Questions over safety standards in surf race
IN response to the article about the White Island surf lifesaving race (ODT, 26.10.20), as a member of the public who lives by a surf beach, I am appreciative of your commitment to keeping our community safe.
Being an avid user of small water craft, I know the importance of wearing a life jacket.
I find it ironic, even hypocritical, that Surf Life Saving New Zealand can run surf ski (and similar craft) races which head 2500m offshore and none of the competitors wear life jackets.
Please can you explain to me how this is setting a good example to the community, and why your members think this is acceptable, safe and responsible behaviour.
Nick Prebble
Caversham
[A Surf Life Saving New Zealand spokesman replies:
‘‘Thank you for raising this important topic. Surf Life Saving New Zealand prioritises the safety of our members and, as with other small watercraft sports such as canoe, standup paddleboard and surfing competitions, we implement rules and safety plans for our events that are designed to reduce risk.
‘‘In the case of the event referred to here, these included compulsory highvis vests and water safety crews on Inflatable Rescue Boats to ensure the safety of competitors.
‘‘All participants in the event were qualified and active lifeguards.
‘‘As an organisation, SLSNZ recommends our members and members of the public follow Maritime NZ and harbour master rules with regards to safe enjoyment of watercraft.’’]
Empty shops
I SEE there are a couple of empty shops at the Wakari/Taieri Rd intersection. Now wouldn’t it be great if someone set up a coffee bar there? There is a lot of foot traffic and a place to get together would be very popular.
How’s that as a challenge for someone looking for a new business? J. Park
Wakari
Stolen gates
GOOD news that the stolen gates were returned to their owners (ODT,
30.10.20). Unfortunately, the culprit was only given a ‘‘slap on the hand’’ by the police with no charges of theft laid. Gates closed (case closed).
B. Andrews
St Kilda
Q’town conference
SO the conference of accountants in Queenstown with 200 chartered accountants and 100 partners is going to ‘‘inject all up an estimated $30,000 to the local economy’’ (ODT, 7.11.20). Golly, let me get this right — that works out at about $100 per person! And yet they say they are going to be ‘‘spending freely’’.
The mind boggles at what they might get up to if they really decided to let their hair down and spend a bit more money — say $150?
We await further news of the proposed shindig and expect a full accounting at the earliest possible moment.
Martin Anderson
Cromwell