Advisory guidelines for safe summer experiences, provided by the RYA Cymru Wales group
As the summer holidays approach, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Cymru Wales is encouraging everyone to have fun and stay safe while participating in watersports. Here are the top safety tips to ensure a memorable and safe experience on the water.
1. **Sun Safety:** Protecting yourself from UV exposure is crucial, especially since reflected UV from water can be particularly harmful. Use suncream, wear a hat and protective clothing, and safeguard your eyes with sunglasses.
2. **Stay Hydrated:** It's important to stay hydrated, so remember to take enough fluids on board. Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and know what to do if someone is ill or needs help.
3. **Know Your Limits:** Always ensure proper training for the activity and conditions. Know your limits and don't take unnecessary risks.
4. **Equipment Check:** Equipment maintenance and fitness for purpose should be checked before each outing. Individuals should wear correctly fitted lifejackets or buoyancy aids and appropriate clothing for the conditions.
5. **Location Risk Assessment:** Consider wind direction, weather conditions, sea state, tide, and currents when assessing the location's safety.
6. **Plan B:** Have a Plan B for when conditions are not suitable for your chosen activity. Switch to paddleboarding if there's no wind, or have a beach clean if there's too much.
7. **Set Boundaries:** Clear boundaries should be set for family or groups to keep everyone together and in sight.
8. **Personal Safety Advice:** For personal safety advice, including beach safety, visit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The RNLI's 'Float to Live' messaging is crucial for beach safety.
9. **Boating with Dogs:** RYA Safety provides advice for boating with dogs.
10. **Powerboating:** Always wear a kill cord when operating a powerboat.
11. **Emergency Services:** The RYA Safetrx app can be downloaded for free, allowing users to share their activity, let others know their location, and access emergency services if needed.
12. **Watersport Activities:** Various watersport activities are promoted, including cruising, competing, winging, windsurfing, foiling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, dinghy sailing, and big boat sailing.
Detailed sun safety advice can be found at the Melanoma Fund and NHS sun safety, and comprehensive information about safety on the water, including cruising, can be found on RYA Safety. For those wanting to try new activities or advance their abilities, RYA Training offers courses.
A couple survived a rip tide off the Welsh coast due to the "Float to Live" technique; share this message to promote beach safety. The RYA Cymru Wales encourages everyone to enjoy the summer holidays safely and responsibly.
Participating in activities such as windsurfing and paddleboarding, in addition to powerboating, requires adherence to the same safety guidelines as other watersports. Detailed safety advice for these activities, along with comprehensive information about safety on the water, can be found on RYA Safety and the Melanoma Fund for sun safety. Plus, for those who wish to advance their skills or try new activities, RYA Training provides relevant courses.
