National Park Authority enforcement stepped up to tackle reckless jet ski behaviour on Loch Lomond

 

• CCTV and increased Ranger patrols to protect public safety and prosecute offending jet ski users
• 429% surge in Loch Lomond Byelaw non-compliance cases generated to the Procurator Fiscal between 2025 and June 2026
• 95% of all generated cases on Loch Lomond in 2026 have involved jet skis, prompting CCTV on patrol boats and increased enforcement measures
• National Park Authority “fully prepared to consider stronger measures” if reckless jet ski behaviour continues, warning of a “real risk of injury or worse”

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is introducing new measures and increasing patrols in response to a marked increase in dangerous, reckless and aggressive behaviour from some boat and jet ski users on Loch Lomond. The worsening behaviour poses a significant threat to public safety, and negatively impacts the natural environment as well as local communities, visitors and businesses.

As a result, and given the forecast warm weather this weekend, additional new measures have been put in place to directly combat these behaviours, including the introduction of CCTV on National Park Authority patrol boats, an increase in Ranger resources on the loch and shoreline in hot spot areas such as Luss and Duck Bay.

Support will also be in place from Operation Ballaton, with Police Scotland on high visibility patrol over the weekend to address any anti-social behaviour, disorder, and any associated criminality. Operation Ballaton is the annual multiagency public safety operation stood up over the summer months to counter anti-social behaviour involving Police Scotland, British Transport Police, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, West Dunbartonshire Council, Argyll and Bute Council, ScotRail, and the National Park Authority.

These measures follow a 429% increase in cases of non-compliance with the Loch Lomond Byelaws, which include speed-restricted areas and other measures to manage safe and responsible use of Loch Lomond, generated to the Procurator Fiscal between 2025 and June of this year.

This reflects a wider trend of worsening behaviour across the National Park, with a 96% increase in non-compliance cases raised across the Loch Lomond Byelaws, Camping Management Byelaws and Environmental Protection Act with the Procurator Fiscal since 2025. In 2026 alone so far- 95% of all cases on Loch Lomond have related to jet skis.

Offences include excessive speed and reckless manoeuvres, posing not only a significant nuisance but also a risk of serious injury or death to other loch users. Extreme water disturbance is also causing shore erosion and disturbing wildlife on Scotland’s iconic loch, while local communities and businesses face consistent disturbance and disruption.

Gordon Watson, 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. Our Rangers will have an increased presence this weekend, and our boat patrols will now be recording footage of any concerning behaviour to support prosecutions – in recent weeks fines have already been issued.

“The Loch Lomond Byelaws were introduced to ensure different types of loch users could enjoy this special place together, in harmony with the natural environment and local communities who are proud to call the National Park home. The byelaws were reviewed in 2023, and we took proportionate steps to strengthen them, including additional very low (6kph) speed-restricted areas at popular lochshore 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. We’re grateful for the support of Police Scotland and the local authorities as we work together to introduce these new strengthened interventions, and we strongly urge all users to enjoy the loch safely, responsibly and respectively this summer”

Police Scotland Superintendent 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.

“In instances where the actions of those using the loch place people in immediate danger or present a threat to life, members of the public should contact Police Scotland immediately by calling 999. 

“Video footage, photographs, or information such as registration details can also provide valuable evidence in supporting enquiries and we would encourage anyone with information to submit it to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Parks team.

“Where criminality is identified, police enquiries will be carried out and, where appropriate, action taken against those responsible.

“We would also encourage anyone using jet skis or other powered vessels to ensure they are familiar with and comply with the byelaws and registration requirements which are in place to keep everyone using the loch safe.”

Video footage has been effective in aiding Police Scotland investigations and as evidence to support prosecutions of byelaw breaches. Members of the public and other boat users are encouraged to report any reckless or concerning behaviour from boat or jet ski users on the loch along with any video or photo evidence to info@lochlomond-trossachs.org, or by calling the Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway directly on 01389 722030.

If you witness criminal, dangerous or life-threatening behaviour from a jet ski or boat, report it immediately to Police Scotland by calling 999 and provide:

• Registration number (for jet skis including the three digits and background colour. For boats, the letter prefixed by a 4-digit number on a white background). If no registration sticker is visible, a clear description of the jet ski/boat and anyone on board is helpful.
• Description of the craft
• Location and time of the incident
• Photos or video footage (if available and can be captured without putting yourself, or anyone else in danger).

Further information and guidance on Loch Lomond Byelaws can be found on the National Park Authority here.