COVID-19 FAQs for clubs, class associations and recreational boaters

These Frequently Asked Questions have been updated in accordance with the current restrictions and guidance from Welsh Government.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Topic | GOV.WALES

Whilst we aim to provide a useful resource for our stakeholders, the decision to go boating ultimately lies with the individual concerned. There are fines in place for those deemed to be in breach of the regulations and it is essential that in the event you do decide to participate in boating activity you have properly assessed whether it is permitted within the most recent Welsh Government guidance and regulations.

Please note -

• The guidance within these FAQs is not intended to cover RYA Recognised Training Centres. Please refer to the current guidance for RYA Training centres in Wales.
• All additional information mentioned is linked below or within the text.

Level 0 - from 6th August 202

As the restrictions have been eased are we free to return to our normal delivery?

Not quite yet, there are still restrictions on the use of indoor spaces in relation to numbers and social/physical distancing, and clubs/organisations organising activity have a legal duty to undertake a covid specific risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus. With the legal restrictions on social/physical distancing and gatherings outdoors having been removed, the onus of responsibility has been passed onto the individuals/organisations delivering activities or providing facilities. 

The RYA CW Club & Centre facility guidance is a useful source of information on the measures necessary to encourage people to act carefully and keep each other safe.

Clubs have a legal duty to legal duty to undertake a covid specific risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus.
We would encourage clubs to be mindful that some sections of our community may be extremely cautious over returning to sport. Data tells us that “56% of people with  a health condition are still worried about leaving the house to be active.” Similarly, many people who have been vaccinated are still cautious as the virus is still very much present in our communities.

What are reasonable measures?

Welsh Government have published the Gyms, leisure centres, sports clubs, dance studios and other indoor sports facilities: potential reasonable measures action card (coronavirus) on the 1st September 2021 which lays out the guidance as to what reasonable measures must be considered as part of the Coronavirus risk assessment. This is not an exhaustive list, you may have developed/applied a robust reasonable measure that hasn’t been identified, if this provides the same level of protection you will be justified in using that reasonable measure.

When deciding which reasonable measures best apply to your situation you should:

1.  Refer to the ‘hierarchy of controls’ - the aim should always be to apply the most effective reasonable measures. A combination of reasonable measures will offer the best level of protection if applied correctly.
2. Consult with your staff, volunteers, members and or participants, if applicable.  

The assessment should be regularly reviewed, in particular if the Alert Level is changed in the area where the Club/ Organisation/ Class Association operates.

Clubs, Organisations and Class Associations should be aware that the local authorities will monitor compliance with the Regulations, so you can expect to receive a visit or phone call or e-mail from your local authority enforcement officer regarding your risk assessment and the reasonable measures you have implemented in your setting.

NB: it is not the role of local enforcement officer to approve your risk assessment and approach to reasonable measures.

You should consider if the measures identified in the Gyms, leisure centres, sports clubs, dance studios and other indoor sports facilities: potential reasonable measures action card (coronavirus) are reasonable to take. The measures you decide to take should be informed by your assessment of the risk of coronavirus from use of your equipment, premises and tailored to your specific situation.

Welsh Government has produced a Standard Template for Coronavirus Risk Assessments and this should be used in conjunction with the RYA Cymru Wales Club & Centre Facility Guidance

Further support can be found in the Guide to Risk Assessments which can be accessed via the Document Finder or via the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

It is important to recognise that many people will be feeling differently about the easing of restrictions and going back to a more ‘normal’ life. We encourage all centres to be respectful of both their staff and customers and to work with them to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe. There is information from the NHS on how to cope with anxiety about lockdown lifting.

Can we deliver activity with or for participants who are at higher risk of serious impact of Covid?

Yes.  Outdoor exercise remains really important, particularly for people who have had to spend so much time at home isolating since the pandemic began.

People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they were to catch Covid-19 may still want to take additional precautions. They may limit the close contact they have with people they don’t usually meet with, particularly if disease levels locally are high; they may prefer to meet outdoors; follow good personal hygiene; continue to practice social distancing where possible; wait 14 days after receiving a second dose of the vaccine before being in close contact with others; they may seek reassurance that those who they come into contact with have been vaccinated or taken a lateral flow test before the activity.

We advise clubs to plan for ways of delivering activity for people who are anxious about the easing of restrictions but who would still benefit from being on the water again.

How can we reassure people who are anxious about Covid-19?

While all legal restrictions have started to ease around Covid-19, everybody needs to continue  to act carefully and remain cautious.

Clubs can provide reassurance by:

• Demonstrating that you have created a safe environment and using the RYA CW Club & Centre facilities guidance to create a Covid secure environment at your club will help you achieve this

• Encouraging people to act carefully – test when you have symptoms, good personal hygiene, and follow self isolation guidance

• Help people manage their personal risk 

• Enabling people to be outside or let fresh air in

• Helping people minimise the number, proximity and duration of social contacts

• Consider retaining rules on face coverings, social distancing (as much as possible) and one way systems outside as well as inside.

In doing so we create environments where people make their own choice about if and how to engage and participate again.

Are we able to provide support to other people, even if that means close contact?

Yes.  Some people will need physical assistance to be active so it is important to create an environment where they, and those providing the support needed, can make a choice about whether to participate or not.

• Discuss a plan with the people involved and consider everyone’s anxieties, needs and preferences

• Consider ways to minimise the number, proximity and duration of social contacts and other mitigations such as face coverings

• Check with everyone involved that they are happy to proceed

Can we use our hoist to assist people in and out of boats?

Yes.  There are no legal restrictions on outdoor gatherings, however it is a club or organisations legal duty to carry of Covid specific risk assessments on all elements of activity.  It is still important to act carefully and provide reassurance to people who may still be anxious about Covid-19 and you may want to consider:

• Face coverings

• Minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts

• Cleaning schedules

Once you have created the protocols for hoisting, the individuals participating in the lift can make their own choice about being involved.

Don’t forget to ensure the maintenance and check regime is up to date.

Can our club require members to maintain social distancing rand/o wear face coverings whilst at the club?

Yes, the wearing of face coverings in public indoor spaces is mandatory in Wales - this relevant to all types of clubs and organisations including, but not limited to, private members clubs, CLG's,CIC's and charities/ CIOs.

With the legal restrictions on social distancing and gatherings having been removed, the onus of responsibility has been passed onto the club/ organisation delivering activities or providing facilities.  Clubs/ organisations have a legal duty to legal duty to undertake Covid specific risk assessments and take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus.

Within the bounds of the regulations, a club/ organisation can determine their policies reflecting the findings of their risk assessments,  which may require those using their facilities to continue to practice social distancing/ wear a face-covering.

Can we run events?

Yes, there is no cap on the number of people who can take part in organised gatherings. 

Clubs have a legal duty to legal duty to undertake a covid specific risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus. 

When preparing for the event please refer to the RYA Guidance on major events and COVID-19.   Welsh Government advice is to seek Local Authority engagement, potentially through their Safety Advisory Group. They are not there to sign-off your events but can offer advice.

However, any events that take place on council land agreement must be sought from the Local Authority.

Is there a limit on the number of spectators?

The removal of the restrictions on the size of outdoor gatherings means that there is no legal limit on the number of spectators, outdoors.  Where you are organising large grassroots sport events, or expect a significant number of spectators, you should review Welsh Governments guidance on running large events and follow any relevant measures to reduce the risk of transmission at your event.

Can indoor facilities and changing rooms open?

Indoor facilities in Wales can open and organised activity can take place both indoors and outdoors with no capacity caps for participants or spectators, subject to the organisation undertaking a covid specific risk assessment and taking reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus.  There are some restrictions on the use of indoor spaces, specifically the use of face coverings in public indoor spaces.

Club catering and bar facilities are able to open for indoor dining and drinking. If opening a bar, restaurant or catering facility, ensure you carefully read and implement Welsh Government guidance: Tourism and Hospitality Businesses: Guidance for a phased reopening.

Changing rooms and showers are an area of increased risk of transmission and there usage is subject to the venue doing a covid specific risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus.  We suggest venues may we to encourage participants to arrive already changed and, where possible, to travel home to change/shower. If changing rooms and showers are to be used, measures should be put in place subject to the covid specific risk assessment.

Further details on changing room use and management can be found in the RYA Cymru Wales Club & Centre Facility guidance.

Are Test, Trace, Protect Regulations still in force?

Yes, regulations around self-isolation are still in force and clubs/organisations should keep a record of people attending their facility to support the NHS Wales Test, Trace protect. Further details on implementing TTP in your club or organisation can be found here Test, Trace, Protect 

What should we do if other Variants of Concern (VOC) emerge?

Welsh Government will provide guidance should other VOCs emerge and we will update these FAQs  as appropriate.

Can I travel overseas?

The Welsh Government is monitoring the international situation closely and keeping its advice under constant review, so that it reflects its latest assessment of risks to the British public.

There is no longer a legal restriction or permitted reason required to travel internationally. Currently there is a traffic light system for international travel, and you must follow the rules when returning to Wales depending on whether you return from a red, amber or green list country.

International travel for leisure/recreational purposes is permitted but Welsh Government’s guidance states that, in order to prevent new COVID variants from entering the UK, we should not travel to red list countries. It advises against all non-essential international travel to some countries and territories but it does not define essential. Travelling for work/volunteer purposes is likely to fall within a definition of "essential".

You must follow the relevant rules for the country to which you are travelling.

There are exemptions to the UK border restrictions which are based on job roles, which include seafarers and inspectors and surveyors of ships.

Elite sport has a special status in terms of overseas travel, you can find further information on the RYA Covid 19 hub. 

The above guidance to members and affiliates is RYA Cymru Wales’s interpretation of the Welsh Government’s current position. Although we strive to ensure that all the information is accurate and up to date, this cannot be guaranteed due to the developing and fast-moving situation. RYA Cymru Wales members should review the Welsh Government’s full guidance themselves and follow the latest announcements at Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Topic | GOV.WALES