New bylaws aiming at cracking down on irresponsible behaviour on Loch Lomond have come into force.
From today (November 1) new 6kph slow-speed zones have been introduced at busy spots, whilst all under-16s on the water in a vessel must be wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid.
It has been made an offence to tamper with lifesaving safety equipment at the lochside, whilst loch users will need to register in advance if they are planning on using any vessel with an engine – including jet skis.
The bylaws were recently reviewed by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority and a 12-week public consultation was held on proposed changes.
Key changes include that under-16s must wear life jackets or buoyancy aids when on any moving vessel. This includes boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and any other vessel on the water – regardless of whether it has an engine or not.
Users now need to register in advance with the National Park Authority if they intend to be in charge of a vessel with an engine (including jet skis).
Under the rules the person in charge is the person responsible for the way the vessel is being used, whether they’re steering or not. There only needs to be one registered user on board at all times when moving.
If someone under 16 takes out a vessel with an engine and breaches a bylaw, the registered owner or owner will be guilty of an offence.
New 6kph slow-speed zones are now in force at Balloch Castle Country Park, Duck Bay, Manse Bay, Milarrochy Bay, Luss, Sallochy and Rowardennan. These zones are marked by 6kph buoys and mean you need to stay below 6kph (equivalent to a slow walking pace).
The boundary line marking the 11kph speed zones to the south of Inchtavannach, Inchmoan and Inchcruin islands has changed – users must slow down to 11kph (equivalent to a fast walking pace) by the time they pass through the buoys marking the boundary.
A new online registration system is being introduced to make it easier for owners to register vessels with an engine.
The same system will be used to register people who intend to be in charge of a vessel that is not registered to them.
Kenny Auld, Head of Visitor Services at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority said: “The new Loch Lomond Byelaws are an important tool for promoting public safety and responsible enjoyment of Loch Lomond, which is used by a range of different groups, from wild swimmers and water sports enthusiasts to anglers and local businesses.
“Our Ranger Team patrols Loch Lomond on a daily basis and while the vast majority of engagement with loch users is positive, it is also important to have an effective deterrent to irresponsible behaviour.
“There have been increased concerns about disturbance, antisocial behaviour and safety risks on Loch Lomond in recent years and the changes coming into force today are aimed at addressing those concerns so that Loch Lomond can be enjoyed safely by the thousands of people who spend time here every year.”
A public consultation between July and October 2022 showed significant levels of support (between 75 and 88 percent) for most proposed changes.
Between 2019 and 2022 there was a 31 percent increase in registrations of personal water craft such as jet skis on Loch Lomond. Between 2012 and 2022, that increase was 61 percent.
Over the last decade there was a 185 percent increase in total alleged contraventions of Loch Lomond Byelaws between 2012 and 2022, 53 percent of which were for speeding
National Park Rangers have already been working with visitors and loch users to increase awareness of the new bylaws and help them understand what they need to do to comply with them. This will continue during the quieter winter months and there will be further activity in time for the peak visitor season in 2025.
The Loch Lomond bylaws were introduced in 1996 and are required by law to be reviewed at least every 10 years.
The new set of Loch Lomond Byelaws can be viewed on the National Park Authority website
Hard copies are available at National Park Headquarters in Balloch, Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway in Balloch and Balmaha Visitor Centre.
Anyone who intends to be in charge of a vessel with an engine that is not registered to them, before January 31 2025, should contact Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway on 01389 722030 [email protected].