The death of a powerboat marathon race competitor at Lake Waihola last year has prompted recommendations by Otago Southland coroner David Crerar to St John, Maritime New Zealand and the New Zealand Boat Marathon Commission.
Mr Crerar released his formal finding last week on the death of Invercargill hairdresser Lynley Anne Burnett (49), who died in Dunedin Hospital on July 6, 2011 following several days in an induced coma after a July 2 race.
She was thrown into Lake Waihola with co-driver Garry Sexton, who received a cracked rib and shoulder blade, when Mr Sexton's powerboat Pure Insanity flipped while racing.
Mr Crerar said several circumstances on July 2 contributed to Ms Burnett's eventual death.
Pure Insanity most probably flipped because of an undiscoverable defect, and there had been inadequate medical staff and equipment at the race, he said.
At the Dunedin inquest, it was revealed Ms Burnett would have had more chance of surviving if an ambulance and advanced paramedic were on site.
Instead, two volunteer ambulance officers were at the race, one primarily as a competitor.
Mr Crerar recommended Maritime New Zealand consider creating further safety protocols for events it was required to approve, and that event organisers should have to analyse risk in greater detail.
"During high-speed racing on the water, the loss of control and rollover of a boat participating is foreseeable and the injuries from such a high-speed crash could, potentially, be catastrophic," he said.
If St John was unable to provide the required level of support at an event, it should not proceed, Mr Crerar said.
He recommended St John continue to address communication problems between crews, and review staff competence.
He also said the New Zealand Boat Marathon Commission should adopt an enhanced scrutineering process and consider fitting seat belts in race boats.
He found Ms Burnett died from chest wall and lung injuries, which led to secondary brain injury due to hypoxemia and shock.
