JET SKI HORROR
Mum, 47, killed by jet ski being ridden by her own twin daughters, 16, in horror crash while on holiday in France
It is not compulsory to wear a helmet while riding a jet ski in France
A MUM has been killed after the jet ski she was riding on was hit by one being driven by her 16-year-old twin daughters.
The 47-year-old died of head injuries after the horrific crash in France on Sunday.
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She was on one with her partner as their daughters rode another in Arcachon Bay on the southwest coast.
The family, from Angoulême also in the southwest, were out with an instructor.
Her partner and kids were taken to hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and shock.
Some holiday resorts in France have banned jet skis as Sunday's horrific accident has reopened debates around safety regulations.
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Most bans are in place because of noise or environmental damage.
Sammy Maysonnave, winner of a French jet ski competition in 2022, told newspaper Sud Ouest: "Helmets should be compulsory, it’s basic.
“Riders also need more training, perhaps a special licence.”
It's not mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a jet ski in the country.
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Health and safety rules only enforce wetsuit shorts that are at least 2mm thick to protect against internal injuries.
Maysonnave added: "t's a good start, but the regulations should be stricter."
To ride a jet ski in France you have to be at least 16 and hold a special boat license - unless supervised by an instructor.
Deaths caused by accidents on the motors are becoming more frequent in France.
In 2023 emergency services had to conduct 55 rescue missions along the coast because of them - a hefty increase from 34 in 2022.
Holiday resorts Arcachon and Lège-Cap-Ferret have banned privately owned jet skis this summer over concerns about the noise and pollution.
Only approved hire companies can operate the vehicles.
Maysonnave, head of a jet ski association Arguin Jet, said the ban is "discriminatory".
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He added: "There are sometimes accidents, as there are in cars, but is that a reason to make jet skis illegal? I don’t think so.
"We’re being deprived of a freedom, but it’s not over yet. We’re going to take legal action against it."
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