The Gendarmerie steps up checks against risky behaviour at sea

Toulon – 16 July 2026: With the summer holidays and the large number of visitors on France’s coasts, the Gendarmerie has expanded its checks at sea. Patrols aim to detect dangerous behavior by recreational boat captains and water sports enthusiasts at an early stage. The focus is on fast motorboats, personal watercraft, and other vehicles operating in heavily frequented coastal areas.

Officers are particularly checking compliance with speed limits near the coast, the number of passengers, and mandatory safety equipment on board. A maximum speed of five knots applies in the 300-meter coastal zone. Violations in this area can directly endanger swimmers, boaters, paddleboarders, and other sea users.

Special attention is being paid to so-called personal watercraft, commonly referred to as Jet Skis. The Gendarmerie points out that collisions on the water are often linked to excessive speed, lack of experience, or insufficient preparation. The absence of life jackets, missing documentation, or inadequate safety equipment may also be observed during checks.

Another key issue is navigation under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substances. According to the Gendarmerie, these substances can significantly impair reaction time and the ability to judge distances. On the water, this increases the risk of collisions and serious accidents, especially as numerous recreational boats, swimmers, and sports teams are concentrated in confined spaces during the summer.

The checks are part of the Gendarmerie’s summer protection program, which has been underway since 22 June 2026 and is planned to continue until 13 September 2026. Additional personnel have been deployed nationwide in particularly busy holiday regions. In addition to penalizing violations, patrols also aim to promote compliance with the rules through direct contact.

In the Mediterranean region, the maritime prefecture is also relying on a combination of information, checks, and adapted regulations for the 2026 season. According to its figures, around 4,000 violations were detected during approximately 12,000 checks in 2025. The figures underline that authorities regard the safety of recreational traffic at sea as a permanent task.

For tourists, this primarily means the following: before every departure, weather conditions, equipment, and applicable local rules should be checked. Those using a motorboat or personal watercraft should keep a sufficient distance from swimming areas and adapt their speed to the conditions. The increased checks are intended not only to penalize, but also to prevent accidents during the current peak season.