I MUST reply to Councillor Neil Parkin's comments about this year's Adur Bath Tub Race (The Argus, July 12). "The whole world is going health and safety mad," said the leader of Adur District Council.

There are a lot of organisations involved giving their time and expertise free of charge to try to ensure the event goes smoothly and safely.

The RNLI has a safety boat patrolling the river and the Adur Canoe Club from Shoreham has experienced canoeists paddling the river offering safety, rescue and first aid.

I was one of the safety support people on the water last year and I enjoyed the event along with my colleagues. But over the past few years there has been an element that has unfortunately spoilt the event for others. They get rather fuelled up on alcohol and then start to throw bags of flour at everyone on the water, including the bath tub racers, RNLI and other support people.

These bags often contain stones so they hurt.

Some are thrown with such force that last year one lady was nearly knocked out of her boat and got a black eye and bad bruising on her face.

I myself, along with many others on the water, was hit several times with bags containing stones and hard-boiled eggs.

This issue has been growing for years and came to a head last year because of the number of injuries sustained by volunteers.

Mr Parkin may feel the world is going mad, but when people providing health and safety cover for others to enjoy the event are being attacked it is a serious issue.

I really hope that it does become an annual event again and that people can enjoy a great day out without feeling the need to throw missiles.

Maybe Mr Parkin will get Adur District Council to volunteer to help patrol and supervise these idiots that have spoilt this unique and worthwhile event.

Stephan Bennett
Montague Street, Brighton