Paddleboarding safety warning after death
AUCKLAND: Maritime authorities have issued a paddleboarding safety warning after a fatal incident in New Zealand.
Research from Maritime NZ and Ipsos New Zealand shows the rising popularity of paddleboarding has led to an increase in incidents and rescues.
Now standup paddleboarding experts are warning these incidents could increase in frequency if safety concerns are not addressed.
This comes after the release of a coroner’s report into the death of paddleboarder and fulltime swimming teacher and lifesaver Joanne Dening.
She drowned in 2019, at Wenderholm Regional Park in North Auckland, after her leg rope became entangled around a buoy when she fell from her board.
Open Justice reported the swimming coach died after falling off a standup paddleboard, despite the attempts of several people to save her.
Coroner Katharine Greig ruled a combination of factors contributed to the Englishwoman’s death, including the use of the wrong leash, the fact she didn’t have a personal flotation device and was in conditions outside her ability.
The coroner said her death highlighted the dangers of the sport and the need for education.
New Zealand Stand Up Paddling (NZSUP) safety officer Bill Dawes said the death was a tragic reminder that the pastime could quickly become dangerous if people did not have sufficient knowledge or equipment to suit the conditions.
‘‘All the team at NZSUP were shocked and horrified at the news of the fatality, not just because it’s such an awful tragedy but also because it brings home the reality that we have a genuine problem here,’’ he said.
The latest Maritime NZ and Ipsos research showed more than 2.1 million New Zealanders took part in some manner of recreational boating in the three months to June.
It also showed 56% of the population over the age of 18 had engaged in water activities during the period, up from 6% during the same period last year.
Standup paddleboarding has become a popular recreational water activities, Maritime NZ research showing paddleboards are the third most commonly used vessels in recreational water activity in the country.
‘‘The market has changed dramatically over the last fivesix years due to an influx of cheap boards available from high street stores and online,’’ Mr Dawes said.
‘‘In the northern hemisphere, participation numbers have gone through the roof over the last few summers, and it is entirely probable we’re going to see the same here this summer.’’
The sport’s rise in popularity had also led to an increase in incidents and rescues, he said.
A teenager also died paddleboarding in Whangamata Harbour in 2015, when she was dragged under a boat by the current and her leg rope became entangled in the boat’s keel.
Mr Dawes said planning was essential.
‘‘Don’t assume that, because you’re experienced in other water activities, you’ll automatically know what’s best for SUP [standup paddleboarding].
‘‘If you are starting out as a newcomer to the sport we recommend getting a lesson if at all possible,’’ Mr Dawes said.
It was only when people understood the risks that they could counter them.
‘‘The first part of SUP safety is gaining this knowledge.
‘‘But this young lady’s death is a sad reminder that, no matter how safe an activity might appear, people need to plan, be prepared and respect the level of their experience,’’ he said.
In the report on Ms Dening’s death, the coroner made a number of recommendations, including the use of appropriate equipment for the conditions, such as quickrelease waist leashes in moving water.
The report also recommended novice paddleboarders started in sheltered waters to familiarise themselves with hazards and that they should wear personal flotation devices, where appropriate.
The coroner also recommended Maritime NZ post safety information on social media about the lessons learnt over the circumstances of Ms Dening’s death. — RNZ
❛ Don’t assume that, because you’re experienced in other water activities, you’ll automatically know what’s best for SUP [standup paddleboarding]