Safety

CLUBHOUSE

The floors in the clubhouse will get wet due to the nature of our sports.

Be aware that floors can be slippery: be careful, do not run inside the building. 

BOUYANCY AIDS

A fundamental safety rule at Bowmoor is if you go into or on the water or on the jetty you must wear a buoyancy aid unless:
– You are windsurfing using a harness
– You are open water swimming (seperate rules apply, see Open Water Swimming)


Buoyancy aids should have a CE marking and provide 50N flotation.

WEATHER

The decision on whether it is safe to go on/in the water must be made by you or by the parent or guardian for minors.

You should not go sailing if you do not feel you can competently and safely manage or recover your own boat in the prevailing conditions.

In extreme conditions, the Club Executives will cancel formal dinghy training or club racing when safety coverage cannot be provided or maintained.

SHORE

The launching shore is covered with stones to prevent erosion and aid the launch of dinghies, windsurfers and canoes/SUPs.

Please leave stones on the ground; they should not be thrown or ‘skimmed’. 


Dinghy launching trolleys must not be left partially or fully submerged in the water creating a trip hazard to others or potential damage to boats. 

Parents should ensure that their children are not in front of the shoreline area (either on or in the water) when boats are returning to shore after racing.
They should exit this area as soon as the shortened course flag is flown (Blue square inside a white flag ({see image]) which will be accompanied by 2 sound signals.
They should stay away from this area until the last boat racing has returned to shore.

The Club does not have a ‘beach area’ to play in the water. 

Bouyancy aid

Sailing, Windsurfing, Swimming

Competence

You should be competent to sail in the conditions of the day without the need for external assistance.

As a novice, it is advisable to sail when there is safety or mutual cover on the water.

You should be capable of righting your own boat from capsize; if safety boats are on the water their prime responsibility is to rescue people and the recovery of dinghies is a secondary consideration.

Orange Flag

The Orange Flag flown on the shore indicates swimmers are in the water. 

Exercise caution, identify where the swimmers are by looking at the Activty board (at the Race Hut) and your own eyes, and maintain a good look-out when sailing.  

DO NOT enter a zone designated for swimmers (during swimming times).  See 
Open Water Swimming page for full safety advice. 

Dinghies

Dinghies must have integral buoyancy to prevent sinking in a capsize, and a means of bailing out water.
Check fixtures and fitting before launching to prevent on-water challenges.
Sailing is a dangerous activity.

Clothing

You should wear appropriate clothing for thermal and wind protection for the activity that you are undertaking.

Full wetsuits or drysuits must be worn during the winter months (water temperature below 10°C).

Hats are equally important in the winter or summer for thermal or sunburn protection respectively.

Powerboats 

Powerboats

BSC powerboats must only be operated by members holding RYA PB2 or higher qualifications (or equivalent).

Any qualified driver under the age of 16 years must be supervised by an adult.

Power boat tuition can only be given by current RYA PB Instructors.

Boat safety checks should be completed before launching.

The boat crews must wear non-slip footwear and be suitable kit for entering the water in an emergency. 

Powerboats

Beware of the slippery surface of the slipway and the risk of falling on hard concrete or under a moving boat trailer.

General buoyancy aid rules apply.

Kill cords must be used at all times.

The engine must be switched off when in close proximity to anyone in the water.

Drivers should be seated when the boat is in motion and maintain a good lookout for people or objects in the water.

Do not drive the boat faster than the situation demands.

Winch

The winch should only be operated by PB2-trained members.

The emergency cut-off should be tested prior to launching or recovering a boat and the immediate area clear of any unnecessary people.

When not in use, the isolator should be switch to OFF.

Crews operating around the boats or the winch must have appropriate footwear.

Important

Our Important documents page gives more details for Bowmoor Sailing Club’s Operating Proceedures and Risk Assesments.  

Please take time to read these before starting actvities at Bowmoor Sailing Club.

Important Documents

In the Club’s Operating Proceedures, Appendix A you will find a useful self assement risk matrix, to help you detemine whether you should start your water activity.  Copies are posted on the club notice board and activty shed.

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