Police have issued a warning about the dangers of removing life rings after responding to a man who had fallen off Weymouth's harbour wall.

It comes after a number of reports of anti-social behaviour from jet-skiers and youths on Pleasure Pier.

Officers from Weymouth & Portland Police accompanied the Weymouth Harbour Team on patrol and issued ten people with words of advice.

Whilst at the harbour they were called to reports of a man who had fallen off the harbour wall.

Officers had to retrieve a life-ring that had been thrown over so that they could use it.

Fortunately, the gentleman had landed on the pontoon below and not in the water.

The incident has prompted a reminder from the Police not to remove life rings unless it's a genuine emergency.

A spokesperson for Weymouth & Portland Police said: 

"To parents and guardians, please remind children of the dangers of removing life rings and throwing them in to the water other than in a genuine emergency.

"Whilst it is lovely to have a tipple or two down the harbour, please ensure it doesn’t result in a topple in the water.

"As always, have fun and be safe and responsible"

They also took the opportunity to issue words of advice to jet-skiers.

The spokesperson continued: "A reminder to jet ski riders not to do any more than 4 knots between the shoreline and the white marker buoys.

"You are not permitted in the bathing areas and can only access the jet ski zone marked with red buoys.

"The by-law in Weymouth is that jet ski riders 12 – 16 years should be accompanied by an adult at all times.

"Proof of Data tag and insurance is required prior to launching."