by Democrat reporter
Jet ski riders on Loch Lomond are posing a threat to public safety and damaging the environment, authorities have warned.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority will increase patrols this weekend in an attempt to stamp out a rise in what it called “dangerous, reckless and aggressive behaviour”.
Among the offences are excessive speed, reckless manoeuvres and disturbing wildlife on the loch.
The park authority said there was a worsening trend of behaviour across the national park as a whole, covering the loch, camping, and breaches of the Environmental Protection Act.
The Loch Lomond byelaws are intended to ensure safe and responsible use of the loch via speed-restricted areas and other measures.
Too close for comfort – and a safety hazard with it – a jet skier buzzes a yacht on Loch Lomond. Picture by Bill Heaney
They were strengthened in 2023, and park authorities said tightening the measures even further could not be ruled out.
The park authority said there had been a 429% increase in cases of non-compliance reported to the procurator fiscal between 2025 and June of this year.
It added that there had been a 96% increase in non-compliance cases raised across the Loch Lomond byelaws, camping management byelaws and the Environmental Protection Act in the same time span.
Gordon Watson, the chief executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “While the majority of visitors enjoy the National Park responsibly, the reckless behaviour of this growing group of jet ski users is a serious concern, with a real risk of injury or worse.
“It’s completely unacceptable and won’t be tolerated.
“The byelaws were reviewed in 2023, and we took proportionate steps to strengthen them, including additional very low speed-restricted areas at popular locations to improve safety.
“However, if further action is necessary to prevent these reckless behaviours and protect public safety, we are fully prepared to consider stronger measures.”
Loch Lomond is expected to be busy this weekend with warm weather likely
In 2026 alone, 95% of all generated cases on Loch Lomond have related to jet skis.
Park rangers will have an increased presence around the loch’s most popular areas this weekend – such as Luss and Duck Bay – with warm weather expected.
Boat patrols will also record footage of any concerning behaviour to support prosecutions.
Support will be in place from Police Scotland’s Operation Ballaton, aimed at addressing any anti-social behaviour or disorder.
Police Scotland Supt Lynsey Booth said: “We are working in support of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority and other partners in response to reports of dangerous and reckless behaviour involving jet skis and other powered vessels on Loch Lomond.
“Where criminality is identified, police inquiries will be carried out and, where appropriate, action taken against those responsible.”
Anyone who witnesses criminal, dangerous or life-threatening behaviour from a jet ski or boat should contact Police Scotland with a description of the craft and the incident.