For Lifeguards/Trainers - Kiteboarder Evaluation & Rescue

[ricki]

We talked about this a while back during the preparation of a presentation to the United States Lifesaving Association, USLA at their National Meeting recently. (more about that HERE). A powerpoint presentation was prepared by Neil Hutchenson, Gio Serrano and myself and given to the USLA along with a beachside demonstration.

Kiteboarders can present some unusual issues and potential complications to rescuers. Kites can exert substantial force; lines, kites in waves, lines in propellers and water intakes all pose issues, rescuers need to understand how to deal with the kite on land or in the water while rescuing the kiteboarder as appropriate and more.

With increasing populations of kiteboarders, the best solution for rescue squads is appropriate training. Neil and Gio are in the process of offering such training. I've revised the PowerPoint presentation to where it can be downloaded and viewed via the Internet. It is no substitute for proper training but does provide some useful information for consideration.