Patrol Proceedures and Information

Why Patrol?

Water-skiing in Langstone Harbour is reviewed on an annual basis by the Harbour Board. The LHWSA was formed some 20 years ago at the Board's request, to carefully control and organise water-skiing. Each association member is required to carry out one 4 hour patrol per season, thus assisting the Harbour Board with policing the ski area.  At the end of the season the total number of patrols are given by the Harbour Office to the Harbour Board.

In the event of consistently poor patrol records, and subsequent safety, the Harbour Board COULD stop ALL water-skiing. It is therefore entirely up to us as association members to comply with the Patrol regulations if water-skiing is to continue in Langstone Harbour.

Patrol Times

Patrols are on all weekends and Bank Holidays.

Morning Patrol:    0900 hrs-1300 hrs

Afternoon Patrol: 1300 hrs-1700 hrs

Before You Patrol

• When you have received your allotted patrol date, please make sure that it is still suitable to you. If it is not, please telephone Jane Bond-Webster, on 07771 837955 to arrange an alternative date.

• On the day of your patrol, report to the Harbour Office, Ferry Road, Hayling Island, prior to your patrol time and speak to an authorised member of staff who will provide you with:
1. Patrol Folder/Report Pads.
2. LHB Flag.
3. Official LHB Patrol Board.
4. Information Packs (for handing out to non-members to encourage them to join).

How to Patrol

The offences to look out for during your patrol are as follows:

• Any vessel speeding anywhere within Langstone Harbour unless towing a skier in the ski area with a valid license.
• Skiing without a ski license anywhere within Langstone Harbour (including jet skis).
• Undue care and attention to other Harbour users.
• Incorrect use of the ski areas (skiing anticlockwise in the ski area).
• Foul or abusive language in connection with any of the above.

Important to Remember

• Patrol the ski area and harbour estuary only.
• Put up your LHB patrol flag in a secure and visible position.
• Fly the LHB patrol flag at all times during your patrol.
• Stop all offenders immediately and advise with respect to any of the mentioned offences.
• Always show 'Official Water-ski Patrol' board when communicating with offenders.
• Explain to offender why the LHWSA has a members' patrol and its importance for the continuation of water-skiing in Langstone Harbour and provide an information pack if they are non-members.
• Write ALL details clearly and legibly on the report sheet contained within the folder - the Harbour Master is willing to take whatever action is necessary but can only do so IF ALL DETAILS ARE RECORDED TO ENABLE HIM TO IDENTIFY THE OFFENDING CRAFT.
• Advise offender ONCE verbally; if offence is continued, get immediate assistance from the Harbour Office.
• Complete ALL of your 4 hour patrol.

If You Experience Trouble With An Offender

• DO NOT get into unnecessary arguments with offenders- get immediate assistance from the Harbour Master.
• DO NOT let offenders continue skiing at all; they must be made to leave the water. There is no question of 'just one more ski!' or 'a ski to the end of the harbour'. If necessary escort them out of the harbour or call on the Harbour Master for assistance.

If Your Patrol Is Quiet

• DO NOT stop patrolling (or start skiing).
• DO NOT 'anchor' or 'beach up', waiting or watching for someone to speed up etc.
• DO NOT SPEED AROUND UNNECESSARILY WHILE PATROLLING. This sets a bad example to others.
• You MUST continue to patrol the ski area and harbour estuary. If in question at all, it is for the Harbour Master to decide when the patrol is to finish, i.e. bad weather etc.

After Your Patrol

• Return the folder, flag and completed report sheet to the Harbour Office.
• Obtain the signature of the Harbour Master for your patrol sheets and keep the pink copy for your own records.

Final Word

The quantity and quality of LHWSA patrols is very important to the future of water-skiing in Langstone Harbour. Please make every effort to ensure that your patrol is effective.