Safety Management Policy Statement

Safety and welfare are of fundamental importance to us all, and this policy statement should be read in conjunction with the RYA Safeguarding Policy.

The RYA's Together on Water strategy sets out a desired outcome for our work to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued.

In striving to meet this objective, the RYA Board has resolved to:-

• Affirm its ownership of safety and provide clear guidance and oversight of safety issues covering all levels of the RYA's activities;
• Ensure that its subordinate committees/structures are provided with clearly defined responsibilities, authority and accountability in respect to safety issues;
• Actively promote and develop the culture of continuous safety improvement within its sports; and
• Enhance its systems and procedures for auditing and monitoring safety within the RYA.

I and the senior management team will do our utmost to implement these resolutions and ensure that adequate resources are provided to manage safety effectively and to train staff.

We recognise that risk can never be completely eliminated. Nor is that desirable - to a certain extent the inclusion of risk is what leads to the excitement or enjoyment of the sport and the sense of adventure many of us crave. Nevertheless, we will strive to identify and deal with safety hazards in an appropriate way to constrain the risks they pose to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable.

Our work to ensure an environment where everyone feels safe focusses on three distinct areas:

1. Elements over which we have direct control and are responsible for delivery - i.e. RYA training squads, racing events etc.
2. Areas where we set standards and requirements - i.e. through our Recognised Training Centre network, or recognised pathway clubs and classes
3. Those whom we can advise - i.e. our affiliates and members

In doing so, we will review, scrutinise and assess our own operating procedures and internal control documents regularly and we will provide sound guidance that the wider boating community can adapt for its own use.

In addition, we will encourage accident and incident reporting in order to evaluate them, learn from them and to share any lessons learned; we will amend our own safety documentation, practices and guidance as necessary.

All departmental managers and discipline supervisors understand that they have a duty to establish safe procedures and practices for their areas of responsibility and to work continuously to promote safety among all RYA staff. They expect RYA instructors, examiners and the volunteers to lead by example. In turn, we all expect every individual to take personal responsibility for their own safety and actions at every level of activity and in every discipline.

By working together, we can maintain a safe and efficient organisation that creates an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued.

Sara Sutcliffe, CEO
April 2025