In 2018, Ragnhild Solem Midtbø was hit by a leisure boat in the middle of the idyllic archipelago in Grimstad while she was out paddling. The collision resulted in a broken bone, nerve damage, deep cuts and an amputated big toe. Ragnhild Solem Midtbø had to spend the summer of 2018 in a wheelchair after a boat ran over her on a paddling trip in Grimstad’s Skjærgård. Photo: Siv Kristin Sællmann / news – It was quite dramatic. Not everyone has the same control over the sea. I am probably a little more observant than before the accident. The boating season is just around the corner, and a recent survey by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate shows that there are now over one million recreational boats in Norway. At the same time, the number of road users on the lake has tripled in the last ten years. Midtbø fears that there may be more accidents. news has spoken to both paddlers and boaters about what you have to think about when you go out to enjoy a warm summer’s day at sea, when there is more and more traffic. Sharing the responsibility With more people at sea, it is more important than ever to be careful not to put yourself or others in dangerous situations, says Petter A. Søreng, section manager for recreational vessels in the Norwegian Maritime Directorate. – This places increased demands in relation to competence and attitudes at sea. He says a lot is about good seamanship. – We fear accidents where people do not take each other into account. This is something we continuously work on, and carry out attitude work around. Søreng believes that the responsibility rests on both speedboats and paddlers. – It is important that the soft road users ensure that they are visible, that they use colors that are easily seen, use lights in poor visibility and generally stay in parts of the water where they do not put themselves in danger. Paddle trip in the Oslofjord. Photo: Ina Marie Sigurdsen / news Avoiding rush hour traffic Midtbø believes that both those who drive fast boats and paddlers must pay attention. At the same time, she believes that boats have a greater responsibility than those sitting in kayaks. – I would like to think that boats have more responsibility, because they have much greater speed. It can have major consequences if you are not careful at sea. I think kayaks have the right to cross open stretches as well. After the accident, Midtbø rarely paddles alone, and almost never when the traffic is at its worst in the summer. – I feel more insecure if I paddle alone, so I usually paddle with others. She thinks more paddlers may be worried about accidents, when the number of boats increases in the summer. – It is quite likely that there will be more accidents. I think people think about that. Ragnhild Midtbø after the paddling accident. Photo: Siv Kristin Sællmann / news Vulnerable Stig Hvide Smith of the Boating Association says a lot of increase is needed before space on the lake becomes too tight. – There is little conflict between soft road users and other vehicles. But they are vulnerable and therefore boaters must show considerable consideration. He points out that it is a challenge that it is not always easy to see kayaks and the like. – With over one million vessels on the sea, it is clear that it is the game of chance that sometimes prevails, and not everyone is equally attentive. Secretary General of the Royal Norwegian Boating Association, Stig Hvide Smith. Photo: KNBF Must adapt Kristian Hermansen is chairman of Arendal kayak club. He says there is a difference in how people experience the increased boat traffic, but that some of the feedback he has received indicates that you cannot paddle as before. – Some choose to paddle less in the summer, because they feel a little unsafe at sea. Kayaks in the Geirangerfjord Photo: Kayak More Tomorrow He says that the paddlers had to adjust to the boat traffic more than before. – There are many boaters who are also kayakers, so I don’t think the level of conflict is that huge, but you have to think more about the sea and adapt. For those who may feel more unsafe in a kayak or other small vessel, he has a couple of tips. – You can paddle with others, then you will be seen more easily. In the morning, we often have the sea to ourselves, so many people choose to go out early, or you can take the kayak in the car and drive to the nearest inland water to avoid all the traffic. Hi! Do you have thoughts about what you’ve read or suggestions for other things we should check out? Feel free to send me an e-mail!
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– I feel more unsafe if I paddle alone – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
