Safety Risk Assessment

Safety Policy:

Introduction.

The club does have a very good safety record, but it’s important members are well informed of safety risks so that the likelihood of accidents is minimised. This page sets out the Club’s approach to health and safety. On joining that the Club members accept that safety cover is not provided and that members sail at their own risk. The Club feels it has a responsibility to communicate known risks, and to suggest ways to minimise the likelihood of accidents. The Club will also take on a central role to review accidents, and to take corrective action if appropriate. Accidents at the Club resulting in serious injury are very rare. From the member survey of 2009 and 2014 a high proportion of members made special mention windsurfing at Hickling Broad is (relatively) safe. However, a level of risk remains and members need to be aware of these risks. If in any doubt then ask for advice. Care needs to be taken when at Hickling, just as you would when crossing a road or driving a car. The risks are different but potentially just as serious.

Recovery of a casualty by the emergency services would be difficult and time consuming due to getting the emergency services onto the water.

Responsibilities.

Club responsibility.

  • To assess the safety risks facing members, and to reassess those risks at regular intervals or when a new risk occurs.
  • To make members aware of the current safety risk assessment. This will be published on the club’s web site, members will be made aware of its existence on joining and at annual renewals.
  • To record any reported incidents, and provide an ‘Accident Log’ for members to record accident details on site. (Located in Men’s changing room). Alternatively incident records may be held centrally by the committee.
  • To review the ‘Accident Log’ and to follow up with recommendations if appropriate.

 

Members responsibility.

  • To read the safety risk assessment when joining and renewing membership.
  • To take heed of safety advice for the benefit of their selves and other club members.
  • To reports accidents and near misses to a committee member. Record details in the accident book
  • To report safety concerns direct to the Club chairman.
  • To address any safety issues on the spot where appropriate.

Safety facilities.

The Club is open all year and there is no safety cover provided, except for annual public ‘Come and Try’ day and for formal RYA training courses. The decision to sail rests with members. First Aid kits. The club currently has three first aid kits, one in the changing rooms, one at the beach, the other in the boat/fuel store. First aiders. Some members of the committee are trained first aiders. Boat. The club boat can be used for rescue should a member with RYA power boat qualification be available. Phones. The Club does not have a phone line. Contacting the emergency services will need to be via private mobile phone.

Calling the Emergency Services

  • Dial 999, 
  • Give the location as Staith Road, NR12 0YW and arrange for someone to meet the emergency services.

The Club car park is on the opposite (North) side of Whispering Reeds boat yard.

The beach entrance is on the East side of Whispering Reeds boat yard with a metal gate leading to the beach.

  • Record all accidents in the Club Accident Book held in the changing rooms.

Risk assessment:

The risks that Club Members may be exposed to include:

Hazard Comments or risk reduction Level of risk after risk reduction
Whilst sailing
Equipment failure Check the condition of equipment and any repairs. If in doubt replace defective items. Sail with others, and be prepared to get back if your kit fails. Wear a suitable wetsuit to keep out the cold. Even in the summer a wetsuit is necessary, particularly if a long swim/walk back to the beach is required.

Wear a buoyancy aid.

Medium
Underwater obstacles Dangers include submerged objects, floating in the water or on the bottom. Hazards include: logs, glass bottles, cans, concrete moorings, posts, and sharp stones. Wear sturdy boots/shoes, keep away from the broad edges and shallow water where posts may be, and be careful when getting into the water. The risk of landing on a submerged hidden post is a concern. Low/Medium
Loosing control Sail within your ability. Consider wearing head protection, particularly if you have a tendency to get catapulted.Beginners should complete RYA windsurfing training so they are properly trained and know how to control equipment. Low
Wind strength and direction Windsurfing in high winds requires a high level of skill and fitness. It’s also much harder to self rescue and for others to assist with rescue. This situation also puts others in danger.The advice is to keep within you limits, if in any doubt then don’t sail.Some wind conditions, notably Northerly winds can make sailing back to the beach difficult and physically demanding. Be aware of how much effort may be required to return safely particularly if sailing on a very small board in gusty conditions. Medium
Collision with other windsurfers and water users. Check your path is clear before turning and gybing on the water. Keep a safe distance from other water users.Keep well away from mooring / marker buoys, moored boats and channel marker posts. Be aware of the Rules for avoiding collisions and that whilst “power gives way to sail” rental boat drivers may be unaware of the rule. On Sailing club days it can get very busy near race course buoys. Be aware of these buoys, usually a white buoy with yellow triangular flags at the start line and orange/red buoys marking the course. It’s recommended you keep well from these areas for your own safety.Fishermen. Keep well clear (50m+) of fishermen so as not to snag their lines or ruin their day. Be very careful in winter as very long lines are sometimes used to float hooks etc down wind (100m+).Always avoid conflict with other water users, be courteous and polite if confronted, and direct their complaints to the club chairman. We have only had two complaints in about 20 years. Low
Weed

 

 

 

 

Sharp fins

 

Weed levels vary from year to year, and is currently high. Swimming and treading water in some parts of the Broad is virtually impossible and could result in drowning. Hitting clumps of weed at speed can cause a sudden catapult resulting in serious injury. Members must wear a buoyancy aid when using Club equipment, and parents are strongly advised to  ensure all children wear buoyancy aids when in/on the water at all times.

Check your fins, and lightly sand any edges that would result in a cut. Particularly important when using a weed fin.

Medium

 

 

Low

Launch/beach/rigging area
Tripping Members should leave a free passage to the launching area to minimize the risk of tripping when moving around, particularly when carrying equipment to/from the launch area.Pedestrians need to be wary of windsurfers moving equipment on the beach and rigging area. Gusts can blow equipment around when carried or parked on the beach. For this reason the beach is for the purpose of windsurfing, not picnics, sunbathing, children play areas etc. Low
Launch area To be kept clear at all times. Refrain from both freestyle sailing and sailing fast within the beach area. No swimming is allowed from the beach. Set off and land in deep water. Low
Road crossing The road crossing is a minor lane, traffic does pass slowly. However, cars can pass close to the gate and it’s difficult for drivers to see pedestrians due to hedging. Just proceed with care. Very low.
Blue-green algal blooms Hickling Broad carries a very low risk of blue-green algae. If notices are posted identifying the hazard, then members are to take the advice given. Low
Water infection Cover exposed cuts and avoid ingestion of the broad water. Low
Weil’s disease This is carried via Rat’s urine, and so could be caught from the beach area rather than on the water. Risk could be minimized by keeping food wrapped and cleaning hands before eating. Cover open cuts. If you feel unwell (flu like symptoms) inform your GP you have been sailing in an area where Weil’s disease may be present. Low

 

Come and Try Day / Instructor led sessions:

Hazard Comments and Risk Reduction Level of risk after risk reduction
Use of equipment and windsurfing techniques. Instructors delivering instruction should be RYA qualified. Windsurfing safety and the correct safe use of equipment should be aligned to the RYA material as appropriate. This includes but not limited to…Ensure all participants are sufficiently capable swimmers and comfortable in the water. Advise on the correct method for pulling the sail out of the water. Advise beginners to disembark carefully when getting off the board and into the water. Stout shoes such as old trainers are recommended. Advise on the correct method for carrying equipment and parking equipment on the beach. Advise of the sailing area and signals to return to the instructor and/or the launch beach. Advise how to signal distress and when it should be used. Consider providing safety boat cover. Low
Buoyancy aids Buoyancy aids must be worn when using Club boards, and should be by novice windsurfers, including all members of the public for the ‘Come and Try’ days. It is recommended all windsurfers use a buoyancy aid. Low
Club boat The Club has a power boat which will be available on taster and training days. At other times it’s unlikely to be available: It is difficult to launch, is secured by heavy locks, and can take some time to get on the water. To avoid injury to water users then the driver must be RYA qualified to ‘Power boat level 2’. Members need to appreciate the boat is rarely available as it can only be used by trained users. The boat is also not suitable for use in a gale. Low.

So, keep safe and enjoy your windsurfing.

Approved by:  The Club Committee                                    Date Reviewed: September 2017