PWA finals under threat in New Caledonia

23/03/2023

The beaches of Noumea, in New Caledonia, have been closed to swimming until 31 December 2023 following several shark attacks. This exceptional decision was taken by the town hall after three attacks which left one person dead and one seriously injured between 29 January and 19 February. On 19 February, a 59-year-old Australian tourist was fatally killed by at least one shark 150 metres from the coastline, while swimming in a supervised area. Following this attack on Château Royal beach, one of the island's most popular beaches, a decree was issued by the municipality banning all swimming in Noumea "within the 300 metre coastal strip" until further notice.

As for water sports, after weeks of waiting, local water sports enthusiasts can take to the sea again, according to a municipal decree, with water sports activities being authorised "at the users' own risk" from Monday 20 March until Sunday 31 December 2023 inclusive... The risk of sharks has been known for a long time. In 2019, an attack had already taken place, followed by several disappearances. This situation led to the implementation of the Plan Action Requin in 2020, the result of a concerted effort between public and private actors. Unfortunately, this plan was suspended due to the Covid crisis, which took precedence over other concerns.

And in this complicated local context, it is difficult not to think of the PWA World Tour Finals, announced for 14-18 November, followed by the Défi Wind New Caledonia. Today, the situation is serious for the private operators linked to the lagoon. Nevertheless, water sports activities have resumed and the partners hope that the shark action plan will be implemented quickly to reassure everyone and make the area safer. Stéphane Bouquillard (contacted by us), President of the ASPTT Nouméa Glisse, the organising club, says that the time has not yet come to capitulate on the projects that have been underway since September 2022. And even if other hypotheses are currently being considered to reassure partners and counter this situation, time is clearly not on the side of the local organisers...

 

Source: ASPTT Nouméa Glisse
Photos: Carter/Pwaworldtour.com

tags: PWA World Tour Défi Wind New Caledonia ASPTT Nouméa Glisse

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