Make Vests Compulsory, Coroner Told
The Age
Wednesday November 24, 1993
Moomba Dragon Boat Festival organisers have been urged to consider making life vests compulsory after the death of two competitors earlier this year.
But organisers have rejected the call, saying life vests impede paddling and destroy the color and spectacle of dragon boat racing.
Mr Alex Shaw, of the Marine Board, told an inquest yesterday that life vests should be compulsory for all races on the Yarra.
But Mr Mark Corrazo, for the Victorian Dragon Boat Association, urged the coroner, Mr Iain West, against recommending compulsory life vests.
The Yarra was a ``docile" venue and vests were not required for many other water sports.
Mr West is inquiring into the deaths of two Malaysian competitors, Ravetheran Ganesan, 28, and Zamani Hairan, 31, both members of a 22- men dragon boat team sponsored by Malaysia Airlines for the race on 14 March.
The men died after their boat capsized less than 100 metres past the finish line. They were not wearing life vests.
Mr West will make his finding on 29 November.
© 1993 The Age