Kitesurfer dies in accident in W.A.

Some very sad news via Seabreeze.  Marc Sprod ("Coldshot"), a well known and experienced kitesurfer died after an accident at Cottesloe Beach in Western Australia.

Condolences to his family, friends and fellow kitesurfers.

Details of the accident have not been confirmed, but it appears that after a lull strong frontal winds lofted the kiter onto land.  First aid was provided.  The death has been referred to the Coroner for investigation.

Great care must be taken when kitesurfing during storms and/or in frontal winds.

You can donate to Marc's family using the information provided [here]

Marc Sprod. Source: ABC News

Links

• Very serious accident phone box cott - Kitesurfing - Seabreeze Forums
• Coldshot Donations - Kitesurfing - Seabreeze Forums
• Kite-surfer dies in freak accident at WA's Cottesloe Beach - ABC News 
• Kitesurfer killed in freak accident - The West Australian 
• Kitesurfer killed in freak WA accident - Ninemsn news
• Kitesurfer killed in windy weather (video) 
• Kitesurfing storm fronts - Kitesurfing Handbook

Swimmer killed by Jetski on Port Phillip Bay

I have occasionally encountered some Jetski riders while out kitesurfing in Port Phillip Bay.  None have come very close to me so far.  While kiting at Frankston recently one Jetski rider was in the water for a while.  I kited past and asked him if he was OK - he said he was.  The other Jetskis nearby kept well away from me.

Swimmers enjoy a last burst of summer sun at Port Melbourne beach over the weekend. Picture: Chris ScottHerald Sun

Jet-ski riders come close to the no-go zone at Port Melbourne after an accident at the same beach on Friday night. Photo: Rebecca Hallas

However, a Jetski hit a swimmer recently, who later died in hospital.  The exact circumstances have not yet been verified, but is possible the collision happened in the protected area that stretches 1.2 kilometres from Lagoon Pier to Kerford Road Pier.

This tragedy and will certainly have repercussions for policing with respect to regulations for water craft 200m from shore and in proximity of swimmers.   There are even calls for Jetskis to be banned on Port Phillip Bay, as they have been on Sydney Harbour.

In addition, a helmet cam video taken by a windsurfer recently records a near miss with a Jetski a long way out in the Bay.  One would think the Jetski rider could see a windsurfer its sail, which begs the question as to whether he came so close deliberately.

Here is the video footage.  You can see the Jetski very nearly hit the windsurfer.

I encourage all Jetski riders (and other water users, including kitesurfers) to follow the regulations relating to personal water craft.  This means respecting:

• Observing Right of way rules
• Observing Clearance rules and usage zones
• Keeping out of No Go zones.

External links

• Man dies after jet ski incident, Victoria Police Online News Centre
• Jet-ski victim unlikely to survive, The Age 
• Metres from deadly crash: jet-ski fears heighten, The Age
• Man's death sparks calls for jet ski hoon laws, ABC News
• Swimmer's jet ski death prompts calls for tests, insurance regulation, Herald Sun

The tragic death of two sea kayakers on Port Phillip Bay

Two sea kayakers headed out for a fishing trip from Sandringham early on Tuesday 29 November 2011.  They were reported missing that evening.

Unfortunately, they were both found dead in the water the following day, with one kayak and body washed up near the Patterson River and the other located in the water just offshore from Seaford.  Both were reported to be wearing life jackets.

Police investigating sea kayak at Seaford.  Source: The Age

Sea kayak on the beach at Seaford. Source: Trevor Pinder, Heraldsun

The kayaks were "sit on" craft that were setup for fishing and had small electric motors.  You can see a paddle still attached to one craft in the photos, so they were equipped with a double-bladed kayak paddle too.

Looking at the wind graph for the day, strong northerlies came in during the morning, which may have blown them offshore and into difficulty.

Around 2pm the wind changed to a westerly, also around 25 knots, which would have carried them across to where they were eventually found.

There will be Coroner's inquest into this, but it may take a year or so to deliver findings.

This tragedy highlights the need for caution on Port Phillip Bay with any water activity.

• It is well worth seeking local advice before heading out on an adventure, whether it be sailing, kitesurfing, fishing or SUPing.  Check the weather forecast and if in doubt, don't go out.
• Consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon.
• Tell someone your trip intentions before you go.
• Wear a wetsuit or equivalent clothing to keep you warm if you end up spending time in the water.  You can get "hydroskin" and other specialist clothing for kayaking that allows good movement but can still keep you warm if immersed.

External links

• Bodies wash up in bay as kayakers vanish, The Age
• Bodies of two men reported missing on kayak fishing trip found, The Australian
• Two men drown after kayak trip on Port Phillip Bay, Herald Sun 
• Kayaker shared farewell words of love to fiance before death, Herald Sun
• Tragic kayakers mates to the end, Herald Sun