Attach 4 (PDF) - Greater Wellington Regional Council

,
24 November 2000
Wellington Regional Council
Council Secretariat
PO Box 11 646
Wellington
To Whom It May Concern
Windsurfing : Compulsory Lifejackets
197 Darlington Road
Miramar
Wellington
I understand that a proposal is being submitted by the Wellington Regional Council
that compulsory wearing of lifejackets is to be imposed on recreational activities that
include windsurfing.
I wish to bring to your attention that while the intent is to increase safety on the water,
this proposal my deliver increased risk to safety. Particularly, in instances of high
winds and participating in wave sailing.
These activities include “getting airborne” and it is useful to have the option to jump
from the equipment and get “under” the sea surface to protect yourself from the
falling equipment. In addition, wave sailing at times entails diving into the wave to
protect yourself from the crushing force of a breaking wave. These options for
protection would be limited in their usefulness if wearing a buoyancy aid.
I am an experienced sailor who has been recently diagnosed with epilepsy. This
diagnosis has encouraged me to attempt wearing boyancy aids. However, two
potentially serious difficulties arose:
1. The speeds that can be achieved (50kph to 80kph). Falling or diving off at
these speeds resulted in the life jacket pushing aggressively upwards toward
my neck (due to force of hitting the water);
2. The greatest risk to safety is being separated from your equipment (which has
buoyancy). Attempting to swim at speed (in rough waters) to recollect your
gear is extremely difficult and tiring with a buoyancy aid (as harness are also
worn).
As a result, I now consider wearing a buoyancy aid presents a greater risk to my
safety than the condition itself.
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