Laxey breakwater and jetty to close to the public

Two areas of Laxey Harbour will close today.

The government says the area of the Outer Breakwater and Harbour Office Jetty will be inaccessible to the public, due to continued disregard for safety advice and by-laws.

Officials add this action is not taken lightly, and have apologised to those who enjoy the amenity value of our harbours.

The Harbours Division has again warned the public of the potential dangers of the harbour - and asks people to refrain from jumping into or swimming in a harbour.

Swimming and jumping into a harbour channel, increases the risk of injury or death from collision with a vessel. 

It is an offence under the Harbours Act and by-laws to swim, bathe or dive from any harbour pier or any part of a harbour which lies within a pier head.   

The by-laws also give the power to instruct swimmers to leave the harbour and failure to comply with any instruction given by a Harbour Officer can lead to prosecution and a fine up to £5,000.