Sadly we are not able to have our annual kayak race this year as our small event has been asked by Disaster Management, under provisions in the new event regulations, to provide quite onerous safety measures. They are particularly concerned about water activities taking place during the season when sharks are known to come close to shore, and the effect of any bad publicity that would occur if a shark attack took place.
It is no longer enough to provide an indemnity form, and in the interests of safety we are now required to ensure Sea Rescue and medical personal on the water, a medical doctor on shore, shark spotter, lifeguard, and have an emergency removal plan to include the provision for a helicopter landing site for medical evacuation, plus R5 million public liability insurance.
As our "fun" event is not a money making scheme, and the preparation of the documents alone is a daunting task, I have decided to cancel the event.
Comments welcomed.
