On
Sunday the 14 October, walkers witnessed a kite surfing accident as a man was
blown out of control while he was kite surfing at Sandbanks beach in
Poole. Shocked members of the public and
also fellow kite surfers have reiterated the need for safety procedures after
the man was airlifted to hospital with head injuries. Sandbanks beach in a
fairly safe place to practice kite surfing but as with any extreme sport,
incidents do happen and the local council ask that all water users follow the
strict safety guidelines.
According
to witnesses he was blown into a beach sign then into buildings on nearby Shore
Road. Paramedics treated him at the scene and he was taken to Southampton
General Hospital where emergency doctors were standing by.
Kite
surfer Chris Skone-Roberts, who has worked for years to enhance safety surrounding
the extreme sport, told the Daily Echo: “This is a tragic accident and the
entire kite surfing community, from beginner’s right up to pros, are all
sending their thoughts to the victim and his family.”
The
accident happened close to The Jazz Cafe, known locally as Jazzys. Local kite
surfers say a gap in buildings in that area can often make the wind ‘tunnel’. This
can cause kite surfers to be dragged away from the water towards the road.
Shocked
witness Pauline Williams, posting on an online kite surfer forum, said: “Really
hope the lad that was launched into building by Jazzy going to be OK. Wasn’t
looking too good when they finally got him stable to move into ambulance. Hope
he makes a full recovery.”
Mr. Skone-Roberts
said: “It could all happen to anyone. The number one thing for everyone taking
part in kite surfing is to wear a helmet and know your safety parameters.
Someone broke their back at the same place a couple of years ago.
"It
can be a very dangerous activity. You have to have lessons. It is not just a
case of going into a shop, buying a kite and pumping it up. Kite surfing is a level four
extreme sport.“
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