KITE SAFETY

While kiting is perfectly safe under ideal conditions, practicing safety while flying kites will ensure that you have an excellent experience in the field.

Whether you are flying alone or on a busy field, it is good to remember the 3 C’s of kite safety:

Caution, Courtesy, and Common Sense.

Parks, beaches, and playgrounds can be crowded, with many different activities competing for space. It is each kite flier’s responsibility to fly safely so that we continue to be welcome at our favorite windy places.

Be Considerate of Others

• Do not fly very close to or over roads where drivers could be distracted.
• Watch out for other people who are not aware that kites can be dangerous.  Do not allow your flying line(s), particularly those of maneuverable kite lines, to touch any bystander.
• Do not fly noisy kites in crowded places.
• Be careful not to scare animals, particularly horses with riders.
• Be careful not to fly where you might scare nesting birds.
• Avoid other kites, kite lines and kite fliers.
• Clean up after yourself. Take all of your materials and trash home with you.

Reduce Your Risks

• Kite lines conduct electricity; do not fly near overhead power lines and do not fly in wet or stormy weather.
• Never use wire or metallic line to fly a kite, and always keep your line dry.
• Do not fly within 5 miles of any airport’s boundaries.
• The flying lines on larger kites can hurt your hands. Watch out for line burns. If you fly a large kite, wear gloves.
• Be aware of who or what is behind you as well as in front of you.

Know Your Limitations and Your Equipment’s Limitations

• Be aware of the limitations of your skills and strength and do not fly anything too large for the conditions, or try anything too complicated near other people.
• Be aware of the power and limitations of your kites.
• Make sure your kite anchors are strong and secure enough to hold your kite.
• Be wary of attaching hard items to kite line – think of what would happen if the line breaks or is cut by another kite.

Be safe!  Be cautious, be courteous, and use common sense.  You’ll have a great time and everyone else will too.