Kite Tubing Update For KV

Pangloss62 · 06-23-2006, 02:08 PM

Hey KV, at least check out the video clips from this announcement; we don't want an injured celler-dweller (at least I don't think so).

GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Kite Tubing Safety Alert
Over the past month, the park has experienced a sharp upswing in visitor accidents and injuries due to kite tubing on the lake.

Kite tubes were introduced into the market this past winter and have proven to be extremely dangerous. During the past three weeks, Glen Canyon staff have airlifted four people from the lake, with three suffering life threatening injuries. Kite tubes are large, round, ten-foot tubes with a solid fabric floor in the bottom. As the tube is pulled forward, the front of the tube is lifted and air catches the floor of the tube and lifts it out of the water with the rider on top of the tube.

In all cases at Glen Canyon NRA, the riders were being pulled at 25 to 35 mph with a head on or quartering wind. The tubes would rise uncontrollably 15 to 25 feet into the air and immediately invert and accelerate back to the water. The combined forward speed of the boat, plus the additional accelerated downward speed is driving these victims into the water at speeds near 50+ mph. For additional details on the accidents, see the related incident report in today’s edition.

Interviews with friends and family members of accident victims have shown a disturbing trend with this use. In all cases at Glen Canyon NRA, multiple minor injury accidents occurred prior to the incidents that required advanced life support. All victims were using the kite tubes as directed when they suddenly lifted to dangerous heights, became unstable, and plunged down to the water surface. The injuries seen are consistent with deceleration impact events that cause internal trauma. Victims have reported coughing up blood, torn muscles, whiplash type injuries, broken ribs, punctured lungs and cervical fractures.

Glen Canyon NRA has initiated discussion and contact with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and will be providing a national safety alert through their organization very soon. In addition, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has been notified regarding this emerging threat and efforts are being made to disseminate more information on this activity through them.
One of the park’s weekend accidents resulted in a major neck injury. A news video from KUTV in Salt Lake City and a second KUTV video clip on an incident at Lake Mead can be viewed by clicking on the links listed below (a flash player is needed to view them):

http://www.kutv.com/video/?id=16192@kutv.dayport.com
http://www.kutv.com/video/?id=16155@kutv.dayport.com

A prohibition on cliff jumping was put in place at Glen Canyon last year after an increase in injuries and fatalities associated with this activity. Although controversial in the beginning, it has been widely accepted and the park has received many positive comments back on this prohibition. A review of the data indicated that a significant increase in injury and death occurred at jumps higher than 15 feet. The last cliff jumping fatality occurred from 70 feet, with a calculated speed of about 50 mph when the victim impacted the water.

Similar circumstances apply in this case. All kite tubers reported that they were traveling at 30 to 35 mph and most were 15 to 20 feet in the air when they were either ejected or turned upside down and accelerated back to the water. Another 10 to 20 mph of speed is added to their forward speed, so the victims are hitting the water at 45 to 55 mph. These accidents are therefore the equivalent of a 70 foot cliff jump, with the added component of the victims having no control over how they enter or impact the water.

xoxoxoBruce · 06-23-2006, 06:12 PM

So if he's successful in suing the manufacturer, that means he isn't a dumbass, right?

footfootfoot · 06-24-2006, 08:08 PM

What are they going to go after next, Lawn Darts?

Fun sponges.

xoxoxoBruce · 06-25-2006, 01:31 AM

Pangloss62 · 06-26-2006, 07:59 AM

Way, way, way back in the day, when I was a fake punk up in Boston, there was this obscure band named "Ed's Redeeming Qualities." They didn't go far, but as far as I know, they're the only band to record a song about lawn darts:

Pegged In The Head With a Lawn Dart
Ed's Redeeming Qualities

It was the third of July and the weather was fine
Ed brought the hot dogs, the croquet set was mine
But the red ball was missing and three mallets were bent
Ed suggested lawn darts so to K-Mart we went
We looked by the yard games, we looked by the grills
But we couldn't find lawn darts come high water or hills
We talked to the sales clerk and she started to cry
She said "They're off the shelves now," and she told us both why:

A kid was pegged in the head with a lawn dart
Her dad didn't see 'er, that's the worst part;
A kid was pegged in the head with a lawn dart
So they're now off the shelves at the K-Mart

Well we both felt so bad that we gave up the search
Ed went to bed, and I went to church
And now we never grill hot dogs, and we don't play yard games
Since we heard that sad story things just aren't the same

Pegged in the head with a lawn dart (lawn dart!)
Her dad didn't see 'er, that's the worst part;
Pegged in the head with a lawn dart
So they're now off the shelves at the K-Mart

KinkyVixen · 06-26-2006, 12:32 PM

Ok...so maybe I'll not use the kite tube? Maybe once? However, I'm very nervous now.

Thanks for the warnings though...I definitely don't wanna hurt myself, or anyone else.

Elspode · 06-26-2006, 10:19 PM

Recreation without the slightest hint of danger is a complete waste of time. Things that you *survive* are almost always more fun than things you simply *do*.

Griff · 06-27-2006, 11:18 AM

I love mountain biking. If I push it hard, I'll probably fall during the ride. Thing is I control my fall, I suspect that isn't the case with the tube. I'm not a big lawsuit guy though...

The kid with the target looks just like me at that age and yes I loved lawn darts.

footfootfoot · 06-28-2006, 01:41 PM

Since I have no regard for the sanctity of threads, I want to give a shout ou to those clacker things that supposedly exploded in a shower of acrylic sharpnel, blinding you instantly and irrepairably.

ROOOOOOOCCKK!

06-28-2006, 02:27 PM

Before getting to the point I'm at now everything I did for fun was dangerous. When I get hurt I never once thought to sue those making the equipment. Bunch of pussies today.

footfootfoot · 06-28-2006, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

Before getting to the point I'm at now everything I did for fun was dangerous. When I get hurt I never once thought to sue those making the equipment. Bunch of pussies today.

Exactly! Take tennisball canons or potato canons. Are you gonna go after final net or some dirt farmer in maine? Spalding?

It was a point of pride.

06-28-2006, 10:29 PM

Idaho?

wolf · 06-29-2006, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footfootfoot

Since I have no regard for the sanctity of threads, I want to give a shout ou to those clacker things that supposedly exploded in a shower of acrylic sharpnel, blinding you instantly and irrepairably.

ROOOOOOOCCKK!

I loved those things. I have a set of the redesigned solid plastic variety. They are in a box somewhere (I hope). You can still give yourself a nasty bruise if they get out of control.

xoxoxoBruce · 06-29-2006, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

Idaho?

Hell no, those people are armed and dangerous.

06-29-2006, 07:51 AM

Not if you sue their tater guns away.

06-23-2006, 02:08 PM	#1
Pangloss62 Lecturer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Atlanta Posts: 768	Kite Tubing Update For KV Hey KV, at least check out the video clips from this announcement; we don't want an injured celler-dweller (at least I don't think so). GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA Kite Tubing Safety Alert Over the past month, the park has experienced a sharp upswing in visitor accidents and injuries due to kite tubing on the lake. Kite tubes were introduced into the market this past winter and have proven to be extremely dangerous. During the past three weeks, Glen Canyon staff have airlifted four people from the lake, with three suffering life threatening injuries. Kite tubes are large, round, ten-foot tubes with a solid fabric floor in the bottom. As the tube is pulled forward, the front of the tube is lifted and air catches the floor of the tube and lifts it out of the water with the rider on top of the tube. In all cases at Glen Canyon NRA, the riders were being pulled at 25 to 35 mph with a head on or quartering wind. The tubes would rise uncontrollably 15 to 25 feet into the air and immediately invert and accelerate back to the water. The combined forward speed of the boat, plus the additional accelerated downward speed is driving these victims into the water at speeds near 50+ mph. For additional details on the accidents, see the related incident report in today’s edition. Interviews with friends and family members of accident victims have shown a disturbing trend with this use. In all cases at Glen Canyon NRA, multiple minor injury accidents occurred prior to the incidents that required advanced life support. All victims were using the kite tubes as directed when they suddenly lifted to dangerous heights, became unstable, and plunged down to the water surface. The injuries seen are consistent with deceleration impact events that cause internal trauma. Victims have reported coughing up blood, torn muscles, whiplash type injuries, broken ribs, punctured lungs and cervical fractures. Glen Canyon NRA has initiated discussion and contact with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and will be providing a national safety alert through their organization very soon. In addition, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has been notified regarding this emerging threat and efforts are being made to disseminate more information on this activity through them. One of the park’s weekend accidents resulted in a major neck injury. A news video from KUTV in Salt Lake City and a second KUTV video clip on an incident at Lake Mead can be viewed by clicking on the links listed below (a flash player is needed to view them): http://www.kutv.com/video/?id=16192@kutv.dayport.com http://www.kutv.com/video/?id=16155@kutv.dayport.com A prohibition on cliff jumping was put in place at Glen Canyon last year after an increase in injuries and fatalities associated with this activity. Although controversial in the beginning, it has been widely accepted and the park has received many positive comments back on this prohibition. A review of the data indicated that a significant increase in injury and death occurred at jumps higher than 15 feet. The last cliff jumping fatality occurred from 70 feet, with a calculated speed of about 50 mph when the victim impacted the water. Similar circumstances apply in this case. All kite tubers reported that they were traveling at 30 to 35 mph and most were 15 to 20 feet in the air when they were either ejected or turned upside down and accelerated back to the water. Another 10 to 20 mph of speed is added to their forward speed, so the victims are hitting the water at 45 to 55 mph. These accidents are therefore the equivalent of a 70 foot cliff jump, with the added component of the victims having no control over how they enter or impact the water. __________________ Things are never as good, or bad, as they seem.

06-23-2006, 06:12 PM	#2
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	So if he's successful in suing the manufacturer, that means he isn't a dumbass, right? __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

06-24-2006, 08:08 PM	#3
footfootfoot To shreds, you say? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: in the house and on the street-how many, many feet we meet! Posts: 18,449	What are they going to go after next, Lawn Darts? Fun sponges. __________________ The internet is a hateful stew of vomit you can never take completely seriously. - Her Fobs

06-25-2006, 01:31 AM	#4
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	__________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump. Last edited by xoxoxoBruce; 04-07-2007 at 05:52 PM.

06-26-2006, 07:59 AM	#5
Pangloss62 Lecturer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Atlanta Posts: 768	Pegged In The Head With A Lawn Dart Way, way, way back in the day, when I was a fake punk up in Boston, there was this obscure band named "Ed's Redeeming Qualities." They didn't go far, but as far as I know, they're the only band to record a song about lawn darts: Pegged In The Head With a Lawn Dart Ed's Redeeming Qualities It was the third of July and the weather was fine Ed brought the hot dogs, the croquet set was mine But the red ball was missing and three mallets were bent Ed suggested lawn darts so to K-Mart we went We looked by the yard games, we looked by the grills But we couldn't find lawn darts come high water or hills We talked to the sales clerk and she started to cry She said "They're off the shelves now," and she told us both why: A kid was pegged in the head with a lawn dart Her dad didn't see 'er, that's the worst part; A kid was pegged in the head with a lawn dart So they're now off the shelves at the K-Mart Well we both felt so bad that we gave up the search Ed went to bed, and I went to church And now we never grill hot dogs, and we don't play yard games Since we heard that sad story things just aren't the same Pegged in the head with a lawn dart (lawn dart!) Her dad didn't see 'er, that's the worst part; Pegged in the head with a lawn dart So they're now off the shelves at the K-Mart __________________ Things are never as good, or bad, as they seem.

06-26-2006, 12:32 PM	#6
KinkyVixen Marching In! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 580	Ok...so maybe I'll not use the kite tube? Maybe once? However, I'm very nervous now. Thanks for the warnings though...I definitely don't wanna hurt myself, or anyone else. __________________ "Smile before bed.You'll sleep better."

06-26-2006, 10:19 PM	#7
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	Recreation without the slightest hint of danger is a complete waste of time. Things that you survive are almost always more fun than things you simply do. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

06-27-2006, 11:18 AM	#8
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	I love mountain biking. If I push it hard, I'll probably fall during the ride. Thing is I control my fall, I suspect that isn't the case with the tube. I'm not a big lawsuit guy though... The kid with the target looks just like me at that age and yes I loved lawn darts. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

06-28-2006, 01:41 PM	#9
footfootfoot To shreds, you say? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: in the house and on the street-how many, many feet we meet! Posts: 18,449	Since I have no regard for the sanctity of threads, I want to give a shout ou to those clacker things that supposedly exploded in a shower of acrylic sharpnel, blinding you instantly and irrepairably. ROOOOOOOCCKK! __________________ The internet is a hateful stew of vomit you can never take completely seriously. - Her Fobs

06-28-2006, 02:27 PM	#10
rkzenrage Guest Posts: n/a	Before getting to the point I'm at now everything I did for fun was dangerous. When I get hurt I never once thought to sue those making the equipment. Bunch of pussies today.

06-29-2006, 07:51 AM	#15
rkzenrage Guest Posts: n/a	Not if you sue their tater guns away.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)