CRAIGNISH BOAT CLUB
SAFETY ON EILEAN TRAIGHTE
Please read the Craignish Boat Club Handbook for more information, club rules and kit requirements. This can be found on www.craignishboatclub.org.uk
· PARKING CBC members must NOT park in the lay-by under any circumstances. Please use the car park and if full park at the village hall and walk along.
· PARENTAL SUPERVISION All cadets aged 16 and under must have a parent or guardian accompanying them during cadet and kayaking sessions. If for any reason your child needs to come off the water early an appointed adult must be present to receive them.
· BUOYANCY AIDS All adults and children must come to club sessions with a suitable and correctly fitted buoyancy aid.
· RISKS DURING CBC SESSIONS There are inherent risks attached to sailing, paddlesports and rowing. Participants can get bumps and bruises on a regular basis. If the head is hit hard by the boom, it can cause serious head injuries. There is a possibility of being trapped underwater by lines/ropes or being stuck under an upturned hull. There is a small risk of drowning and hypothermia. CBC works to reduce these risks by the presence of instructors on the water, a dedicated safety boat and continuous assessment of weather conditions. All CBC instructors and safety boat crew are voluntary, and a list of their relevant qualifications can be obtained by contacting the cadet captain. Session fees are used to help maintain boats and equipment and pay for fuel in the various safety boats NOT to pay volunteers.
· FIRST AID Many of the adults helping at CBC sessions have First Aid Certificates. There is a first Aid Kit on site.
· SAFEGUARDING The Club applies the RYA Safeguarding Policy. If you have any concerns relating to the welfare of children and young people please contact Helen Hampton, the club Welfare Officer, welfare@craignishboatclub.org.uk
· HELMETS Some clubs use helmets when teaching dinghy sailing and kayaking. The RYA supports both the decision to use and not to use helmets. A helmet will protect the head from serious head injury. However, there is also a case for it making the wearer less aware of keeping their head out of the way; then on days when the sailor doesn’t use the helmet, they may be more likely to be injured. CBC does not have a particular stance for or against helmets. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the cadet’s parents to decide whether or not a child should use a helmet.
Should a member receive a head injury where a concussion is suspected it will be the club's policy to follow medical guidance. This will mean participation at the club will be restricted for any period where symptoms exist and for at least two weeks after symptoms have cleared. These restrictions are to safeguard members and will be put in place despite membership fees having been paid.
· PRIVATE BOATS Private boats/dinghies/kayaks are left on the island at the owners own risk and only with agreement from the committee. It is the owner’s responsibility to arrange insurance.