SEVEN “C”S FOR SEA SAFETY
Following our earlier post about yesterday's rescue of a 13-year old boy, we thought it might be useful to re-publish our Sever "C"s for sea safety.
At the RNLI, our aim is to help make your time on the water more enjoyable – and safe. The last thing we want to do is discourage people from getting out and having fun on the water.
Paddle boarding, kayaking and small dinghy sailing are great fun, and are an inexpensive way to get on the water – but the safety rules are just as important as they are for bigger boats and craft.
COMMUNICATE
Before you set off let someone know your plans
Have some means of getting in touch if things go wrong
COMPANY
Being on the water is great fun. Why not arrange to go with friends?
Even better, join a club, where you can get advice, training, and there will be rescue boats
CONDITIONS
Before you set off make sure you are aware on the wind and the tide
Check the local weather forecast – in coastal areas conditions can change quickly
Avoid areas with rip currents
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Are you wearing the right gear – wet suit, buoyancy aid, boots and gloves?
Remember it will be much colder on the water than ashore
If you end up in the water, it will be colder still
Is your board/kayak/dinghy in good order?
COMPETENCE
I know we all think we are invincible, but be honest with yourself – are you able to do what you want to do?
If not, don’t worry – training will be available near you.
CALM
If the worst happens, and you get into difficulty, stay calm and try to conserve your energy
Wherever possible, stay with your board/kayak/dinghy – this will provide buoyancy and make you easier to spot
Do whatever you can to attract attention. If you can do it, the international distress signal is to hold both arms out to the side, and flap them up and down.
COASTGUARD
If you see someone who you think might be in danger, don't assume someone else is doing something about it
If you are not sure, make the call – we would rather attend and not be needed, than needed and not attend
Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard – let them decide what to do based on the information you give them
In coastal waters, don’t ask for the police. They will only pass on your call to the Coastguard and this can waste vital minutes
Return to Water Sessions 1st - 3rd June.
New sailing and others watersports sessions have been added to the Return to Water page.
Thank you to everyone for your support in what is now the new 'norm'. By continuing to play your part we can continue to provide safe sailing and as and when we have any developments we will review and update procedures. In the meantime continue to check the Return to Water information and guidelines on our website.
Continue to be considerate to others, observing social distancing at all times. Be aware of issues with shared hard surfaces, bring hand sanitiser or use the sanitisers provided and clean shared areas before and after use.
Remember to be conservative, check equipment and conditions and know your limits - rescue cover will not be available.
Happy Sailing! ⛵️
RYA Northern Ireland
The Covid-19 outbreak continues to be rapidly evolving situation. We will share information and provide guidance to allow people/clubs & centres to make informed decisions based upon latest advice.
We ask that all club members be patient with their club so that they can assess and ensure that the necessary Covid secure parameters are in place to safeguard members and employees.
Thank you
#safereturntoboating #beconsiderate #beconservative #bepatient 💙⚓️
New sailing sessions available to book.
Click link to read guidelines and book sessions from Thursday 28th -Sunday 31st May
ballyholme.com/return-to-water/
Be Considerate
Be Conservative
Check Access
RYA Northern Ireland
Small issue with the booking system meant the morning and afternoon sailing sessions tomorrow, 26th, did not appear. Sessions now online and available to book ⛵️