Legacy of paddleboarder who drowned in Cornwall supported by industry leaders
This week - in a world first - we brought paddleboard manufacturers, campaigners and industry groups together to see what changes could be agreed
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 in Cornwall.
The 42-year-old holidaymaker drowned In August 2020 when his paddleboard ankle leash got trapped in a boat mooring in the 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.
Hits Radio Cornwall 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