No ban for wharf-jumping
Auckland Council won’t ban jumping at popular water spots this summer, despite fears that swimmers could end up dead or seriously injured.
A number of young men have become quadriplegics after jumping off the wharf at Maraetai Beach and suffering spinal injuries.
However previous attempts by the council to ban diving at danger spots have failed, and it now takes a different approach.
‘‘We cannot control how people choose to act,’’ said Simon Randall, acting head of operational management and maintenance.
‘‘We’ve stopped using signs that ban diving as people often ignore them. Our signs are now informative and educational, and including warning of risks.’’
ACC had 230 claims last year for injuries suffered at jumping or diving structures around the country, ranging from cuts and bruises to surgery for shattered ankles and damaged spines.
That’s a sharp increase on previous years, which has prompted calls for national action.
Rick Acland, a consultant at the Auckland and Christchurch spinal units, said on July 23 it was ‘‘almost criminal’’ to support wharf-jumping.
‘‘It is shocking. The risk of getting seriously injured is high. It is absolutely unacceptable to even contemplate jumping off a wharf or jetty into water of unknown depth,’’ he said.
Auckland Council has been conducting a review of safety signage around swimming spots, and intends to have it completed before the summer season.
‘‘The risk of getting seriously injured is high.’’