Helmets compulsory at Ainsdale

[carl999]

Sefton Council are now issuing permits for use of Kitesurfing at

Ainsdale Beach. Your details have been passed onto us by the club and

added to our Kite-Zone database. If your insurance is up-to-date you

will automatically be issued with a Kite-Zone permit through the post,

this permit is only valid when held in conjunction with a current

relevant insurance policy.

 

According to our records there are a number of members who do not have

valid insurance and therefore will not be issued with a KZ permit. If

you have recently renewed your insurance please contact me with your

current insurance policy and you will be sent a Kite-Zone permit. From

1st January, if you wish to renew your permit please phone me to make an

appointment to visit our office at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre.

Appointments can only be made Wed, Thurs, Fri or Sun between 10am - 4pm.

Please note that a permit will only be issued on presentation of valid

insurance.

 

Attached are the new rules and regulations for kitesurfing on Ainsdale

Beach, winter and summer zoning maps will be sent in the post with your

Permit.

All permit holders must abide by the rules and conditions.

For further information please contact Gill Farrell at the above email

address or telephone on 0151 934 2967.

 

 

KITE-ZONE AINSDALE-ON-SEA

RULES AND CONDITIONS OF USE

Kite Surfing Permits

The following rules and conditions have been put in place to ensure the health and safety of ALL beach users. These rules and conditions must be acknowledged before a permit can be issued.

1. Any user of the beach kite surfing zone at Ainsdale-on-Sea must agree to follow all the regulations that are set out below. This agreement has been reached after consultation between Sefton Council and Kite-Zone users.

2. Sefton Council has identified a zone at Ainsdale for the use of Kitesurfing. No other part of the Sefton foreshore owned by Sefton Council or other by other agencies in the Sefton Coast Partnership can be used for this activity. Winter kiting use of the beach will be set by the Council each year, but will generally be recognised from 1st October to 1st April.

3. A risk assessment has been carried out in conjunction with users and Sefton Councils’ Health and Safety Section. Based on an agreed operational plan, the activity will be allowed to continue, but will be reviewed on an annual basis.

4. To use the designated area, a permit is required from Sefton Council. To acquire a permit, you must first purchase a rash vest from the Club and bring it with your proof of relevant insurance for at least £5 million to the Coast and Countryside Office. You will also be required to complete an indemnity form, and sign to confirm receipt of these rules and regulations and the summer and winter map of zones. The permit is only valid when held in conjunction with a current relevant insurance policy.

5. The permit does not allow cars to be driven on any part of the foreshore not designated for public parking.

6. Users will not enter a zone north of a point immediately adjacent to the Ainsdale Discovery Centre AT ANY TIME. This may result in loss of permit and in the event of an accident, could render your insurance invalid.

7. Kitesurfing users will be aware that this area is not set aside for their exclusive use and must take note of public, fishermen’s access, horse riding and other activities. This area may not be available all year and at times will be closed to use due to other events that may take place.

8. Kitesurfing users will at all times be aware of public use of this area of the beach and will give way to all other users at all times.

9. Dangerous flying will not be tolerated. Any dangerous flying will result in the offender being prohibited from the using the beach for any related activity and in loss of permit.

10. Kitesurfing is only allowed where you have been given permission to do so. Kitesurf activity outside of the designated area may result in loss of permit and in the event of an accident, could render your insurance invalid.

11. Follow all environmental codes and place litter in the bins provided.

12. Observe BKSA and BPKA guidelines.

13. Protective headgear must be worn at all times. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for all Kitesurfing activities.

14. Do not use Kevlar lines.

15. Never use any captive harness systems unless supported by a quick release system. E.g. Wichard Shackle.

16. Do not overfly any pedestrians or animals with your kite.

17. Kite tethering is not permitted.

18. Always look before behind and downwind before you turn/jump. The upwind/downwind rule is always in operation. The upwind pilot keeps their kite high and the downwind pilot keeps their kite low, this helps in avoiding a tangle.

19. If a head to head collision is imminent, both pilots must stop. The more skilled/experienced kiter should be the one to take evasive action if necessary.

20. Never inflate, deflate, leave or launch kites in the car park (or in front of the winter car park) or in such a way as to cause an obstruction to other users. All parked/unused kites should have their bar and lines packed.

21. While launching, allow appropriate distance between yourself and any obstacles, allow three lines length from any obstruction. During winter, kite surfers must not set up in front of the car parking zone.

22. No permits will be issued to persons under the age of 16 years without the written approval of a parent/guardian. Users under the age of sixteen will adhere to the same rules as all other users.

23. No persons under the age of 16 years to Kitesurf without a responsible adult in attendance.

24. Jumping on land is expressly prohibited and will be seen as a “dangerous activity”.

25. No tethered or suspended jumping is to be tolerated at anytime.

26. No static flying within the buggy, landboard, blokart area unless in transition to or from launch.

27. No entering the training zone if training is taking place.

28. The use of ‘kite-leashes’ is compulsory.

29. All kitersurfers must assess the risks and hazards prior to each launch. Consider wind speed and direction, weather conditions and therefore appropriateness of kite size. Kites, lines and boards should be inspected for damage regularly; the user must have a continuous awareness of the tides; obstacles; other beach users and their own level of skill. Inexperienced kite surfers should always exercise extreme caution.

30. Anyone who intentionally causes nuisance, brings the use of the beach into disrepute, causes problems outside of Kite-Zone through the static flying of kites, or through driving at excessive speed on the beach may have their permits rescinded.

31. Any users of Kite-Zone who trade or tout for trade on the beach, other than the Council’s authorised Licensee’s, will have their permits rescinded and will be reported to the Council’s Legal Department and other relevant bodies and may result in legal action. The Councils’ Seashore Byelaws are in force on this area.

32. Have an emergency action plan for yourself and others e.g. contact Coastguard 999.

33. During high tide conditions, when the beach at Ainsdale-on-Sea is closed, there should be no kite surf activity until 1 hour after highwater.

 

http://www.westcoastkiteboarding.co.uk/Kitezone%20map.jpg

[carl999]

The above info has been taken from the following link:

http://www.westcoastkiteboarding.co.uk/ainsdale.htm

 

Thanks for that Chris, you are correct.

 

 

 

The wording should not have changed from that agreed some time ago and would read "the use of protective head gear is strongly advised". This wording will be retained.

 

 

 

Those of you that offered contsructive comments on this potential rule - thank you - it has been useful to see that there are some that prefer to use head gear and some that do not.

 

 

 

I shall now return to my holiday.

 

 

 

Dave Mc

 

 

Carl.

[CoyoteBoy]

I've had 2 smashed off my head while kiting and one while mountain biking. Wouldnt be without one.

Thanks for reposting the rules, the more they are publicised the more they can be used to protect our beach.

J

[carl999]

I too have had my life saved by the use of a helmet, but a blanket rule like this for the water without setting a standard, some headgear could put you at further risk

 

I am also an adult & would like to be treated as one.

 

Carl.

[CoyoteBoy]

I think they assume you're likely to *act* like an adult and select an appropriate helmet for the task, they do specifically state "APPROPRIATE", you *are* being treated as one. Schoolboy arguments only serve to give them reason to assume that, for some reason, some people dont have the brain power to make that judgement themselves and are likely to make them think twice about treating everyone as an adult.

 

I cant believe I took the bait. http://tinyurl.com/altmg comes to mind.

[needakite mike]

olrite carl i think i mite be in the few without insurance thats valid but its not because i dont have insurance just got a new membership with bksa because i had to get new 1 because i changed me email or sumit any chance i can get 1 sent to me rly cannot b arsed with goin to the rangers and makin an appointment

[CoyoteBoy]

Are you asking Carl for advice on getting a new permit?? And what happened to the punctuation marks?

[AliB]

helmets are dangerous on the water imho

[whiteside_josh]

helmets are dangerous on the water imho

why?

[spooky]

helmets are dangerous on the water imho

Please expand, as it may be useful in helping those new to or about to embark on the water to assess the risks?

 

Thanks, Jon

[kevob]

cause when you get dragged backwards they attempt to rip your head off:eek:

[carl999]

J, the truth of the matter is that without a definition of "appropriate" it would be very easy to assume as an adult that on a bright sunny day with a steady 18mph of wind you choose to wear this

http://www.buffusa.com/images/splash01.jpg

 

This will obviously only protect you from from the sun. Who decides what is appropriate ?

I have in the past asked SCCS for definitions of some regs, I am still awaiting answers.

This one alone could be confusing:

13. Protective headgear must be worn at all times. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for all Kitesurfing activities.

 

As you will see many experienced riders choose not to wear a helmet etc, probably because of the drag that can cause damage to your cervical spine region, of the 7 cervical vertabrae we have, C 3,4 & 5 KEEP YOU ALIVE!!!

 

I'll choose on the day what I wear, buff brigade anyone

 

Carl.

[spooky]

13. Protective headgear must be worn at all times. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for all Kitesurfing activities.

My interpretation of that would be helmets to be worn by ALL kiters.

The "Appropriate" bit applies to the PPE, rather than the helmet only ie a PFD (life vest etc) and even the correct choice of wet suit to prevent Hypothermia etc.

I agree it may seem like they can not trust people to make a sencible diccission, but unfortunatly that only comes with experiece. And as we all know it tends to be those new to something that encounter problems

Remember some people make decissions in life, while others make INFORMED decissions

 

But yes could do with clarification, for example

15. Never use any captive harness systems unless supported by a quick release system. E.g. Wichard Shackle.

Now while those in the know will know that Wichard do two sorts, a QR shackle (piston type) and the QR UNDER LOAD shackle we are familur with.

Yes some will say that the piston type is fine, but it is meant as QR for sails once down etc and not under laod.

And with a £20-30 difference in price.......?

 

But like most things time will tell, and updates will hopefully be added as an when issues arrive, stable door policy is the main ne

 

Good luc, Jon

[spooky]

cause when you get dragged backwards they attempt to rip your head off:eek:

To me that would indicate a incorrect helmet is being used?

ie no drain holes with surficent sizes to allow water to pass through quicker enough?

Or even incorrect fitting, so that it moves on the head (usually backwards) causing chin strap to dig in

 

Which is where the rule above may need clarifing?

 

Ok I'm not a big kitesurfer, bu have been inolved in whitewater kayaking/play boating for the last 25yrs, and have been dragged backwards, forwards, sideways even upwards by the water. But never had issues with my helmet

 

Fly safe, Jon

[aworm]

Look at Kite forum and the accident reports.Nearly every death is due to a head injury and probably avoidable with appropriate head protection(ie one sold for the purpose).

 

I think the reason a lot don't wear then is more to do with looking 'cool' than anything else.

[kevob]

no i always wear one on land and when im mountain biking, but in the water i think the negatives outweight the positives

 

i can make anything look cool:rolleyes:

[AliB]

kevob hit it on the head.

i have tried loads of diffeent helmets, including gath ones which are most streamlind to your head, but wen learning powered tricks including kiteloops and handlepasses u end up gettin dragged backwards, and water gets in and trys to rip your head off. its not a nice experience,.

 

bin there done that. and u are more likely to get whiplash.

 

u wear a helmet if u want, but dont tell people they have to if they dont want to.

[kitesurfa]

Look at Kite forum and the accident reports.Nearly every death is due to a head injury and probably avoidable with appropriate head protection(ie one sold for the purpose).

 

I think the reason a lot don't wear then is more to do with looking 'cool' than anything else.

Would disagree. If you look again at the accident records most serious injuries or deaths happen due to pilot error which normally happens when they are launching or are on/near the beach and get lofted because they either misjudge the weather conditions or just think they can out smart Mother Nature.

[carl999]

Look at Kite forum and the accident reports.Nearly every death is due to a head injury and probably avoidable with appropriate head protection(ie one sold for the purpose).

 

I think the reason a lot don't wear then is more to do with looking 'cool' than anything else.

 

Is kite forum the official place to gather accident statistics for kite surfing ? If so do they get copies of the coroners report as to the "cause of death". I doubt this very much, how many of the head injury deaths are actually due to facial injuries (still a head injury) were no helmet would have helped to prevent death.

The only reliable source of info is that provided by RoSPA

RIDDOR is on a campaign for reducing injuries from falls but riddor is mainly aimed at a working evironment and not a sporting one.

 

The number of accident victims for your chosen circumstances are shown below.

 

Yearvictims 2000 725,601 2001 659,932 2002 710,018

A summary of your query is shown below.

 

Your query found the following accident victims:

 

Activity:

Sport (Exc Educn)/Running/Cycling/Riding

 

 

Based on the below statement I would strongly advise that SCCS request info from the appropriate sources, give us the evidence to back up such a rule change.

Q. Will I be able to see details of accidents rather than just statistics?

A. The HASS/LASS web database does not allow you to read details of individual accidents. To obtain this information you would need to contact the Information Centre who can provide de-personalised case summaries, in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act.

 

For more info follow the link:

http://www.rospa.com/index.htm

 

Another sensible option would be to ask club members for their views and introduce rules & regs based around what members want in place, afterall it is likely to be a club member who has to deal with a friend wiped out on the beach.

 

Carl.

[kitesurfa]

There is no kitesurfing specific certified helmet - the nearest is a Wakeboarding helmet - something like a Pro-Tec ACE which is certified to CE EN 1385 Water Sport Safety Standard.

[CoyoteBoy]

The drag from a properly fitting helmet is minimal. You dont wear protective headgear only to protect yourself from the sun while kitesurfing - that would be inappropriate due to the dangers of head impact from boards/the floor etc. Appropriate is defined as suitable for the task in hand. The task in hand is to reduce the damage inflicted by a head impact (the VAST majority of all kitesurfing head injuries) while not significantly increasing any other risks. A propoper kitesurfing helmet does just this. All you have to do is check out the statistics on head injuries from kitesurfing and you'll find scores of people hit by boards, hitting objects, hitting the floor. How many people can you find who have snapped their neck purely due to the impact and subsequent drag with a helmet?

 

If you think the drag from a helmet is sufficient to snap your neck at kitesurfing speeds you have the neck of a small child.

 

IMO you'd have to be stupid to risk flying around in the water with solid sharp objects and not protect your head. I'll bet you dont wear a seatbelt because it is possible for it to jam and trap you in a burning car?

 

I refuse to argue this any more, your position is idiotic. I had a similar argument with a frenchman over the use of helmets while mountainbiking while in the Alps, he was as adamant as you that they just increased your likelyhood of injury and gave you false

sense of security.I argued til i was blue in the face and he laughed me off.

I picked him up off the course a week later, helped him clean the gravel from around the fracture in his skull and took him to a doctor where I handed him over and washed my hands of him. I wasted half of my day dealing with an idiot who didnt take appropriate precautions, I only hope I dont have to waste half a day taking you to hospital one day to have a fin removed from your skull or such like.

 

Happy kiting.

[carl999]

There is no kitesurfing specific certified helmet - the nearest is a Wakeboarding helmet - something like a Pro-Tec ACE which is certified to CE EN 1385 Water Sport Safety Standard.

 

Exactly my point, there is nothing specific, how many other sports could potentially see you being dragged through the water against a current for god only knows how many metres ?

 

So who will define "appropriate" ?

 

Another perfect example of regulation bullying, sign this indemnity or go ride somewhere else!!!

 

The only real rule to observe is the zoning & 12. Observe BKSA and BPKA guidelines. Simple as!!!

 

Carl.

[CoyoteBoy]

Is kite forum the official place to gather accident statistics for kite surfing ? If so do they get copies of the coroners report as to the "cause of death".

 

Its the only place this information currently resides. No a coroners report is not included but very often an accurate diagnosis (such as massive head injury or broken neck) is relayed to the forum by friends/beach users.

 

What you propose, i see, is that we dont suggest using any precautions against any form of head injury simply because theres no official database of injuries? The bullying line is wearing thin, you just sound like a pathetic child crying to mummy using it in every argument.

[carl999]

I suppose in my line of work I could go around being ever so judgemental and slating all the people who die from head injuries, I would get on my high horse and scream at the people who choose not to wear this, that or the other whilst taking part in what ever activity they choose, I believe in personal choice but most of all I respect the choices people have made!!

 

If I found myself adopting your your stance at work I would be deemed as grossly unproffessional My working environment and the time I am willing to spend helping our sport is what drives me, offending the odd individual comes with my role, a role in which I am assisting both the BPKA & the BKSA.

 

Trauma is the leading cause of death for persons under the age of 40.

Each year 18,000 people die in the UK due to traumatic accidents

 

Trauma

 

OVER 33% of these deaths are potentially preventable by appropriate IMMEDIATE CARE

 

20% of Trauma Patients die from an Obstructed Airway

 

So rather than trying to force people to wear head gear etc. I choose to spend some of my time delivering power kite specific first aid.

 

Carl.

[garykf]

 

u wear a helmet if u want, but dont tell people they have to if they dont want to.

 

Agree with that, most of us are old enough and bold enough to know when to take extra precautions or not bother at all. Just looked through the latest kitesurfing mags and dont see any of the pros setting the standards with helmets, be a shame if it was enforced at Ainsdale, what next, no shortie wetsuits incase we get sandrash burns;)