SSA NEWS 2002

Visit to MCA Coastguard
04/12/02	The Coastguard station in Lee-on-the-Solent is the busiest in the UK. The first part of the visit consisted of a presentation and video illustrating the various functions that the Coastguard undertakes; improving maritime safety, protecting the marine environment (they also have specialized cliff and mud rescue teams). Afterwards the visit moved upstairs for a tour of the operations centre where the duty shift deals with emergency calls and keeps a constant listening watch and log of all calls on VHF channel 16. They also transmit special notices and weather updates for mariners at regular intervals also on channel 16.

SSA Halloween Bowling night
01/11/02	With over twenty SSA members in party mood, some in fancy dress, this was sure to be a fun evening! It became a charity fund raiser in aid of the BBC Children in Need appeal when Bill supplied a bucket for each lane with loose change being contributed to every time the bowler failed to knock any pins over. All I can say is that with £147 collected we should all stick to watersports! Prizes for highest over all scores went to the husband and wife team, Phil & Karen, well done! Prize for best/worst fancy dress could have gone to any number of people but congratulations are definitely in order for the winner, Heather (right).

SSA... "Safer Skiing for All"
20/10/02	12 members of the SSA have today completed the RYA recognized First Aid Course. The training was held at the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service HQ at Stokes Bay. The "GAFIRS" are a voluntary organization and obtain funding by hosting training courses, donations and holding charity events.

October's Jetskier and Personal Watercraft, out now!
01/10/02	The long awaited October issue of JS&PW mag is now on sale! The SSA has an excellent four page write up. Thanks again to Craig for giving up his Bank Holiday weekend to join us on the Solent Cruise.

SSA in The News!
18/09/02	"LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT: Watersports watchdogs are asked for help by other enthusiasts. A JET-SKI patrol has proved so popular that skiers in other parts of the country have been asking them for their help in setting up a safety watch. Solent Skiers Association has been asked to help jet-skiers in three towns on the east coast set up their own patrol team...their local authorities have warned them jet-skiiing could be banned because a small minority were riding recklessly."

Ryde Inshore Rescue 1 rescued at Lee
07/09/02	Ryde Rescue 1 got into difficulties itself after safely recovering a speedboat to Daedalus in worsening conditions. Unfortunately the craft snagged its impellor on a length of rope. Luckily some SSA club members were on hand at the slipway and by using multiple four wheel drives managed to put a line to the RIB and recover it to shore. The rope was then cut free and the RIB re-floated.

SSA Solent Cruise success!
26/08/02	The first Solent Cruise was held on Bank Holiday Monday as planned. The event was a great success with over 25 skis taking part. Before setting off Craig Barnett from Jetskier Magazine took group photographs of riders and organisers. The route took the skiers from Lee across the Solent to Ryde on the Isle of Wight, then around the forts and into Langstone Harbour. Lunch was provided by the club committee before the final blast back along the coast to Lee. Solent Skiers arrive at Langstone Harbour Photos now posted in Gallery. Thanks to Craig from Jetskier Magazine, Chris and Barb (safety & support rib), Scott (who helped us all launch on time) and to everyone who took part.

SSA and Borough Councils launch Patrol Initiative
06/08/02	Water Activity Zones Volunteer Patrol Team at Daedalus Slipway, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head. A team of Volunteer Patrollers has been established to assist in the efficient management of personal watercraft in line with the rules and regulations listed in the Water Activities Zones leaflet and displayed on the sign at Daedalus Slipway, Lee-on-the-Solent. The team are all keen, enthusiastic and experienced operators of personal watercraft and are committed to the continuation of the provision of the existing zoning system that has been developed for the benefit of all people wishing to use the water along the coast. The Patrol Team's Role
Happy Birthday Andy!
03/08/02	SSA treasurer Andy LLoyd celebrated his 40th birthday with a custom made cake. It was reported that club chairman Jason Anderton made short work of scoffing the lot, apparently it tasted as good as it looked!