Ski Racing Australia stops all racing as it seeks greater safety in future events

A national sporting body has issued a temporary stop on all races across the country after three competitors have died this year. But they plan on racing “as soon as possible”.

Gold Coast mother-of-four Amy Hockley was killed in a freak water skiing accident near Grafton in northern NSW. Picture: Facebook

A national sporting body in charge of high speed water ski races has stopped all events across the country following the deaths of three competitors this year.

Ski Racing Australia (SRA), which administers events such as the Echuca Southern 80, said it implemented the ban as it focuses on finding ways to make the sport safer.

The sport’s governing body stopped all racing across the country earlier this month after mother-of-four Amy Hockley was killed at the Ski Racing Australia Titles on the Clarence River in NSW.

The 49-year-old’s death came after Luke Wentworth was killed during the famous Southern 80 and Mathew Arnall died during the Robinvale Euston 80, with both events taking place on the Murray River.

In a statement to members and provided to this masthead, the SRA board said even lowering speeds would not have a “guaranteed outcome” of less injuries and fatalities.

The board’s letter said while it “may be likely” lower speeds lower the impact of a fall “our sport is about racing and to reduce speeds with a desired outcome of reducing injuries, we would need to look at speeds of 70mph and less”.

Trucker Luke Wentworth was killed in a water skiing accident at the 2024 Southern 80 event on the Murray River at Echuca/Moama. Picture: Supplied

It said the deaths had occurred at speeds of between 70 and 90mph.

“It is therefore why SRA is more focused on preventative measures. Our data suggests that certain skier equipment additions have most likely reduced injuries in falls at varying speeds and conditions,” the statement said.

“This will be a first step whilst a larger longer running project will look at crash simulations. Our current costing estimate for testing is $200,000.”

While officials admitted it was a “difficult period” for the ski racing community, they are determined to get back on the water as soon as possible.

“SRA are working to ensure we learn from these incidents and keep racing safely across Australia,” the statement said.

“SRA are focusing on racing re-commencing as soon as possible to ensure our racing community is back together competing on the water,” it said.

“We must work together to develop the best outcomes for all, please remember to be respectful for our volunteers who serve on all our committees as we navigate through this period of change.”

Mathew Arnell with his wife Tara.

Since Mr Arnall’s death in March, SRA said it has been involved in “reviewing all aspects” of the sport with a timeline to complete recommendations and deliver the initial findings before the end of this month.

“The most recent death has obviously impacted us all and in terms of the project timing it has added to the complexity of the review,” the statement said.

The statement said the review included enhancing the falls register, developing a crew competency ranking register and skier equipment including head and neck protection.

“We encourage all competitors young and old to have input on their experiences on equipment used, falls history and thoughts to ensure that SRA are adding to our database of information to be used to assist the sport to progress,” the board said.

Originally published as Ski Racing Australia stops all racing as it seeks greater safety in future events