COVID Guidelines

ACTIVE FROM 1st APRIL 2021

RYA NI COVID Guidance

Guidelines for Observing COVID-19 Restrictions when visiting Ballyholme Yacht Club (BYC)

Please read these guidelines carefully before you book or arrive at BYC and please check them before making future visits as they will be periodically updated with the latest information.

*Please note safety boat cover will not be available for these initial stages.

The COVID-19 preventative measures are vital to protecting health and wellbeing and to minimising pressure on the frontline services. We all have a role to play in adhering to the Government guidelines and therefore we ask you to observe the following:

BEFORE VISITING

Check our website for the latest information

1. Are you fit to visit? Please do not attend BYC if you, or anyone in your household, are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
2. Book your visit: Please book your visit on the club website, completing one form for each visit you intend to make. The time you book is your time to arrive at the club and you must be away by your session end time.
3. Before traveling: Please check the club website and FB for the latest information; if changes in Government guidelines require the Club to be closed again, this will be communicated by these methods.

YOUR VISIT – General Guidance

Be considerate of others. Be conservative in your activity.

1. At all times please show consideration for others by adhering to the social distancing requirement of 2 metres.
2. Do not gather in groups of more two households and 10 people at this initial stage. This is a government restriction and condition of the recommencement of limited outdoor sporting activity.
3. Those coming to the Club may engage in single handed sailing or double handed sailing but only with members of your own household. SUP, kayaking, open sea swimming and windsurfing are also included. Members may also visit the boat parks to carry out maintenance work on their boats.
4. Please be aware of inherent risks and minimise contact with shared hard surfaces. Ensure hands are thoroughly washed and bring hand sanitiser for personal use. Hand sanitiser will also be available at clearly marked areas around the club.
5. Please bring your own equipment when working on your boats and if you have to use club equipment for any reason, please bring cleaning products and cloths and clean any hard surfaces before and after use.
6. Please sanitise hands before and after using any club equipment such as hoses.
7. Signage: Please read and follow all signage on site. The dinghy park has been marked with rigging boxes and a one-way system to manage the flow of boats. Please click on the link to view.
8. Restrictions are in place to ensure overcrowding does not take place, this will be managed via the booking system, please note that advance booking is in line with government guidance.
9. Changing rooms and toilets are available if necessary. Everyone should arrive changed and ready to go on the water and if using the changing rooms please be aware of risks and follow the guidance below.
10. Please note showers will remain closed until all clear given from legionella testing.
11. Please bring your own drinks with you, especially if the weather is warm and do not share water bottles or food.
12. Please do not spend any longer on site than is necessary. Please give careful consideration to prevailing conditions and the condition of your equipment, when taking the decision to go afloat.

CHANGING ROOMS

As far as possible, participants should be encouraged to arrive and depart in kit. 

Please note indoor sports facilities must comply with visitor and attendee information requirements.

1. Please come in your kit to all activities and leave your bag in your car. Showers may now be used.
2. Activity must have an appropriate risk assessment and clearly outlined mitigations in place.
3. Use of changing facilities will be limited to the space available, 2 metres social distancing applies.  Spaces have been marked out in the changing rooms to allow social distancing, 8No women and 12No men may change at once.
4. Masks should be worn when walking into and out of the changing space.
5. Please sanitise your bench area before and after use with the sprays provided.
6. The shower fans will be set to operate during the period when changing rooms are occupied.
7. To manage the available space and comply with tracking a sign in/ out sheet will be placed at the wet entrance to both the ladies and gents changing areas.
8. Members MUST sign in and on leaving sign out and strike through your name to clearly indicate there is a space within the changing room free. Please sanitise your hands, before using the pen.
9. The entrance to the foyer should not be used to exit the changing room, please take all your belongings with you when you exit, returning your bag back to your car.

ON THE WATER

The following is guidance as we start on our return to water programme:

1. If possible, arrange to go out with another similar boat and watch out for each other and for other boats afloat.
2. Check the weather forecast and tide times & heights.
3. Avoid sailing in a dying wind – you may have to paddle back.
4. Double check your boat’s buoyancy, equipment, rigging and fixings.
5. Dress appropriately for the conditions – it is easier to take off a layer than put it on.
6. Ensure you are wearing a personal buoyancy aid or lifejacket when afloat.
7. Consider wearing head protection.
8. Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof bag/container or a VHF radio. Tell your contact ashore that you are going out on the water and when you should be expected back.
9. Dinghies that cannot be self-propelled should carry a paddle for self-rescue.
10. Make sure you have long painters, righting lines and masthead floats if necessary.
11. Realistically (and honestly) assess your ability, your crew and your boat’s capability to sail in the conditions. Sail well within your comfort zone and don’t take unnecessary risks.
12. Don’t go out or go back to shore if you have any doubts!
13. Have a plan B for the unexpected.
14. If you capsize and are unable to right the boat, always remain with the boat. Never try to swim to shore.
15. Contact someone ashore if you or another sailor get into difficulties. Provide them with information as to your status and location, and, if available an alternative means of contact.
16. Be vigilant of your surroundings, particularly for other vessels/craft and obstacles.
17. Don’t stay out alone after your sailing partner/s come in.