Joyriding jetskiers are creating a safety hazard along Worthing seafront, a councillor has warned.

But leisure officials at Worthing Borough Council said they were virtually powerless to crackdown on waterbikers who broke the bylaws.

Councillor John Livermore said the town's safety boat operators had an extremely busy day on Sunday trying to apprehend irresponsible jet-skiers.

He said: "I am concerned we are waiting for an accident to happen here," and called on the council to introduce a licensing system and compulsory insurance.

But Coun Maurice Tucker, executive member for leisure and cultural services, said the problem was caused by people from out-of-town who didn't know the rules.

Under existing bylaws, jet-skiers should stick to a lane marked by yellow buoys opposite the Goring launching ramp and also keep outside a line of buoys running parallel to the seafront away from swimming areas.

But many speed in restricted areas, putting bathers at risk.