To fellow watersports friends...

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Joined
11 Feb 2010
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827
One of my friends lost his life windsurfing recently and of course it has prompted thought. He was a highly skilled sailor and a very strong swimmer.

I'd just like to ask of my fellow watersports friends that you think about the risks we take a little more before you next go out to do the sports we love.

Personally, I'm not about to become a safety guru but I vow from this day fwd to buy a helmet and always wear one when out on the water when boarding/windsurfing/kitesurfing.

You are helpless when unconscious and water is unforgiving in this regard.


Stay safe and have fun.
 
I'm sorry for your loss. A few years ago I was surfing in Cornwall and wiped out, once I resurfaced I took a surfboard to the head and went unconscious. Fortunately a couple of guys I was near managed to get me to the beach in one piece. I've never been back in the water since but if I did I'd certainly pick up some safety gear as I was lucky there were other people nearby and it could have gone differently.
 
It's never good news to heard stories of losing people doing the things they loved - really sorry for you.

This is the main reason that motivated me to become a Rescue Diver - not only has it taught me to be more aware and how to recognise the risks and problems before they happen but I have a better chance of doing the right thing to help myself / someone else who has not been so fortunate. Thankfully I've not been in a position where I've needed to do this but as you say it can happen to anyone at anytime.
 
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