Officers from Northumbria Police's Marine Unit are set to make a splash with their new watercraft patrols. The force has taken delivery of two Polaris Genesis, which will be used to help educate the public in the safe use of watercraft and for general police patrols.

Officers have been dealing with increased incidents and complaints of PW misuse during the summer months, which have ranged from causing a nuisance to placing other water users at risk of serious injury.

The Marine Unit plans to tackle the problem in a way similar to the force's motorcycle safety scheme Weekender. It involves high-profile policing on a similar type of vehicle with the emphasis on education rather than prosecution.

Sergeant Rod Urquhart, of the Marine Unit, said: 'It is only a small minority of people who misuse their craft causing annoyance and danger to other water users, particularly swimmers. We don't want to spoil anyone's fun but it's important they are used properly and safely.

Sergeant Urquhart continued, 'There are rules and regulations, such as collision regulations which people need to adhere to while riding. They should also wear appropriate safety equipment and have a knowledge of the area they are riding in. Marine Unit officers would rather educate people as to how to act safely than take action against them. However, if they don't listen we will take matters further.'

'By using PW it will be easier to engage with skiers as they can identify with the officers. This can only help prevent incidents and make our rivers and coastline a safer place for all to enjoy.'

The watercraft will also be used for security patrols on the region's rivers and the policing of the Labour Party Spring Conference and the Tall Ships Race in July. Watercraft were used by the force during the Tall Ships Race in 1993.

Sgt Urquhart added: 'At the moment we put officers on larger boats to carry out security checks on the rivers but we will now be able to do these on PW. It gives us more flexibility and access to areas that the large craft are restricted from going to due to their size and draught. They will also be deployed as a fast response vessel to any suspicious incidents during the Labour Party Spring Conference.'

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