Petition to allow the use of Stand up Paddleboards on Ennerdale & Thirlmere
Comments
#2
Paddle boarding responsibly on Thirlmere and Ennerdale is one of the few pleasures left in life and free of crowds. I don't see what harm its doing. You allow kayaking. What's the difference?Jane Goujon (Wigton, 2021-08-18)
#7
There are limited places to SUP and we shouldn't be treated differently to other unpowered craft.Saffron Warde-Jones (Lancaster, 2021-08-18)
#8
Stand up paddle boards aren't dangerous. No more so than other forms of leisure water transport. This relatively new sport is simply suffering from a few inexperienced users getting into trouble. That will sort itself out in a very short time.Neil Henderson (Seascale, 2021-08-18)
#10
Paddle boarding has huge physical and mental benefits. Ennerdale is one of the few places locally that parking is close enough to the lake to make it possible to SUP. Kayaks and canoes are allowed on Ennerdale so why not SUP?Amelia Wilson (Workington, 2021-08-18)
#11
Having previously sup’d on ennerdale I cannot see a good reason for the change in decision.Eyvonne Campbell (Carlisle, 2021-08-18)
#17
I am signing this petition as I believe that SUP users are at no higher risk of getting into difficulty than any other paddle sport user. United Utilities appear to be discriminating against SUP users which I feel is unjustifiedClive Bontoft (Wigton, 2021-08-18)
#18
There have been no emergency incidents on both bodies of water. I always dress appropriately including wetsuit, bouyancy aid and an attached to my board via a leash.Chrissy Marshall (Preston, 2021-08-18)
#19
It is unfair to allow canoes and kayaks but not SUPs.Cat Arkwright (Preston, 2021-08-18)
#21
I believe the risk of drowning is not higher than if taking part in other water sports, and that forbidding certain activities is not the answer, but education and training is.Lucas Caviglia (Caterham, 2021-08-18)
#23
I use all safety equipment, I expect to get wet and wear appropriate clothing eg, wetsuit and I should be allowed to SUP on these lakes.Tina Lynch (Heysham, 2021-08-18)
#25
SUP is safe. Users are responsible and prepared for conditions and location.Lynsey Butcher (Runcorn, 2021-08-18)
#29
It seems mad that other types of sports are allowed but sup's are not.Terence Rush-Morgan (Lancaster, 2021-08-18)
#36
I am a SUP user and I think it’s unfair.Darren Fitzgibbon (Liverpool, 2021-08-18)
#38
The use of lakes as a means of recreation is an essential part of tourism and assists the local economies. This decision to prevent Ennerdale's use by paddleboarders, obstructs that, and is perverse when considered that kayaks are allowed. To say that this is due to the increased risk of drowning is flawed as most risk comes from swimmers themselves and merely needs warnings to be placed regarding safe paddleboarding. One could say the same about fellwalking but walkers are not banned from access to the fells. All recreational activities have inherent risks, but banning that form of recreation is not the way to address this, education is.Raymond Greenhow (CARLISLE, 2021-08-18)
#41
I'm signing because I like to SUP and I never get in the water. So what's the harm??I'm ever so grateful that you let us SUP again
Thank yooooou 🙏🏻💖💕
Pixie MacLeod-Hodgson (Milnthorpe, 2021-08-18)
#43
I’mSigning this petition because there is an unfairness about not allowing paddle boards but allowing other leisure activities and the lakes is a natural resource for all.
Jo Humphries (Preston, 2021-08-18)
#44
There is no difference between Paddleboarding and being on an inflatable kayak.Hayley Sainty (Barrow-in-Furness, 2021-08-18)
#47
I am signing because I have used Ennerdale for both canoeing and supIain Bewsher (Egremont, 2021-08-18)
#48
Their risk assessment isn’t supported by accurate guidance and has been carried out on incorrect preconceived perceptions.A Stand up Paddleboarder is able to get back onto their craft without the need to bail water this is not the case should the other forms of craft capsize that aren’t banned.
There is no reason as to why a paddleboarder is less able to dress appropriately for the water temperature than any other user.
Paddleboarders are also able to assist swimmers and other water users in trouble.
The likely effect of a ban on paddleboarding will most probably be in my opinion; to put off responsible experienced paddleboarders who will be aware of the restrictions and stay off, however beginners are likely to observe other water craft in the water and assume access is ok. This is likely to lead to fewer experienced paddleboarders using the water who would naturally offer help and assistance to others if required.
At the same time increasing the concentration of inexperienced paddleboarders.
In terms of risk analysis I have attached some statistics:
Breaking down these numbers, 1.31 accidents happened per 100,000 kayakers with 0.76 being fatal. On the other hand, per 100,000 stand-up paddlers, only 0.76 accidents and 0.14 deaths were recorded in 2018.
The number of fatalities in US traffic in 2018 amounted to 11.18 per 100,000 population.
There is risk involved in everything we do unfortunately the media likes to sensationalise accidents that we are happy to precise as dangerous ie activities we generally don’t do as opposed to the activities we do such as drive cars, use stairs take baths etc. Unfortunately I feel that this has fallen foul of the media attention given to rare and tragic accidents in an subject they like to report on rather than subjects they choose to ignore.
The benefits of Stand up Paddleboarding are being studied and are been considered not only for fitness purposes but also for mental health and well-being benefits.
It is worth giving this more thought.
Len Cole moderator of the North East SUP Club (3,500members)
Leonard Cole (Washington, 2021-08-18)
#50
I want to continue being able to SUP on these two fantastic lakesIan Egglestone (Preston, 2021-08-18)
#51
Ennerdale is the closest safest water for my partner who has MS, to paddle on. The sport and location is great for her physical and mental well-being.Ian Henderson (Whitehaven, 2021-08-18)
#52
I use these waters for both SUP and Kayaking and it would be such a shame to lose access for SUP’s.Carol Wilkinson (Stockton on tees, 2021-08-18)
#53
I'm a Paddlebiard Instructor, and it's wonderful to see get people excercising, and families being able to do an activity together.Paddleboarding should be encouraged.
Deborah Hodgson (SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA, 2021-08-18)
#54
I use the reservoir with my partner and we kayak and sup and no longer can, it is no safer on the kayak than the sup.Brian Weatherington (Poulton le fylde, 2021-08-18)
#59
I believe the natural beauty and resources of our country should be freely available for us all to enjoy and because stand up paddle boarding is hugely beneficial to mental healthJohn Mcfadzean (Southport, 2021-08-18)
#60
Penalises responsible correctly kitted out paddleboarders.Would be better to enforce the wearing of a BA not just banning it altogether.
Susan Maloney (Bradford, 2021-08-18)
#61
SUP is good for mental health and access to water should be freely availableAndy Large (Colchester, 2021-08-18)
#63
I think the decision is based on incorrect data.Rowena Ward (Wylam, 2021-08-18)
#64
I carry out litter picks whilst out on my paddleboard in Thirlmere which is surely beneficial to the reservoir. I have never fallen in!Natalie O'Kane (Whitehaven, 2021-08-18)
#66
SUP is just as safe as kayaking & canoeing if done properlySteve Humphrey (Great Paxton, St. Neots, 2021-08-18)
#67
I’m signing as an avid paddleboarder and fan of the lakes it’s a shame to see 2 of the water ways being denied to Paddleboarders, when canoes and kayaks can still paddle them.Stacey Smithson-Grey (Redbrook, 2021-08-18)
#70
I'm signing because l am a sup.Davina Parker (Middlesbrough, 2021-08-18)
#78
I'm signi g because these lakes are a resource for ALL, not merely those with sides on their floating craft.Pat Sunderland (Burnley, 2021-08-18)
#79
I’m signing this because as a paddle boarder I enjoy exploring different waterways across the UK. It is my own responsibility to dress correctly and wear the correct clothing and safety equipment for each waterway. A blanket ban is discriminatory against paddle boarders and needs to be reversed.RL Armstrong (Redcar, 2021-08-18)
#83
We really need inland SUP venues, I’m on the North Coast of Ireland at the moment and the sea is an incredibly capricious place to board .Dressed warmly I find a lake is far safer.
George Hill (Sheffield, 2021-08-18)
#90
There is absolutely no practical reason why paddleboards should be denied access to these lakes when canoes and kayaks are allowed. It is a discriminatory action.Sylvia Bowness (Guisborough, 2021-08-18)
#95
I kayak and paddleboard!Amanda Swift-Ellis (Wirral, 2021-08-18)
#96
I am signing this because you are discriminating against paddle boarders by not allowing them to use the lake but are allowing canoes and kayaks. Which carry the same risks if not more in the case of entrapment a canoe and kayak are easily tipped over representing the same risks to drowning and cold water shockPaul Rollings (London, 2021-08-18)
#99
I’m signing because I believe access to SUP on these two bodies of water should be protectedSimon Cox (Harrogate, 2021-08-18)
#100
I both Kayak and Paddle Board and don't consider one more dangerous than the otherHelen Dobbie (Colchester, 2021-08-18)
#101
I live locally & see no increased danger using these two lakes to any of the others in fact these are possible safer options to use as there are no boats or engine powered crafts allowedDeborah Hughes (Kendal, 2021-08-18)
#103
What is the difference between a paddle board a rowing boat and a kayakSusan Dewick (Carnforth, 2021-08-18)
#104
Signed as ROSPA figures show evidence that the reason given for stopping paddle boards is wrong!Out of 242 accidentally drownings last year only 3 were from personal watercraft
Adam Lunn (Nayland-with-Wissington, 2021-08-18)
#114
They cause no pollution and encourage people to get outdoorsNICOLA JEFFERY (PRESTON, 2021-08-18)
#117
“Their risk assessment isn’t supported by accurate guidance and has been carried out on incorrect preconceived perceptions.A Stand up Paddleboarder is able to get back onto their craft without the need to bail water this is not the case should the other forms of craft capsize that aren’t banned.
There is no reason as to why a paddleboarder is less able to dress appropriately for the water temperature than any other user.
Paddleboarders are also able to assist swimmers and other water users in trouble.
The likely effect of a ban on paddleboarding will most probably be in my opinion; to put off responsible experienced paddleboarders who will be aware of the restrictions and stay off, however beginners are likely to observe other water craft in the water and assume access is ok. This is likely to lead to fewer experienced paddleboarders using the water who would naturally offer help and assistance to others if required.
At the same time increasing the concentration of inexperienced paddleboarders.
In terms of risk analysis I have attached some statistics:
Breaking down these numbers, 1.31 accidents happened per 100,000 kayakers with 0.76 being fatal. On the other hand, per 100,000 stand-up paddlers, only 0.76 accidents and 0.14 deaths were recorded in 2018.
The number of fatalities in US traffic in 2018 amounted to 11.18 per 100,000 population.
There is risk involved in everything we do unfortunately the media likes to sensationalise accidents that we are happy to perceive as dangerous ie activities we generally don’t do as opposed to the activities we do such as drive cars, use stairs take baths etc. Unfortunately I feel that this has fallen foul of the media attention given to rare and tragic accidents in an subject they like to report on rather than subjects they choose to ignore.
The benefits of Stand up Paddleboarding are being studied and are been considered not only for fitness purposes but also for mental health and well-being benefits.
It is worth giving this more thought.
David Brown (Stockton-on-tees, 2021-08-18)
#118
As a paddle boarder (SUP) I don't consider there being any different in risk, from using a kayak etc.Stephen Davies (Wallasey, 2021-08-18)
#121
The impact to the shoreline and water is exactly the same as kayaking and rowing. Why are we as SUPers discriminated against?Nicola Gregson (Bolton, 2021-08-18)
#125
There is no possible reason to exclude paddle boarders when other water sports are allowedMurray Wilson (Workington, 2021-08-18)
#129
There is no evidence to suggest that Stand Up Paddling poses a higher risk than other forms of water sports which are permitted on Thirlmere and Ennerdale. The fact that the board, to which the paddler is attached, is effectively a large floatation device, makes it safe. The higher probability of falling into the water means that paddlers prepare correctly, with wetsuits if appropriate.Andy Williamson (Cockermouth, 2021-08-18)
#131
I believe every water way should be ale to be paddledPaul Cooper (Telford, 2021-08-18)
#134
Paddling on water should not be controlled by corporations on landownersTim Hughes (Carnoustie, 2021-08-18)
#140
Always bring my paddleboard to the Lake District, hate to see this sport discriminated against.Richard Nelson (Chelmsford, 2021-08-18)
#141
This is a short sighted action against one particular group. Paddlesports of all types should be encouraged and allowed.Dominic Griffin (Coventry, 2021-08-18)
#142
Utterly ridiculousPaul Roberts (Stockport, 2021-08-18)
#144
I am a regular SUP user in The Lake District it is hard enough with havingvto pay for different permits let alone finding a car parking space when tourists are using the car parks for illegal overnight parking.Now adding this bombshell to the mix is just another frustration. Ill equipt/inflatables are more of a hazzard than alot of able SUP users. I cannot believe this is happening.Sharon Craig (Cumbria, 2021-08-18)
#148
I frequently use the lakes for paddle boarding. I consider myself to be experienced and I take all relevant safety steps. I am much safer than a family in an inflatable kayak bought from Aldi!Sophie Denton (Barnoldswick, 2021-08-18)
#149
It's a joke really I suppose the contamination from the fuel used on a sup is contaminating the waterAndy Yates (manchester, 2021-08-18)
#151
I’m signing because that is a very poor excuse to ban SUP paddlers due to the possibility of drowning by cold water shock.People paddle using wetsuits and wear buoyancy aids. People paddle in the sea in winter and have no problems. Why is it just paddlers being punished?
William Glennie (Lossiemouth, 2021-08-18)
#154
Rules are good, but banning use is immoralShaun Taylor (Nottingham, 2021-08-18)
#159
We as taxpayers fund the Lake District National Park World Heritage Site authority whose purpose is to encourage people to enjoy and understand its beauty. United Utilities is setting itself up in opposition to this objective by discriminating against paddleboarders specifically, and has provided no justification for this. It also contravenes OfWat's objective innovative management by water companies in ways which will increase their contribution to the social wellbeing of the nation.Other water users should be concerned lest this is the thin end of a wedge designed to restrict further access to these waters.
It is clearly not an issue of water quality given United Utilities' history. Large areas of West Cumbria still receive poor quality, ill tasting, water derived from boreholes in old mining areas, which United Utilities unilaterally substituted for the previous sweet water supply.
Anne Dagen (Stanwick, 2021-08-18)
#161
Open the water to all paddlers, all watercraft!Marilyn Adams (Carlsbad, 2021-08-18)
#166
I am signing because I do not see why you are discriminating against me!!!!!!D Spaven (Hartlepool, 2021-08-18)
#181
Stand up Paddleboarders should not be singled out. The present fad for cheap Paddleboards will pass leaving those who treat this sport seriously and care about the environment we use them on.Andrew Butcher (Carlisle, 2021-08-18)
#182
The authorities are discriminating towards an end-user group. In this case the Paddleboarders.Jac Citera (Greenport, 2021-08-19)
#183
As a responsible paddlerboarder, kayak and canoeist it doesn't make sense that I can Canoe and Kayak but not SUP. I understand that you want to protect your water way, please reinstate or introduce a licencing scheme for those of us who are responsible paddlers, have 3rd party insurance and appreciate your environment as much as you.Mike Leach (Sancton, 2021-08-19)
#186
The current rules just don’t make senseLeanne Pettit (Cockermouth, 2021-08-19)
#190
I love paddle boarding and think it's a freedom sportKeith Waddilove (Lancashire, 2021-08-19)
#192
If a kayak can use it why not a SUP. Absolutely no sense. It's watersports all the same.Claire Taylor (Halifax, 2021-08-19)
#193
Access should be open for all.Janice Davey (HAVERHILL, 2021-08-19)
#194
I use sup as my hobbie I have done so for over a year. I believe that 90% of sup users a always wear the correct attire for there voyage eg boyancy aid and neoprene vests or some even full wetsuits. I own an inflatable kayak which my Children use. I have tipped it over a couple of times but most of the time When a user goes out in a kayak or a canoe they feel they are more secure so will not always wear the correct clothing for the eventuallity that they might fall in.For this reason I feel it is harsh and not fair that sup owners should be punished and band from places of such beauty
Kevin Rees (Nottinghamshire, 2021-08-19)
#195
I'm a SUP user and both lakes have brilliant views and are great to paddle onMatthew Entwisle (Bolton Le Sands, 2021-08-19)