Rules and Regulations

As with most modern sports there are risks and it is the aim of this scheme to reduce those risks wherever possible both to the kite pilot and the public at Fleetwood Beach.

Kites used irresponsibly can be dangerous! So that we may all continue to use the beaches in the area, we would ask you to voluntarily register with us and stick to the following best practice guidelines.

All kite pilots please

Remain calm and be approachable by the public
Be respectful, courteous and a role model for kiting
Move your kite away from danger when launching and landing; consider using the corners of the wind window to hover the kite if there is a risk of being lifted by the kite.
Don’t kite near obstacles especially when you could be carried downwind towards them.
Please don’t set up kites or fly kites in the kite exclusion zones.
Don’t leave ground stakes in the beach as they are a hazard to other users.
If you leave your kite on the beach;
Weigh your kite down using more sand than you think you might need
* Disconnect your lines from the kite when not using it
* If possible wrap up your lines to remove the trip hazard
* Remember kites can on occasion re-launch themselves, if you intend leaving your kite for more than 10 minutes pack it away.
Before you let someone have a go with your kite make sure you know what their ability is, if you don’t know point them in the right direction for training.
Check your equipment! Never fly on damaged equipment and don’t fly if the wind is too strong for you. If in doubt, don’t go out!

Additional Safety Advice for Buggy & Landboard

Have consideration for other beach users, stick to the areas shown on the map and if there is no room because of tourists and the tide wait for the beach to clear.
Stay well away from people. if you can’t buggy / landboard and look around because your concentrating on the kite go back to kite basics until you can!
Never let an unknown person try your buggy or landboard as they may not be able to handle it safely.
If you lend your buggy / landboard to someone make sure it’s in a fit condition for use. Check:
* Tyre pressures
* Wheel / axle / frame / headset nuts are tight
Consider wearing a helmet, even the best pilots can make mistakes and you’ll set a good example to people coming into the sport who haven’t developed all their skills yet.
Get 3rd party liability insurance, it’s not expensive and can be obtained through the BPKA website www.bpka.co.uk

Additional Safety Advice for Kitesurf

Avoid launching inshore, instead get your kite over water as soon as possible, launch / land with the kite on the water line.
Don’t perform difficult tricks / jumps close inshore or near other water / beach users.
Don’t let inexperienced people assist you to launch / land your kite unless you’ve taken the time to show them how to do it.
Always let someone know where you’re going and what time you’ll be back so that they can contact emergency services if you don’t show up.
Always use a kite leash that is tested and suitable for the kite you are flying.
Ensure you have practiced using all safety releases on your kite and leash.
Wear appropriate safety equipment and consider wearing a helmet and buoyancy aid.
Know your kite and your limits, if you can’t cope with the wind conditions put your kite down and fly another day.
Always carry a safety knife
Do not wear over trousers that are too heavy or thick as they can impair your ability to swim
Know and practice self rescue techniques before you need to use them in anger, water re-launch, upwind body drag and deep water pack down are essential skills to have before venturing out on the water.
Never sail in off-shore conditions, unless you have appropriate safety cover e.g. rescue boat / jet ski.
Know your tide times
If you’re new to kitesurfing GET EDUCATED by a qualified instructor who will help you progress quickly and keep you safe in the process.
If you lose your kite / board you should contact the coastguard at the first available opportunity (999) and inform them what you have lost. Don’t expect the coastguard to recover your equipment but the equipment can present a navigational hazard for other sea users or if found may result in a needless search and rescue.

We hope you have a great time flying and we look forward to seeing you on the beach. By helping us you will ensure that kites remain on the beach and thousands of people can enjoy watching and participating in the sport.

ENJOY YOUR KITESPORTS

Our thanks to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the British Power Kite Association, the British Kite Surfing Association, the British Kite Flyers Association, the Powerkite Sports Federation, South Shore Boardriders, Ainsdale on Sea Powerkite Club, Fylde Borough Council and Wyre Borough Council for their help and support in compiling this code of practice.

On any other site whilst away from Marine Beach Fleetwood

The committee insists that all club members to adopt the BPKA Safety Guidelines and the Fleetwood Kite Club Code of Conduct along with any rules and regulations or code of conduct that has been specified for that site. Both are listed below.

British Power Kite Association Club Safety Guidelines

These guidelines cover Kite Buggying, Kite Landboarding, Power Kiting and Kite Surfing.

Site Assessment

All members must make reasonable endeavours to establish that the site with which they wish to use conforms to the following: -

That use of the site does not constitute an illegal act.
That the site is suitable for the activity with which they plan to participate.
That in participating in the activity they are not causing distress to either livestock (farmed animals) or specifically horses whether ridden or not or people enjoying the use of the site.
That they will not cause any damage to the site or properties around the site.
That they will not endanger any adjacent roads or vehicle access points such that drivers, cyclists and horses/horse riders will be given cause for alarm which may lead to a possible accident.
Please be aware that whilst you may feel that you are far enough away from a bridleway, path or right of way, a horse may still panic if a kite looms into view. Please be vigilant

Safe Participation

Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the participant in the activity has an acceptable level of control over the equipment in use.

Should any difficulties arise a suitable area must be available at all times to allow recovery of any difficulties that may be incurred.

It is advisable to wear appropriate safety equipment such that any minor incidents do not cause any personal injuries.

Where possible do not participate alone in any activities.

External Influences

Should the weather change in such a manner that may result in injury (thunderstorm, high wind) it is advisable to desist in the activities until the condition has passed.

If requested by an official representing the owners or authorities of the site in use to leave the site please comply. If possible request their name, who they represent and who the main contact would be so that the club can liase with the owners/authorities to secure a mutually acceptable strategy to gain future access to the site.

Should you or your equipment be damaged due to undue care of any other member of the public please do not become confrontational. If possible note any car registration details and report the matter to the local police stating dates, times and incident. Also, if possible take a photograph of the perpetrator and report them to the local authority/landowner etc.

Newcomers

If any newcomers are attempting to participate in the use of the site inform them of these guidelines.

Ask any newcomers if they carry any insurance, this may be any affiliated PKSF club/association insurance. Also point out that this insurance may need to be proven and that appropriate paperwork may need to be presented.

Encourage all newcomers to join the British Power Kite Association.

General

Always observe local rules and regulations before participating in your activity.

If you are unsure of any aspect of your equipment ask others for advice.

If you are new to the sport please ensure that you are not trying to participate in conditions that would outweigh your capability e.g. kite too big or winds to strong.

Always find a safe place free of people or obstacles to launch your kite.

Ensure that an appropriate adult supervises any children under 12 years old.

When you are not flying your kite put it away so that the space may be used for others.

Always check your equipment before each use, bridles, lines, wheels, nuts and bolts may be damaged or have become loose.

Code of Conduct

Power kiting of any type can be a fast and exhilarating sport and is subject to its own levels and degrees of danger. The voluntary code of conduct is intended to provide information and advice for kite pilots regardless of the type of kite activity undertaken and spectators alike.

Be Curteous to others wether members of the club the public or officials, you are an ambassador for the sport & club.

Please keep all club equipment and facilities in a clean, tidy, safe useable condition, should accidental damage to equipment / property occur please report the incident to the committee using the incident report form.

Remove hazards when you see them, if you can’t remove a hazard please report it to the committee so they can take appropriate action.

Persons under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied at the club by a parent / carer / guardian whilst using club equipment or receiving instruction by a club coach.

Persons under the age of 12 MUST be supervised whilst participating in club activities / events or club Fly in’s.

Please park in a responsible manner using public car parks (not the promenade when at Marine Beach Fleetwood as vehicles parked here are not insured with the exception of leaseholders vehicles.)

In the event of disagreement between members:

Try to talk to each other and resolve problems if that fails or you do not feel comfortable confronting the other person you may refer disagreements / complaints to the club committee.

Following a complaint the committee will instigate a review hearing where statements are taken from witness’ / participants and a decision will be made as to any further action required by the club. This could involve sanctions being placed on persons found to be in breach of club rules such as suspension or expulsion from the club and site.

Complaints / disagreements referred to the committee must be put in writing.

A review hearing must consist of 3 representatives from the committee not involved in the incident / complaint persons attending a hearing may be accompanied by a colleague / friend / member of family as they see fit.

In the event of a member breaching any of the following suspension / expulsion from the club will be instant:

Damaging, destroying or removing without permission club property. Contravention of safety rules which could affect the safety of another member or member of the public.
Making false statements about the club or any of its members to any person.
Misuse of Fleetwood Kite Club accounts.
Assaulting or injuring any fellow club member or threatening or attempting to do so.
Falsifying an application form or giving false information relating to your application.
Failing to comply with the data protection act.
Harassing, discriminating against or bullying any fellow member.
Bringing Fleetwood Kite Club into serious disrepute.
Inappropriate behaviour at club events.
Damaging, destroying or removing without permission club property.

The participation in this exhilarating sport has been under pressure from concerned Local Authorities, following an unfortunate incident involving a land yacht. It is respectfully requested that all buggy pilots adopt this code to demonstrate to the general public and local authorities, that we can be relied on to use flying sites in a responsible manner.

Actively promote the safe enjoyment of power kiting - advise members of the public of the potential dangers with power kiting and general power kite activities.

Respect and obey any prohibition or advice notices posted by the landowner and/or controlling official(s)

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