Powerboat crash helmet concern

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.

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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.”

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