SAND-YACHTERS have defended the safety record of their sport following the death of mum-of-two Carol Cruz.

Mrs Cruz, 38, of Kingsbury Place, Burnley, was hit by a yacht as she walked along the beach at St Annes with her sons on Saturday afternoon.

The yacht was taking part in an organised open competition with the Fylde International Sand Yacht Club close to St Anne's Pier.

The borough council has now suspended the sport pending a full review of safety on the beach and an investigation into Mrs Cruz's death.

But today the sport's national training officer and member of the Fylde club, Ian Dibdin, said sandyachting had a good history on safety.

He added: "Until now we have had no problems at all. However, if we ever sail on this beach again safety must be uppermost.

"My father founded this club and I believe we have been brilliant as far as safety is concerned."

Mrs Cruz, a teaching assistant at St Hilda's RC High School, Coal Clough Lane, Burnley was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital after the accident which severed her legs and broke her back.

She later died of her injuries.

Next month's sandyachting European Championships due to be hosted by the Fylde club have been cancelled and organisers are looking for an alternative venue.

Mr Dibdin has hit out at the criticism over safety of the sport in which pilots drive the brakeless craft at speeds of up to 70mph.

He said: "We do put out warning signs and we are properly licensed to use the beach by the local authority.

"We have to take out £5million worth of public liability insurance. Quad bikers and motorbikers who use the beach don't do this.

"However, I do accept that safety procedures will have to be reviewed."

The male pilot of the yacht involved in the weekend's accident, who has not been named, is due to be interviewed by police.