Summer safety tips from the RYA Cymru Wales team
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.
Whether you are cruising or competing, winging or windsurfing, foiling or paddleboarding, jet skiing, dinghy or big boat sailing – we want you to remember to look after yourself while making the most of the season.
As ever at this time of year, we have been brainstorming what makes for a safe and fun time on the water. Check out our top tips from the team!
Skills: Know your limits and make sure you have training for the activity and the conditions you want to enjoy. If you want to try a new activity or advance your abilities, check out RYA Training for a course.
Sun safe: Remember to cover up with a suncream, hat and clothing - and to 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? When you’re busy having fun or competing, remembering to take enough fluids on board is easy to forget. Be sure to stay hydrated and learn how to spot the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, what to do if you or someone else is ill, and when to get help.
Location, location: Set clear boundaries for your family or group to keep everyone together and in sight; risk assess your location and take into account wind direction, weather conditions, sea state, tide and currents.
Communication: Download the free RYA Safetrx app to your phone and take it with you in a waterproof case – this will enable you to share your activity, let others know where you are, and provide quick access to emergency services if you need help.
Kit check: is your equipment well maintained and fit for purpose? Are you wearing a correctly fitted lifejacket or buoyancy aid? Do you have the correct clothing for the conditions? For children playing in the pool or on the beach, you might also want to take a look at this interesting swimwear campaign about easy-to-spot colours.
Powerboating: Whether you are powerboating for pleasure or to support activities on the water, ALWAYS wear a kill cord.
Yachting: an element of planning is required for even the simplest and shortest of journeys - visit RYA Safety for a whole variety of links and tips. Check out the advice for boating with your dog if you’re planning to take your pooch!
Float to live: Read this story - “Floating was the difference between life and death” - about a couple who survived a rip tide off the Welsh coast, and please share the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ messaging at your club or centre, and with your family and friends.
Plan B
And finally, have a Plan B! If you turn up and find that the conditions are not ideal for your activity or ability, what can you do instead? Perhaps switch to paddleboarding if there’s no wind, or have a beach clean if there’s too much. Or you could simply call in for a sociable time at your club or centre. That way you’ll still be enjoying all the wellbeing benefits of our wonderful community and green blue spaces!
Whatever activities you are looking forward to enjoying this summer, thinking ahead is the key to staying safe – whether it’s checking your kit and the forecast, throwing a bottle of water and suncream into your bag, or plotting a passage for a trip along the coast.
For more information about safety on the water, including for all aspects of cruising, go to RYA Safety. For personal safety advice, including staying safe on beaches, Float to Live, risk factors and rip currents, be sure to visit the RNLI.
Wishing you all a safe and fun summer on the water!
CEO James Stuart, Performance Manager Sarah McGovern, Club Development Manager Hester Walker, Pathway & Events Officer Hatty Morsley, Communicator Paula Irish.