Our primary concern remains the health of our members, affiliated clubs and classes, recognised training centres (RTCs), instructors, staff and volunteers.
We’ve welcomed the confirmation that outdoor sport facilities will be re-opened from 13th March onwards in Wales This prioritisation by the Welsh Government clearly acknowledges the many positive mental and physical benefits of outdoor sport, as well as its safety and low rates of transmission.
To help outline what the next steps mean for our sport we have developed our own FAQs based on what we believe the guidance means for recreational boating in Wales. These will be updated as we move step by step through the Government’s plan to ease restrictions in Wales. The FAQ for clubs & recreational boaters document can be downloaded from the related document panel on the right hand side. This document should be read in conjunction with the Club & Centre Facilities Guidance and the current guidance and FAQs for RYA Training Centres in Wales.
General RYA Cymru Wales principles applying to all boating activity
1. Our guidance
Covid-19 preventative measures are vital in keeping you, your family and others safe and to minimise pressure on frontline services. The RYA Cymru Wales, alongside the RYA will continue to support the National effort to control the spread of Covid-19 and assist members of the RYA family with any variations that might develop at a local level. We support the Welsh Government’s desire to return to normality in a measured way and we recognise that we have a role to play by providing guidance to the RYA community in Wales, on the application of the 2021 Regulations.
2. Our approach is considerate and responsible
Considerate: be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services.
Responsible: help to minimise incident and accidents by taking an extra cautious approach to your boating.
Our guidance on safe boating remains unchanged: know your limits; look after yourself; keep in touch and, above all, have a plan. As the restrictions are relaxed, we advise boaters to think about these factors. The RNLI and the RYA have also worked in collaboration to produce joint safety guidance to help ensure that this summer is as safe as it can be.
- Individuals should only take part on their own or with others if social distancing and good hygiene can be maintained.
- Participants are encouraged to use their own personal equipment during this phase, or to have equipment allocated to them for exclusive use during a set period. This equipment should be cleaned appropriately before being allocated to another user.
- Participants must only take to the water in conditions well within their ability and which assume a self-sufficient approach to their activity.
- Check your equipment thoroughly, particularly engines and fuel, as they may not have been used for some time.
-
Consider
using a device to keep in touch such as RYA SafeTRX on a
mobile or carry a VHF and notifying
someone ashore of your intended activity, anticipated time afloat and calling
them when you are back ashore safely.
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