Effective immediately, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Little Rock District is banning kite tubing on all waters under district jurisdiction in Arkansas and Missouri. Kite tubing is a new form of extreme water sport that emerged this year. Reports and news accounts from multiple states cite injuries and at least two deaths resulting from this new activity.
District Engineer Colonel Wally Walters implemented the temporary ban at least through the remainder of this recreational season, and it will remain in affect until the safety of this activity can be better assured. The ban could become permanent.
“This product is described by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission as ‘extremely dangerous’ and has already caused two deaths and numerous injuries,” Walters said. “Until this product can be better designed for control and stability, and until proper training can be established, it is my judgment that the hazards and potential liabilities of allowing kite tubing on public waters outweigh the benefits of unrestricted use.”
Kite tubes are large inflatables with a solid fabric floor in the bottom. As the tube is pulled forward from underneath, the front of the tube is lifted into the air. As speed increases, the entire tube is lifted into the air like a kite with the rider on top. The lack of lateral stability and controls often results in the tube overturning or throwing the rider.
The Corps’ Tulsa District banned kite tubing from its lakes last week, citing the potential for serious injuries caused by uncontrolled flight of these devices.
“Many kite tubing injuries are the direct result of the tubes reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet at tow speeds of 25 miles per hour and then rolling into an uncontrollable dive,” a Tulsa District news release stated. “These dives can reach speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour with passengers receiving serious injuries from the impact.”
The National Park Service also has banned kite tubing from its Glen Canyon National Recreation area after four persons had to be air lifted to hospitals in three weeks. The Park Service reported three of the victims had life threatening injuries.
The Park Service’s safety alert noted “all victims were using the kite tubes as directed when they suddenly lifted to dangerous heights, became unstable, and plunged down to the water surface. The injuries seen are consistent with deceleration impact events that cause internal trauma. Victims have reported coughing up blood, torn muscles, whiplash type injuries, broken ribs, punctured lungs and cervical fractures.”
Little Rock District lakes in Arkansas and Missouri where the ban is now in effect include Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Clearwater, Greers Ferry, Nimrod, Blue Mountain, Millwood, Dierks, DeQueen and Gillham, as well as the Arkansas River in Arkansas.