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A quiet afternoon at La Luna Beach in Calahonda, Mijas, Málaga, turned chaotic last week when an out-of-control jet ski came dangerously close to beachgoers.

 

The incident happened last week, when the machine suddenly shot forward close to the shoreline, sending bathers scrambling to get out of its path. Terrified holidaymakers leapt aside as the watercraft sped towards the sand before finally coming to a stop.

 

Witnesses reported that a young man had climbed onto the seat and reached towards the back of the jet ski just before it jolted forward, catching him unawares and throwing him into the shallows. The watercraft continued moving towards the beach, with people in and out of the sea rushing to safety.

 

Although no injuries were reported, the panic on the beach was clear. “What’s a jet ski doing less than 15 metres from the beach?” one beachgoer asked. Another remarked, “Someone’s alive now just by sheer luck.” Others were more forgiving and suggested the cable might have become caught, causing the sudden burst of speed. Another witness stated, "Anyone can make a mistake - it looks like it accelerated on its own."

 

Authorities later confirmed that the driver of the jet ski attempted to flee towards Cabopino port following the incident. Thanks to the rapid response of lifeguards and the Local Police, he was identified and reported to the Guardia Civil. He has since been sanctioned for recklessness and negligence, having put the safety of bathers at risk.

 

This latest scare comes against a backdrop of growing concern about watercraft safety in Málaga province. Four people have died in jet ski accidents since July 2023, including a young man in Marbella in August last year, when his jet ski collided with a leisure boat.

 

While last week´s incident ended without tragedy, it had mixed reactions from observers and reignited debate about how close jet skis should be allowed to operate near busy bathing areas.

 

 

Image: Donald Tong/Pexels