SAFETY experts have called for a review on a Fylde coast beach after a mother from Burnley died following a collision with a sand yacht.

Mother-of two Carol Cruz, 38, of Kingsbury Place, had been on the beach close to St Annes Pier with her sons, aged 12 and 14, on Saturday afternoon.

She was struck by a sand yacht taking part in an organised open competition.

Her legs were severed in the accident and she suffered a broken back . She died in Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Fylde Borough Council has suspended sand yachting on the beach pending an investigation, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is calling for a full risk assessment to be carried out.

Peter Cornall, head of water-based safety at RoSPA, said: "I think, it is a very rare accident.

"The local authority have to carry out risk assessments to make sure they covers all the bases and they have the right control measures.

"They need to understand the hazards or what hazards are possible.

"I don't know the circumstances of this accident and I don't think there should be a complete ban, but these activities need to be looked at to see if there is a way of controlling access and controlling the sport."

He said it might be an idea to revise the number of access points to the beach, whichwould also limit the erosion of the dunes. Temporary signs could be put up at the access points when the sport was taking place to ensure people using the beach were made aware of any potential dangers.

He said the council could also segregate areas of the beach for different activities.

The sport has been on the beach for more than 50 years and St Annes beach is an internationally recognised venue. There is a sign on the beach informing people to keep clear of the course.

A spokesman for Fylde Borough Council said he could not comment further on what safety measures were in place or might be introduced in the future until the outcome of the investigation.

"The council wishes to express its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs Cruz."

He added: "The sport has an excellent safety record and gives much pleasure both to sand yachters and spectators alike. Nevertheless, the council has, for the time being, suspended the licence to operate sand yachts on St Annes beach and is fully co-operating with the relevant bodies conducting the investigation into this tragic incident."

Mrs Cruz's family are too upset to comment about the incident, but were understood to be making statements to the police.

Detective Superintendent Paul Buschini described the incident as a "terrible tragedy" and said the circumstances would be thoroughly investigated.

Blackpool and Fylde coroner Samuel Lee has been informed.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision to contact police on 01253 293933 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

The beach was scheduled to host the 39th European Sand Yachting Championship from September 16 to 21, which has now been cancelled.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said it was not carrying out an investigation into the accident.

Mrs Cruz had worked as a support assistant for St Hilda's RC High School for the past year and yesterday special prayers were said for her and her family as the pupils returned after the summer holiday.