Windsurfer Killed
On Sept. 25 a windsurfer was killed in a collision with a personal watercraft in the inner harbor at Cabrillo Beach. His name is Mickie Good. This isn’t the first incident in recent years with jet skis resulting in injuries. Despite these incidents, Los Angeles officials do little to control the reckless use of these personal watercraft. PWCs have become the pariahs of the water sports community. PWCs are frequently operated in an irresponsible manner.
We windsurfers, swimmers, kayakers, surfers and other beach resource users fear for our lives while in the presence of PWCs. Our fears are not unfounded. It is time communities stop bowing to heavy PWC industry pressure and regulate these machines to ensure the public safety. The tragic death of this man cannot be undone. Perhaps enforcement of present regulations and, if needed, further regulation will result in safer waters for all of us.
ALAN SANDOVAL
Costa Mesa
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