Banana boats – not such a fun day out

[Inspire]

Banana boats – not such a fun day out

Image: Hua Hin Today

Many responsible visitors and residents of Thailand – especially those with children – heading for a fun day at the beach will have a fair idea of some basic potential dangers.

Red swimming flags will be noticed by the observant and sensible people will check for vehicles like jet-skis or speedboats that might present a hazard when entering the water and choose a safe place to swim.

Children especially and those who cannot swim will be advised to stay close to the water’s edge. Mindful parents will keep little ones in sight at all times. Even competent swimmers will be aware of the inherent dangers even a calm sea can present with riptides and the like.

Then as their friends wave happily offshore they will gladly allow their children and themselves to enjoy the fun of a Banana Boat ride…….WRONG!

The tragic accident on a resort area in the north east of the country over Songkran serves as a reminder about the dangers of Banana Boats. They may look fun but are extremely dangerous.

In the Isan accident a young woman died of head trauma after it appears lines of two boats got entangled resulting in eight people being smashed together. But it is not just in collisions involving other Banana Boats or support vehicles that these contraptions should be avoided. Even if there is just one boat and the coast is clear and the operator is licensed and responsible (all major ifs) danger is still ever present.

Full story: http://www.inspirepattaya.com/lifestyle/banana-boats-fun-day/

-- Inspire Pattaya 2016-05-01

[Kabula]

This is the parent's primary responsibility to anticipate danger for their children. Unfortunately, I observe many parents totally ignorant of many

perils they expose their children to.

It's the banana boat's operator secondary responsibility to anticipate danger. Unfortunately, I observe many who appear to have no training and

don't keep a watchful eye behind them, nor to the left and right sides. Some seem that they don't even care. This attitude is very dangerous for all.

I doubt that the operators are licensed, but they should be and be required to take training lessons and be certified.

I miss the common sense of the past.

Edited May 1, 2016 by Kabula

[pattjock]

I have never seen a speed boat towing a parachute or a banana ride where they had someone in the boat to always keep an eye on the ride behind them.

There is always only one person in the boat, the driver, I can not understand how this can be allowed

[Ondral]

The author of the article concluded with just the right amount of sanctimonious indignation when stating that no one in his care will everride one of those floating penises of death. But in the immortal words of Rahm Emmanuel, let us not let a tragedy go to waste. If we all whine together, with just the frequency, that we can turn Thailand into yet another nanny state.

[Muhendis]

When I first saw the headline I thought of Fyffes. Then I had "Hey mister tally man tally me bananas" the banana boat song running through my head. But I was wrong. Someone in Isaan, God knows where, managed to crash these oversized, blown up yellow condoms into each other causing the death of a passenger (?). May she rest in peace and may all this type of banana boat (?) enjoy deflation in a big way.

[ggt]

All good advise...but one can not live in a self-imposed prison and experience life...

Most everything we do on a daily basis is dangerous in some way...walking along a roadway...driving or riding a motorcycle...using public transportation...going out for a few beers...just eating some Thai foods could send you to the ER...and the many parasites...dungy fever...the list goes on and on...

People who stay aware and sometimes wary...are more apt to survive their stay here...

Prepare to have a good time...do all things in moderation...know that you are mortal...do not trust those you do not know personally...

Oh yes, and carry a few hundred extra baht to contribute to the police retirement fund when requested to do so...

[Kabula]

The author of the article concluded with just the right amount of sanctimonious indignation when stating that no one in his care will everride one of those floating penises of death. But in the immortal words of Rahm Emmanuel, let us not let a tragedy go to waste. If we all whine together, with just the frequency, that we can turn Thailand into yet another nanny state.

Stop watching western T.V. and spreading this garbage or you will not have any friends left! Spinning responsibility and safety into a political

statement is nonsense. In my legal opinion, after examing the definition of a Troll, you have gone over the line.

[tolsti]

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