Waterskiing should continue on the Broads
Management of waterskiing on the southern Broads has been so successful that the Broads Authority has agreed that the sport should be allowed to continue.
A review panel consisting of nine different interest groups and an independent chairman examined the suitability of the sport on the Broads over an eight week period and concluded it was safe enough to continue.
Trudi Wakelin, Director of Waterways, said: “The voluntary waterskiing management regime has worked so well that waterskiing is now classified as a hazard in the 'as low as is reasonably practicable' category. There has been a significant decline in waterskiing on the Broads and we are looking at ways to further minimise its effect. We have developed a number of specific recommendations which will come into force on royal assent of the Broads Bill.”
Waterskiing is allowed in 10 specific zones on the Rivers Yare and Waveney in the quieter southern Broads. It is strictly regulated and permitted only at certain times.
In 1997 an independent review panel concluded waterskiing should be banned on the grounds that it was unsafe and too intrusive for the Broads. But when no alternative areas could be found the Authority allowed it to continue.
In 2000 the Port Marine Safety Code’s Formal Risk Assessment identified the waterskiing status as 'intolerable'. However the Broads Authority resolved to develop a voluntary waterskiing management regime, which included increased signage of waterski zones, a restriction on the number of ski permits and a requirement for all waterskiers and drivers to be members of the Eastern Rivers Ski Club. The regime was adopted in November 2003 to run for a trial period of three years and as a result the hazard has been re-classed to within the 'as low as is reasonably practical' category.
During the review, held this spring, panel members produced evidence on how their interest was affected by waterskiing and considered complaints, waterskiers’ logbooks and use of zones and times.
Anglers raised no objections and recognised the need for co-existence with other users. The RSPB and Broads Society reported irritation from noise but produced no evidence to suggest any wildlife disturbance and only a low number of complaints were received. The Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association reported conflict with boats towing and a variety of measures have been proposed to address these concerns.
The Authority has undertaken a further survey to determine the pattern of use of waterski zones which it will use to help it to amend times and zones to minimise this conflict.
The independent chairman, Ian White, said: “This had been a very wide ranging review. I commend the members of the panel for the professional and diligent way in which their evidence was put and the conclusions arrived at. We had to take a very objective and evidence based approach and while I expect that our conclusions and recommendations will be tested and challenged I have every confidence that they will be well received.
“It is a credit to Eastern Rivers Ski Club that they have conducted themselves so well and complied with the management regime to the letter. In three years there have been no accidents and very few complaints.”
Julian Barnwell, Chairman, Eastern Rivers Water Ski Club, said: “British Water Ski and Eastern Rivers Water Ski Club are very pleased with how the review panel has worked together in a mature fashion where facts have been examined and not perceptions. However we understand that our sport needs to develop its public relations and we will continue to work with our members, the Broads Authority and the other members of the Waterski Panel to improve these as well as the management of waterskiing on the Broads rivers.”
The Broads Authority has agreed that wakeboarding should be permitted under careful management on the Broads for a one year trial period after which it will be reviewed to test the effectiveness of management measures.
Trudi Wakelin said: ”We have given careful and detailed consideration to wakeboarding and have undertaken a comprehensive risk assessment, taking into account quiet enjoyment of the Broads, wash, conflict with other users and safety.”
10/07/2007
