[ricki]

The problem is with some of us, not lifeguards.

I just spoke with a lifeguard supervisor and friend of many years at an area beach today. We've worked on lifeguard orientations to kiting as far back as 2001. I asked him how it was going with local kiters, he shook his head and said they're about to give up (on us). If that happens there could be yet another ban in SE Florida to join the other actual and threatened bans.

What's the problem? The usual.

Guys riding inside swim area buoys, too close to bystanders, newbies rigging up among other beach patrons without a clue how to fly or avoid tangling others up. The guards try to reason with the kiter, here's the touchy part, the guards get disrespect, lip service or the like. I was told the problem was more to do with new and out of area kiters as opposed to most experienced local kiters. He said some of the experienced guys talk to the problem kiters at times which is appreciated.

Guards have a full time job looking out for public safety. It isn't easy, doesn't pay barrels of money but they do it despite weather, crowds, lost kids, drunks or the odd annoying kiter. They are there to save lives and deserve our respect.

- So, if you're kiting or about to and a guard asks you to do something, why not just do it? Without a bunch of griping or insults.

- More likely, if you see a kiter doing something wrong, likely to cause problems for himself and US, go talk to him. You're doing yourself a favor even if it doesn't seem like it.

- Here's a newsflash, new kiters need to be far away from bystanders both on the beach and in the water. Help convince people about this as it is in their interest as well as ours.


So, please help keep your access in place, too many areas are under threat of restrictions. Show lifeguards respect and if you can talk to some of our own, why not do it? The access you preserve may be your own.