Australian surf life saving championships: Surf boat sweep injured, in hospital
A Sydney surf boat competitor at the Australian surf life saving titles remains in hospital after being injured while racing at the Gold Coast event and the boat competition cancelled for the day
Local Sport
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A surf boat competitor will remain in hospital overnight with water on his lungs and facial injuries after being knocked unconscious in an incident on the second last day of the Australian surf life saving championships which were put on hold while the drama unfolded.
Competition in other events later resumed at North Kirra but the surf boat competition, which is being held at Belinga, north of the main site, has been cancelled for the day.
Surf officials said Peter Spence, a 55-year-old from Sydney club Palm Beach, was knocked unconscious and then assisted from the water by crewmates and water safety officials after being struck in the face during a men’s open race.
He was wearing a helmet at the time with conditions at the site described as tough but raceable.
Spence was treated at the scene by on-site medical staff before being transferred to hospital.
His wife is by his side at the hospital where he is being monitored as a precautionary measure due to water on lungs sustained after being struck in the face and knocked unconscious.
He is expected to make a full recovery and is in good spirits.
The incident occurred as the crew were returning to shore in the challenging conditions.
Spence’s family said they were grateful to everyone who helped in the water and on the beach and “the level of concern and patient care displayed is immensely appreciated’’.
Water based competitions for the open and U19 and U17 divisions were relocated from Broadbeach and Kurrawa to North Kirra last Sunday due to concerns waves would be too big to compete in at the original site due to a looming cyclone over the Coral Sea.
The Australian championships conclude on Sunday and have this year boasted a record 7200 competitors and 500 officials.
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