulsory, riders are advised to wear helmets.
However, France introduced a rule this year for riders to wear wetsuits at least 2mm thick to protect them from internal injuries.
Maysonnave said: ‘It’s a good start, but the regulations should be stricter.’
But he objects to Arcachon’s ban on private jet skis and called it ‘discriminatory’.
He added: ‘We’re being deprived of a freedom, but it’s not over yet. We’re going to take legal action against it.’
To ride a ski jet in France you must be at least 16, and hold a boat license.
Minors must be supervised by a qualified instructor.
The ban was implemented after arguments between beachgoers and jet skiers resulted in physical fights.
Bans are also in place in Mediterranean resorts such as Argelès-sur-Mer and Le Cannet, but they re opposed by jet skiers.
Mr Maysonnave, who also chairs Arguin Jet, a jet skiers’ association, said: ‘There are sometimes accidents, as there are in cars, but is that a reason to make jet skis illegal? I don’t think so.’
Deaths as a result of jet ski accidents have become more frequent in France.
Emergency services carried out 55 rescue missions along the Atlantic coast last year, an increase from 34 in 2022.
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