Youths 'dive bomb' family pedalos

The youths have been warned that if they hit a pedalo or something in the water they could be killed (picture: Carmarthenshire council)

Youngsters have been warned they are putting themselves and others at risk by "dive bombing" boaters at a dock.

Youths have been photographed jumping off railings at North Dock in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, 20ft (6m) into water.

The owner of a pedalo business said they were deliberately landing near families, causing them to panic and threatening to sink the watercraft.

Meanwhile, South Wales Police say two youths have been injured while swimming at Port Talbot Docks.

Luciano Quaglia, who operates the pedalos at North Dock, said he been forced to beach the leg-powered boats several times and their behaviour was threatening his business.

He said: "I have had one family terrified when their pedalo was rocked by bombers who were deliberately targeting their boat and threatening to sink it.

"There are as many as 20 at a time aged from six to 18 causing massive wave patterns.

"They could be killed if they hit a pedalo or something in the water.

We have asked the police to help but this nonsense goes on as soon as their backs are turned Rory Dickinson, Millennium Coastal Park

"It is only about three feet deep and I have pulled shopping trolleys out from where they dive in."

Mr Quaglia said when he or the police approach they they become "foul-mouthed and threatening."

North Dock has been redeveloped as part of the Millennium Coastal Park. It is managed by Carmarthenshire council, which is considering lowering the water level in the docks to try to deter the jumpers.

MCP manager Rory Dickinson said: "We have asked the police to help but this nonsense goes on as soon as their backs are turned.

"North Dock has been developed for water sports with a safe ambient three to four feet of water in it and is used by canoers, for triathlon events and those learning boat craft.

"In the past when we have dropped water levels it has curbed this dangerous activity but that will rule it out for swimming and triathlons."

Police in Port Talbot say they will be increasing patrols of the docks there after two youngsters suffered cuts while swimming.

The waterway is owned by Associated British Ports (ABP) and is out of bounds for leisure use.

Community support officer Andrew Balzano said: "In the fine weather young people go to the docks to swim which is extremely dangerous."

Officers have written to the parents or guardians of more than a dozen children.

"There are a number of hazards and there have already been two relatively minor incidents of children cutting their feet.

"By working with ABP we want to educate these children not to swim in the area and to use the beach which is a very short distance away and far safer."