Surf rescuers criticise Tahunanui kitesurfers

Kitesurfers are risking their lives at Tahunanui Beach and costing rescue services thousands of dollars, says Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club president Marcus Gardner.

Volunteers and rescue personnel saved two kitesurfers only hours apart on Sunday after their equipment failed and they became stranded in 4m swells.

There had been at least five other rescues of kitesurfers this summer, Mr Gardner said.

Kitesurfers were not always watched by someone from the beach, and since they often went out in bad weather without lifejackets or flares, they were "asking for trouble", he said.

But Kitesurf Nelson co-owner Sue Anderson said it would be too dangerous for kitesurfers to carry flares, and most already wore "impact vests", which helped them float and protected them if they crashed.

Nelson kitesurfers were generally aware of the risks associated with their sport and took steps to mitigate and manage them, she said.

Mrs Anderson said the kitesurfing community was self-regulated, and kitesurfers on the beach looked out for the safety of those on the water.

Mr Gardner said the surf club was due to end its seasonal beach patrols next month, and it had been a busy summer so far.

The club had been called to 23 rescues, eight first aid incidents and 16 searches.

Once the Sunday patrols ended, the club would work on training and recruiting more volunteers, he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News