New rescue Quads and JetSkis for Surfers Paradise

New rescue quads and JetSkis for Surfers Paradise.

Recently at Surfers Paradise, they were able to receive the keys of two brand new Kawasaki JetSkis from the hands of Axel Wyffels (Kawasaki Benelux) and Kristof Vanonckelen (Kripajet Maldegem).
The new Kawasaki Mule and the Brute Force Quad complete the picture.

Surfers Paradise has been the first to use JetsSkis to carry out rescues at sea since 1988.
Frank Vanleenhove: "It is indeed the case that you can handle any type of sea with a JetSki and they are used worldwide to get surfers out of the water quickly. Even with metres-high surf and storms at sea, you can be proud that you can always reach a water sportsman in distress. On top of that, if necessary, we also use a "rescue sled" which we attach to the back of the boat to get not only the water sportsman himself but also all the water sports equipment safely ashore. Of course, some experience is required and the rescuer must know how to intervene. The advantage is that there is no propeller but the jet can, for example, suck in the cords of a kite after which rescue is out of the question. Every water sportsman has his specific rescue requirements: a windsurfboard with sail is much larger than a kiteboard, for example, and a kite has four lines that are 25 metres long. In turn, the latest foil craze makes for razor-sharp and very difficult to transport foils. Material knowledge of approach and how to disassemble is therefore definitely a plus.

Thing is, we do have to intervene several times a year. There are also more and more water sportspeople. In the past these were mainly windsurfers, from 2000 kitesurfers were added and about five years ago foilers. Besides equipment breakdowns and personal injuries after unfortunate falls, most interventions happen when the weather changes drastically. This is when, for example, strong winds suddenly pick up or when the wind drops completely. It also happens that a kitesurfer loses his board and then we start looking for it, taking into account location of loss, wind direction and current. The advantage here is that you can stand upright on a JetSki and have a good overview.

Prevention on the beach is also very important. We check everyone before they go ashore and provide that person with the right tips if necessary. From opening to closing, we have someone at Surfers Paradise keeping an eye on the sea and sounding the alarm when necessary.
JetSkis are also ideally suited to closely monitor and instruct novice water sports enthusiasts. That way, they not only feel safer but can be brought right back to shore in case of fatigue or drifting.

Safety is therefore paramount and every water sportsman should be aware of this, which is why every club charges an annual membership fee. A lot of effort, time and money goes into this; imagine if the government had to intervene every time with the rescue helicopter, which would cost the community a lot of money.

To be clear: The JetSkis are not rented out and are not for recreational use."
All info regarding Kawasaki JetSkis and other products: https://www.kawasaki.be/

Pictured flnr Kristof Vanonckelen, Frank Vanleenhove, Axel Wyffels and Joyce Vanleenhove.

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