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Shipwrecks and Lost Treasures of the Seven Seas : WET & HOT NEWS !

06 November 2010

Boscombe surf reef 'hazardous' says safety report

From BBC News

A council-commissioned safety report has revealed potential hazards posed to users of Boscombe's man-made surf reef.

Users could become trapped, break limbs or in the "worst case scenario" drown, after gaps were found in the structure. Parts of the reef had also come away.

Bournemouth council said the RNLI was satisfied and all risks had been addressed.

The £3m reef enhances the quality of waves but has come under criticism for not working as well as it should.

The structure, which was opened a year ago after a series of delays and at more than double the original cost, was created to improve surfing conditions using 55 sand-filled bags which are 225m (740ft) out to sea.

The report, carried out by Commercial & Specialised Diving Ltd, said experienced surfers may consider none of the elements greater than "low risks".

It added that natural reefs had "far greater hazards and associated risks than those posed by the artificial reef".

The council said a reef management group met on a quarterly basis to review and manage the reef.

Tony Williams, council executive director for environment and economy, said it was "standard" for the council to conduct regular risk assessments and it was in constant touch with the RNLI.

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