Capitola city council limits number of surf schools over safety concerns

The city of Capitola voted Thursday night to limit the number of surf schools to four after issues over safety concerns.

Earlier this year, the city decided to allow five surf school permits, but effective January 1st, 2016 that’s going to change.

“One instructor with one of the surf schools here went through the whole year with not being registered. Not knowing if he had CPR, first aid certifications, background checks, no nothing,” said Matt Arthur, the owner of Capitola Beach Company.

The Capitola Police Department was notified and has since resolved the issue. However, Arthur, a longtime surf school owner, said that’s not all.

He said some schools are not wearing the proper gear and packing more than eight students into one class, which is against city code.

“This whole thing is based around safety. What we do down there involves water, it involves kids, families,” said Arthur.

Police said no citations have been issued and it is up to the department to review surf school permits every year.

“The police department will evaluate complaints, all the certifications. We would ensure that they have insurance,” said Rudy Escalanta, Chief of Police.

Currently with five schools operating, next year one surf school won’t make the cut, but owners like Arthur said that’s the safer move.

“It eliminates those huge overages. That’s not safe,” said Arthur.