Spectators injured by falling rocks sue Mavericks promoters

A mother and son injured by rocks falling from the bluffs while watching the Mavericks surf contest last February have sued the event’s promoters, reports the County Times. The woman and her ten-year-old son were struck by rocks, and she had to be airlifted to Stanford Hospital. The woman says that spectators should have been kept off the unstable cliffs.

"I think the crowds cannot be safely supported on those cliffs. It’s a very unstable area," [Half Moon Bay Fire Division Chief] Jolley said. "Whether the competition causes that or some other event causes that, there are areas where crowds are not meant to be."

"On the north coast you have to be aware of your surroundings. It’s not a parking lot," Jolley added.

The county has taken more steps to control the crowds at the next event, which will take place at a time to be announced 24 hours in advance.