site.btaBulgaria to Tighten Safety Rules for Water Attractions Operators

The government is preparing new regulations to introduce clear responsibilities and safety requirements for operators of amusement and attraction services, the Transport Ministry said Friday. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Grozdan Karadjov said the framework will define mandatory safety, training and certification for operators and instructors, emergency readiness, medical coverage and compulsory insurance for users.

The government's response comes in the wake of an August 18 parasailing accident, in which an eight-year-old child died in the Black Sea resort of Nessebar after falling about 40-50 metres into the sea. Two days later, Karadjov identified a lack of clear legal regulation of parasailing, parachute jumping, paragliding and similar activities organized on a commercial basis.

Karadjov met with representatives of the ministries of tourism, of youth and sports, of economy and industry and of regional development, as well as the Commission for Consumer Protection, the State Agency for Metrological and Technical Surveillance, the Bulgarian Institute of Metrology and the Bulgarian Accreditation Service. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov also took part in the meeting, the Transport Ministry said.

"We will set out clear safety requirements without overregulating the sector. Failure to comply will result in severe penalties, including loss of operating rights," Karadjov said. "Anyone offering such attractions commercially will be required to provide insurance coverage for users."

The proposals must be submitted to the Council of Ministers next Wednesday.