RYA Cymru Wales blog – July 2024

As we head towards the summer holidays, all of us at RYA Cymru Wales hope you will have lots of fun getting afloat whether you’re at home or away – and most importantly, enjoy the wellbeing benefits of watersports safely.

Our recently launched five-year strategy – Together on our Waters – encompasses the core values of being inclusive and safe, as well as adventurous and brave.

Whether you are cruising or competing, winging or windsurfing, foiling or paddleboarding, dinghy or big boat sailing – we want you to make the most of our sports while also remembering to look after yourself.

At our mid-July team meeting, we had a bit of a brainstorming session about all the ways it’s possible to get caught out accidentally on the water, so here’s few top tips from each of us for sparkling but safe summer!

Skills - “Know your limits and make sure you have training for the activity you want to enjoy,” says Club Development Officer Hester Walker. Look out for Swim Safe sessions such as these at Plas Menai and if you’re taking up or advancing an activity, check out the courses available through RYA Training to ensure you are confident and that your time on the water is safe as well as fun.

Sun safe - Performance Manager Sarah McGovern is always amazed how many families get caught out with sunburn – remember to cover up with a suncream and clothing and protect your eyes with sunglasses: reflected UV from water is particularly dangerous. Find detailed advice at the Melanoma Fund and NHS sun safety.

Hydration: And are you drinking enough? Our outgoing Events Officer Sam Thomas says this is one of the easiest things to forget but reminds us that dehydration can be serious – learn how to spot the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and when to get help.

Location, location - CEO James Stuart recalls an incident when children out canoeing were quickly - but thankfully only briefly - out of sight. Set clear boundaries for your group; risk assess your location and take into account wind direction, weather conditions, sea state, tide and currents; download the free RYA Safetrx app to let your loved ones know where you are, share your trip and gain quick access to emergency services – then remember to take your phone with you in a waterproof case.

Clothing - What are your children (and your pets!) wearing? Office Manager Ceri Yeomans spotted this interesting swimwear campaign from On the Beach about colours which cannot be seen clearly if a child goes underwater – with blue, white and grey becoming pretty much invisible beneath the surface. As a dog lover, Ceri also recommends paws-ing for thought when taking your best friend on your adventures! Check out our advice for boating with your dog.

Kill cord - Communicator Paula Irish checks photos and videos reflect best practice: is your equipment well maintained and fit for purpose? Are you wearing a correctly fitted lifejacket or buoyancy aid? And are you powerboating? Wear a kill cord, it saves lives.

Whatever activities you are looking forward to enjoying this summer, be prepared – whether it’s simply checking the forecast and throwing in the suncream with your paddleboard or plotting a passage for a trip along the coast or beyond.

For more information about safety on the water, including for all aspects of cruising, go to RYA Safety. For personal safety advice for you and your family, including staying safe on beaches, Float to Live, risk factors and rip currents, be sure to visit the RNLI.

Top picture (c) Ade Owens