[OSMB-News] News Release -First Kite Tube Accident Reported

[Ashley MASSEY]

For Immediate Release	Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2006

First Accident Reported on Kite Tube
	
	The Oregon State Marine Board was notified by Malheur County Marine Patrol of a serious kite tube injury on Owyhee Lake.  The accident occurred on July 8, and the 33 year old female was life-flighted to a Boise Hospital with possible crushed vertebra. 
	  The Consumer Products Safety Commission sent out an advisory urging water enthusiast to use extreme care when using this new towable device, prompting the Marine Board to issue an advisory on July 10.  Kite tubes are large towed, inflatable toys designed to become airborne at moderate speeds. They have been blamed for a number of serious injuries and several fatalities to riders in other states.
	  "We were hoping to be proactive in alerting boaters about the potential dangers before any injuries occur in Oregon," said Ashley Massey, Public Affairs Specialist for the Marine Board.  "Any change in speed, wind direction, or handling by the rider can lead to a serious injury.  Riders need to be very cautious."
	 The Wego Kite Tube appears to be the main product in question.  Sportsstuff, Inc., the manufacturer of the Wego kite tube, issued a recall of this product on July 5, in light of the various nationwide injuries and fatalities. People who already own a Wego kite tube need to contact the company. Sportsstuff, Inc. will replace the kite tubes with other products up to the same value. 
	For more information about the recall notification, go to www.boatoregon.com.
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Ashley A. Massey
Public Affairs Specialist
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us