Any alternative ideas?

I AM writing to clarify the current situation regarding the launching of powered watercraft from the slipway at Knightstone in Weston. As landowner of the slipway, the council needs to make sure the site is managed effectively and is safe for all users to enjoy. To achieve this we are introducing a permit scheme to ensure that anyone launching a powered watercraft from Knightstone not only has the necessary insurance but also behaves responsibly. Following a number of accidents around the country this approach has already been adopted for powered watercraft in many other coastal areas. It is similar to the scheme we have developed at the WindZone at the Uphill end of the beach with the three clubs which carry out land wind sports. We want to work with operators who are prepared to behave safely and reasonably and certainly do not want to stop these activities as they enhance the excitement, action and vibrancy at this end of the seafront. We have introduced a scheme with the Weston Bay Watersports Club which has helped and supported us enormously. Generally, users of the slipway recognise that the site has to be properly regulated, but some have come forward with concerns about the scheme.The Royal Yachting Association, which controls and monitors these activities nationally, has offered to support a new club for jet skiers as an alternative option to the Watersports Club. The association can help organise meetings and develop a similar permit scheme. The bottom line is that more effective management of the slipway is a must. If any users of the slipway have any alternative ideas on how this can be achieved I would be happy to discuss these with them. JULIA STUCKEY - Destination manager, North Somerset Council