Simon's legacy is supported by industry leaders in Parliament

This week - in a world first - we brought paddleboard manufacturers, campaigners and industry groups together to see what changes could be agreed

Water safety campaigner Sam Foyle urged the paddleboard industry to work together to improve safety messaging
Author: Andrew KayPublished 8th Mar 2022
Last updated 8th Mar 2022

From the UK Harbour Masters' Association looking to update guidance and the Government seeing if they can fast-track a paddleboarding governing body - we're helping ensure a legacy following the preventable death of Simon Flynn.

The 42 year old from Charlton Kings near Cheltenham drowned In August 2020 when his paddleboard ankle leash got trapped in a boat mooring in Cornwall's Camel Estuary - leading to a coroner at his inquest describing it as an issue for manufacturers to look at.

Since then we've worked with Simon's best friend to call for two types of safety leash to come as standard - a quick release and an ankle leash - and for better paddleboard safety information at the point of sale.

This week we brought the industry and campaigners together at a Parliamentary event to discuss what changes they would jointly get behind and support

Simon's parents and sister praised the campaign and the impact it is having

The Parliamentary reception was hosted by Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk who represents Charlton Kings where My Flynn lived

Following the meeting The Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport will now look at whether they can help fast-track the creation of a national governing body for SUP.

At the moment British Canoeing has applied to become the NGB, as there is still no industry-recognised group to lead safety messaging which manufacturers have agreed to support.

A future meeting as part of Simon's legacy could now look to address the governance issue - possibly with a summit at the RNLI HQ in Poole to understand what the SUP industry would rally behind.

Lee Heard from the Royal Life Saving Society highlighted the safety advice they give out

Greatest Hits Radio has obtained figures - which are not due to be released until later this year - that suggest as sales of boards rise there's been an increase in rescues and RNLI call outs.

Sam Foyle has also studied manufacturer websites and discovered fewer than one in 10 currently highlights leash safety or sells quick-release waist belts as standard. Mr Foyle is concerned that more people could put themselves in danger if safety messaging is not improved ahead of this Summer.

At the moment different brands have different approaches to safety messaging and have tried different initiatives

During the Parliamentary meeting, manufacturers agreed to discuss a safety message which they could all get behind ahead of this Summer to help reach customers.

Dale is the founder of the Instagram community page Stand Up Paddle UK

The Port of London has reported several incidents involving paddleboards and now tells people to use an quick-release waist belt on the water

Ashley Nicholson, president of the UK Harbour Masters' Association, says they are now looking at updating guidance to offer consistency on water safety advice near to their ports

Andy Belcher from Sandbanks SUP Style attended the event

Andy McConkey from McConks SUP is urging other members of the industry to supply both types of safety leash as standard

Andrew Price from Quroc Paddleboards hopes the event in Parliament can lead to real change

For more about the campaign in Simon Flynn's name click here

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