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Personal Powered Watercraft (P.P.W.) Policy

or for further information please telephone:


Beach Officer on 01502 586167 – mid March to end of October.
or
WDC on 01502 588444 – end of October to mid March.
  • PPW users must register with Waveney District Council in order to launch/retrieve their craft from the Beach at Lowestoft. For this there will be an annual charge of £50.00 (42.55 +7.45 V.A.T) to be reviewed and renewed annually.
  • To register the owner must have proof of public liability insurance (to the amount of £2,000,000) at the time of registration.
  • PPW should also be DATATAG registered (telephone 01932 358100 between 9.00am and 5.00pm), and the number clearly displayed on the craft.
  • PPW users must have their registration permits available for inspection at all times, and keep their craft well maintained and in good working order.
  • It is compulsory that buoyancy aids be used and a form of distress signal is carried whenever at sea.
  • The area between the Claremont Pier and the first groyne to the North will be the designated launch and retrieval point for PPW.
A gate access key will be issued to and for the sole use of each PPW user who joins the registration scheme:
  • Only one vehicle at a time will be allowed access to transport PPW to the designated launch and retrieval point before 9.00am and after 6.00pm between April 1st and October 31st. 
  • Between these times, PPW may only be man handled to and from the launch and retrieval point (care must be taken not to block the Claremont car park access road with vehicles). 
  • The storeage area for PPW trailers will be the area directly to the North of the Claremont Pier at the top of the beach up against the side of the Claremont slope. 
  • In cases of bad weather between these times, a vehicle may be used to launch and retrieve craft, but only with the express permission of the Beach Officer. 
  • Between November 1st and March 31st, one vehicle at a time can be used to launch or retrieve craft throughout the day. 
  • Regardless of weather conditions, special provision will be made for retrieval due to such circumstances as personal emergencies.
  • The speed of the craft between the waters edge and any point 150 metres out to sea must not exceed 8 knots (approx 10mph).
  • When proceeding to the correct distance from the shore, PPW Users must steer their craft close to but a safe distance from the North side of the Claremont Pier.
  • Although proceeding south of the Claremont Pier at the correct distance from the shore is not contravening any Seashore Bylaw, it is requested that unless travelling to a set destination, PPW users stay between the South Pier and Claremont Pier.
  • If travelling to another destination, it is desirable that the Beach Lifeguards or the Beach Officer are informed of any plans for the day.
  • The turning point for heading North will be at least 150 metres distance from the waters edge, or preferably level with the end of the South Pier.
  • Care must be taken to stay clear of shipping and sail craft, and extreme attention must be paid to the proximity of any swimmers.
All PPW users must work together along with the Lowestoft Beach Club, the Beach Officer (end of March to end of October), the Beach Lifeguards (end of May to Beginning of September), Lowestoft Police and CCTV in order to control and promote safe water usage for all seashore visitors.

These terms and conditions must be adhered to at all time, as must the local seashore bylaws. Waveney District Council will cancel the registration and launching permit of any PPW user that fails to comply with this policy.


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