An “idiot” jet skier who rode his craft on a busy river at a shocking '46mph while children were swimming nearby' has been slammed by residents.

The rogue rider risked ploughing into paddle boarders, swimmers and children playing in the River Stour near Tuckton – which has a speed limit for motorised craft of just 6mph.

A video showing the male rider with a woman passenger has emerged just weeks after the law on reckless jet skiers was strengthened.

The man who took the video on Saturday, May 20, estimated the jet ski was travelling at around 40 knots (46mph), more than seven times the legal limit.

The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The river was packed with hire boaters, paddle boarders and others on the water on such a sunny day.

“There were lots of boats for hire with toddlers inside who were at risk when these idiots flew past.

“Lots of people had near misses with this jet ski rider from Iford all the way to Mudeford.”

Jet skis are now subject to the same regulations as ships and the maximum sentence for endangering other watercraft and people is a two-year jail term and an unlimited fine.

According to residents, the same pair are said to have narrowly missed some swimmers while bombing along the river with music blaring.

Some took to social media to voice their concerns.

Kate James said: “These two came past us really fast a couple of weeks ago when we had two young kids in a rowing boat outside Christchurch Sailing Club.

Bournemouth Echo: Paddleboarders and kayakers in the River Stour near Christchurch.Paddleboarders and kayakers in the River Stour near Christchurch. (Image: BNPS)

“I was shouting for them to slow down too. Very dangerous.”

John Denis added: “I hope that the offenders eventually get prosecuted but I fear they and many other half-wits on the river will continue to ruin it for others.”

Gary Elford, chairman of the Wessex Surfing Club, said strict action must be enforced.

He said: “Having seen far too many near misses from reckless jet ski riding and occasionally other types of small-powered craft in and around surfers at local surf spots, I welcome any strengthening of legislation that gives the powers that be the ability to deal with the sections of the jet-ski and power sports community.

“They seem to think they can ride however they want and wherever they want, with no regards for others' safety in the water.

“Inshore reckless riding isn't acceptable and will now finally be backed by tough legislation, should they continue to ignore this requirement from their riding behaviour.”

The Daily Echo has contacted Dorset Police for further information.