Three dead, one critically ill in paddle boarding accident.
Discussion
Steve_D said:
Don't know anything about paddle boards but they don't strike me as the right equipment to use in fast flowing rain flooded waters.
I thought they were for punting around trying to look cool in the sunshine.
Steve
How would they get into trouble? Couldn’t you just sit on it and float along? I thought they were for punting around trying to look cool in the sunshine.
Steve
Think it happened at the weir here based on reports. Weird things can happen as the water tumbles down, getting people trapped in the cycle.
Terribly sad especially for something so avoidable, the dangers of water activities are easy to underestimate - especially so close to ‘safe’ ground.
Terribly sad especially for something so avoidable, the dangers of water activities are easy to underestimate - especially so close to ‘safe’ ground.
Simpo Two said:
Well that was my first thought - it's 8 feet long and floats, just hang on. But from the news it seems they went over a weir when the river was in spate.
Weirs are bloody dangerous, extremely easy to get caught behind them. Usually a well know hazard among river users.https://practical.engineering/blog/2019/3/16/drown...
sealtt said:
Think it happened at the weir here based on reports. Weird things can happen as the water tumbles down, getting people trapped in the cycle.
Terribly sad especially for something so avoidable, the dangers of water activities are easy to underestimate - especially so close to ‘safe’ ground.
Or getting caught against an overhanging branch. Wrong craft for the conditions and then got unlucky. Terrible for all involved. Terribly sad especially for something so avoidable, the dangers of water activities are easy to underestimate - especially so close to ‘safe’ ground.
Every sympathy, but really poor craft for fast moving water. A river in spare is hard enough in a kayak with double puddles, never mind a board with a small single paddle.
I have read they were ‘experienced’, and doing a 100 mile charity run - looks very I’ll advised this weekend though.
I have read they were ‘experienced’, and doing a 100 mile charity run - looks very I’ll advised this weekend though.
Jazoli said:
Why on earth they thought it would be a good idea to get into a flood swollen river is beyond me, feel sorry for the families mind.
This, in one report someone mentions pulling out due to the forecast conditions and yet people still went. You get the same up mountains, people plan in advance a weekend away, pay for accommodation and then when the weekend comes round and the weathers poor the feel they must still set off on their planned trip. Ultimately it not only puts them at risk but also the rescuers.
Whilst I don’t think that’s necessarily the case here it does seem poor decisions in their planning phase has ultimately taken their lives.
All sympathies to families and friends, but why the hell didn't whoever was planning that trip look at the weather forecast?
That wasn't a local and unpredicted shower - there were severe weather warnings in place at least 24 hours before they launched.
I'm a (sea) sailor and the thought of doing anything without a quick squiz at the weather forecast just beggars belief.
That wasn't a local and unpredicted shower - there were severe weather warnings in place at least 24 hours before they launched.
I'm a (sea) sailor and the thought of doing anything without a quick squiz at the weather forecast just beggars belief.
Jazoli said:
Why on earth they thought it would be a good idea to get into a flood swollen river is beyond me, feel sorry for the families mind.
Indeed. The bloke that died was seemingly a paddle board / water sports instructor. Surely he must have known that he would be risking severe injury to himself or others in his group, paddle boarding towards a weir in extremely fast flowing water. It's very sad. A father of three, and reports state that he died trying to save others. I wonder whether there is a register of paddleboard instructors? Oh yes, found one...open to anyone over 14 years of age for Christ's sake.
[/quote]
I also googled.
[quote=BCA]The Paddlesport Instructor qualification is designed for instructors running paddlesport taster/starter sessions within the safety management systems of clubs, centres or other organisations in:
Very Sheltered Water environments
Craft deemed suitable for a first-time experience
[/quote]
Seems reasonable, unless you're writing a Daily Mail article.
Instructing and river leading are completely different things. I've done plenty of the latter (in kayaks).
Edited by topsey.mod on Monday 1st November 09:03
popeyewhite said:
monthou said:
Seems reasonable, unless you're writing a Daily Mail article.
Instructing and river leading are completely different things. I've done plenty of the latter (in kayaks).
So what?Instructing and river leading are completely different things. I've done plenty of the latter (in kayaks).
'open to anyone over 14 years of age for Christ's sake.'
How old should you be to start instructing in safe, controlled conditions?
What does that have to do with leading groups down potentially dangerous rivers?
The answer to the third question is 'nothing'.
Edited by monthou on Monday 1st November 00:25
Edited by monthou on Monday 1st November 00:25
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