The Royal Yachting Association has responded to serious safety concerns raised about a powerboat racing crash involving a 13-year-old boy.
The Royal Yachting Association has responded to serious safety concerns raised about a powerboat racing crash involving a 13-year-old boy.
Ben Ridd, from Bournemouth, was rushed to hospital after his craft collided with another during a youth K-Class race at Portland on 19 June.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch took the unusual step early in its investigation into the causes of the crash of issuing a warning that the helmet used by Ridd was not suitable.
It also advised the RYA to conduct a risk assessment to establish the suitability of its recommended standard of helmet for each class of RYA powerboat racing.
The branch called for a marine-specific helmet to be designed, particularly one which could be used without any “scoop effect” if the wearer fell overboard.
The RYA said it was conducting an internal investigation, the results of which would be passed to the MAIB, and added: “We understand there is no evidence to suggest the helmet caused or contributed to the injuries sustained and we hope this will be clarified in due course.”
