Police on the Isle of Wight say that as far as they are concerned the participation in watersports around the Island’s coastline is not permitted during the coronavirus lockdown.
HM Coastguard will be joining Hampshire Constabulary in carrying out patrols of the beaches this week following reports of surfers, jet-skiers and other watersport enthusiasts taking to the water.
Hampshire Constabulary say that their main rationale for taking this stance is that if someone gets into trouble on the water, the resource numbers and associated risk with any rescue is substantially higher than, for example, falling off a pushbike.
Islanders are being urged to consider the wider implications of such activity – strong swimmer or not.
On Sunday, a large, multi-agency search was launched at Shanklin when a cliff fall led to fears persons were trapped underneath tonnes of rock. 2 Coastguard rescue teams, a Coastguard helicopter, Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, firefighters, paramedics and Police were all involved in the incident. Locals have been told to stay away from cliffs.
Why ever not if social distancing is maintained? People can get into trouble in their garden.
Did you not read the bit where their time was wasted looking for some people feared trapped? We don’t have the resources to support people getting hurt. the NHS and the emergency services are at full stretch. Do you really want to add to their burden?
Good argument except that the people concerned were walking, not engaging in watersports.
What about all the cyclist I have seen out there not wearing helmets then!!! What happens about them huh?? Nobody appears to be stopping them.
This will be the same police force who were reported here in an article dated 28th March that, “having sought clarification”, it was not permissible to drive to a place of exercise?? The same force who set up a vehicle checkpoint outside the Bandstand cafe in Sandown.
Shame to see ‘local interpretation’ creeping back so soon after the National Police Chiefs’ Council had to publish clarification on that a few days ago.
Walk or drive around on the IoW and you will see great compliance by the public in lockdown. So why aggravate that goodwill now with ‘interpreted’ advice??
As for the now easy baseline excuse of ‘resources’, then factor into that the massively reduced RTAs now, the massively reduced rates of all crimes in general and that the biggest unexpected use of resources recently has been people merely walking anyway.
People are behaving – so why keep antagonizing them. A surfer in (rarely in) trouble might use more resources but what are the stats on driving massive 4x4s along the Sandown revetment? I note patrols aren’t down on foot there….
Could also have clarified on outdoor swimming, and kids playing in sea (which is starting)?
Falls under “WATERSPORTS ARE NOT PERMITTED”. If you are not sure, DON’T DO IT! Not rocket science.
I would have thought that the healthier the people are who will be emerging soon from the lockdown to face this virus, the better for all concerned. If we stay indoors too much or exercise too little then we become more vulnerable and I really think as long as distance can be maintained then this is a good healthy way for younger people and of course any age to keep well. Same goes for paddling or swimming.
I agree with former comments that if you become too authoritarian you will loose the good will of people who are doing their best to cope with the situation, and are you going stop people on their yachts or racing dinghies??
or even people in their little planes. “please pull over here sir, and get out of the plane – don’t forget to put the handbrake on, thank you sir”
Unfortunately policing by consent requires a population with more than two brain cells. Seems people are more interested in arguing about the fine points like children who don’t want to go to bed.
Maybe if you wish to go out you sign a waver that says if you get the virus then you’re on your own. Good way to get the average IQ of the island up.
@tom – why don’t you go and hide indoors like the little scared snowflake you are and leave everyone else to get on with enjoying their lives – everyone has the right to freedom of movement and self determination – just because some jumped up jobsworth decided to stand as an MP in his/her local elections and got voted into office – doesn’t give them the right to dictate anything to any of us.
If we wish to go swimming or sunbathing – we will – policing and government is by consent -annoy us too much and we will withdraw that consent – check poll tax riots 1990 for the last time society withdrew its consent from the police and politicians.
?
https://planefinder.net/flight/N803SR – another one doing it!!!
Do not see any reason why people cannot part take in water sports!! Please give us mere mortals SOME pleasures in life whilst this lock down is in force!!!
Exactly, could be our last wave.
As already mentioned if the normal social distancing rules are followed then I don’t see much of a problem only if those going on the water and very experienced with the right gear and know exactly what there doing and don’t go far out anyway .the only thing with that is the coastguard etc could argue the fact that it could encourage other people into the sea with maybe the less experienced ones who are more likely to need help and the rules are the rules etc
But many cyclists along busy roads who are at much greater risk .it doesn’t seem very fair but never mind