Water insurance sending waves amongst surfers
It has been revealed that Dorset’s water sports community fear a new plan which will legally classify surfboards in the same league as ships.
Under amended government legislation all sea-faring craft would be classed in the same bracket, allowing users to face huge fines and prosecutions if anyone receives personal injury through an accident.
This proposal has been highlighted after a 25-year-old Weymouth man escaped conviction after causing serious injury with his jet ski.
However, there are fears that such a law will have a damaging affect on the surfing industry, as the public will be too scared to take part in the recreational sport, in case they injure someone.
Gary Willingham, owner of FC Watersports and organiser of the Animal Windfest, taking place in September, said: "It would put off people who just want to have a go."
Mr Willingham said more serious water sports enthusiasts already had public liability cover if they belong to a professional body, such as the British Kite Surfing Association.
He added that it was more important for schools such as his to educate people about the possible dangers of the activities and to teach people about liability issues.
Updated on 26/08/2009