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General Guidance for Boating Activity

Canllawiau Cyffredinol ar gyfer Gweithgaredd Hwylio

»Fersiwn Cymraeg

Key notes from the Welsh Government regulations and guidance which apply to all boating activities:

Boating as a Form of Exercise

Most forms of water sports practised on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing and motor-boating (Powerboating and Personal Water Craft) are allowed, but should not involve taking unnecessary risks. You can access marinas, ports and harbours if they are open.

From Monday 13th July changes to Welsh Government guidelines allow larger gatherings of up to 30 people outdoors only, where these are organised and supervised by a responsible person for sports and other leisure activities and classes.

Social distancing and good hygiene requirements are still in place

People must stay a minimum distance of 2 metres apart when meeting others from outside their household, and to continue rigorous hand washing prior, during and after engaging with others.

We are seeking clarity and guidance around how activities, where 2 metres is not always practical, can take place.

Travel Restrictions have been eased

Travel restrictions were eased on the 6th of July.

Overnight Stays

Restrictions on overnight stays on boats which have appropriate hygiene facilities were eased on the 11th July.

Meeting others is limited

You may meet up with one other household outdoors, social distancing and good hygiene measures must be maintained.  You are able to extend your household by joining with another household to form a single extended household. However, you are only able to be part of one extended household and the extended household must contain the same people for the foreseeable future. You may not meet up with others indoors. 

Outdoor Sport Facilities

As of Monday, June 22nd, outdoor sport facilities were allowed to open, but still face certain restrictions. Any control measures, following risk assessments should comply with Welsh Government guidelines provided on June 15th in 'Sport, recreation and leisure: guidance for a phased return'. Link to the document can be found under related pages on the right.

Consideration should be given to:

• providing an online booking system
• only toilet facilities available at the facility
• clear communication with users on hygiene standards and actions associated with anyone falling unwell.

Additionally, the club/centre, should establish a Covid-19 team and consider appointing a Coronavirus Officer within the club/centre structure, who should lead on all matters in relation to the use of facilities.

The hire of club or centre equipment should not be encouraged or should be minimised in its use. Cleaning guidelines of equipment and record keeping should be in place, normally set out by the manufacturer’s guidelines with 72 hours between use.

If you are delivering any boating instruction/support, please remember:

• Social distancing guidelines and good hygiene protocols should be maintained.
  • We are seeking clarity and guidance around how activities, where 2 metres is not always practical, can take place.
• For RYA Training guidance please see here

General RYA Cymru Wales principles applying to all boating activity

We will always follow Government advice – Welsh Government link

• The COVID-19 preventative measures are vital to protecting health and wellbeing and to minimising pressure on frontline services. We have a collective and individual role to play by following the Welsh Government guidelines.

We will, as a boating community, take a considerate and responsible approach

• Be Considerate: be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and local communities. Do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services.
• Be Responsible: help to minimise risk by taking an extra conservative approach to your boating

• 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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#Hwyliooadre #SailfromHome

To compliment the main UK wide #SailfromHome programme RYA Cymru Wales have organised some sessions specifically aimed at Welsh Clubs, Centres and boaters to support the current situation.

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Sessions for Instructors, Coaches & Sailors

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Specific Sessions for Clubs & Centres

• Preparing to reopen your Club: Risk Assessments & procedures
• Planning to Safely Reopen Club Buildings
• Ensuring an Inclusive Return to Activity

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