Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. With your kind permission, I will reply to both PQ B/796 and PQ B/805 together as they are related to the same subject matter. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Tourism Authority that kitesurfing is a sport activity which is practised throughout the year when the weather is windy. It is carried out mostly by tourists. I understand that there are currently 20 operators of rental agency for kitesurf registered with the Tourism Authority who are operating across the island. The First Schedule of the Tourism Authority Act 2006 provides for an operator or of a rental agency of a kitesurf to hold a tourism enterprise license from the Tourism Authority. There is no provision for individual kitesurfer, both local and tourists, to hold any authorisation to practice that activity. For individual kitesurfers not going through a rental agency, there is also no obligation legally or otherwise for the coach or monitor to be present on-site for the practice of that activity. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am further informed by the Tourism Authority that the operation of a rental agency for kitesurf is regulated under Government Notice No. 328 of 2021. These guidelines, which set the criteria, standards and procedures for the safe operation

62 of the activity to be carried out by duly licensed rental agency, provide for the licensee to insure the kitesurfers. The kitesurfer is knowledgeable in the kitesurfing activities and is briefed on a code of practice which forms part of the guidelines, and fills and signs a disclaimer form before carrying out kitesurfing activities. Moreover, the licensee should ensure inter alia that a register is kept with the details such as the – • date of the activity; • name of the client; • National Identity Card; • passport number; • age; • time in and out; • signature of the client, and • name of instructor if accompanied, etc. Such information should be readily available at a place where the kitesurfing activities is carried out for inspection by an authorised officer of the Tourism Authority. An inspection of all kitesurf boards, safety gears, rescue, craft and related equipment is carried out to ensure that they are properly maintained and are in safe operating conditions. Safety devices are tested prior to carrying out kitesurfing activities or renting same to clients. A signal system is going to be put in place, visible to all kitesurfers engaged in the activity to at least ensure constant communication with the kitesurfers to inform of weather conditions, of any changes thereof, or any other dangers, and constant look out is carried out throughout the duration of the kitesurfing activities. I am also informed, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that the code of practice that the licensee is rightly required to brief any kitesurfer on the do’s or the don’ts of the activities, the hours of operation, the area where he is allowed to practice as well as the precautions to be taken. With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am tabling a copy of the guidelines for the operating rental agency for the kitesurf and the code of practice.

63 Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, legally, there is no designated area at sea for the activity to be carried out. It can be practised both in the lagoon or off the lagoon. On spot monitoring is carried out randomly by tourism enforcement officers to verify is the rental agency are complying with the prescribed guidelines. It is to be highlighted that the security boat and kitesurfing equipment of the rental agency are also verified to ensure compliance with the established checklist. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards to the health and safety measures, the guidelines provide the following – • The prevailing climatic and sea condition to be monitored continuously during the activity to allow for sailing; • Availability of signal system to inform persons carrying out kitesurfing activities of weather conditions and of any changes thereof; • Verification of equipment to ensure that they are safe for use; • Availability of an emergency plan in case of accident; • Wearing of an appropriate floatation device by kitesurfers to ensure safety at the sea; • The kitesurfing instructor to be holder of a valid First Aid Certificate and Lifesaving Certificate.

If the list is long, you can circulate the guidelines as well.

Yes, if you want, of course.

Any supplementary question? Hon. Babajee!

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Will the hon. Minister consider introducing a rescue team at the same spot as ‘Dangerous Bathing’ is written over there? Normally, people are disallowed to go and swim over there. If he can consider to put the same team at Tamarin where everyone is surfing, especially when the sea is rough?

Definitely, we will be looking at the matter. I must say that we have met with the operators lately. We will be having more meetings in the following weeks. From there, we will know where to go.

Put your question!

64

Also, if the hon. Minister will consider or agree to introduce jet ski so as to save someone if he/she is in trouble – the coast guard has such vessels – as when people are kitesurfing, they are going too quick?

I will consider.

The hon. Third Member for Grand’ Baie and Poudre d'Or! FALSE INFORMATION & FAKE PROFILES – PROLIFERATION –REMEDIAL MEASURES