MEMBERS AND OTHER USERS OF OUR LAKE MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY BOTH AFLOAT AND ASHORE. THE CLUB WILL USE ITS BEST ENDEAVOURS TO PROVIDE ON-WATER SAFETY COVER, BUT THAT DOES NOT ALTER THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL USERS OF THE LAKE. ACCEPTANCE OF THIS POLICY IS A CONDITION OF GOING AFLOAT AT CHEW VALLEY LAKE.

THIS STATEMENT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT EXPLAINS HOW THE CLUB SETS OUT TO ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR SAFETY ON THE WATER. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT.

SAFETY COVER

The Club will arrange safety cover for those afloat as follows:-

1.                  Whenever sailing of any sort is taking place, there will be 2 rescue boats (RIBs) on the water with 2 competent helms dressed according to weather and the club rules. The helms may be ‘on watch’ from the clubhouse balcony or from the ‘bay’ window and will be ready to intervene if they are concerned about any of the sailors on the water.

2.                  If both rescue helms leave the watch position to go on the water, another member of the duty team equipped with a hand held radio will take over the watch and will keep the rescue helms aware of any fresh incidents on the water.

3.                  If one of the rescue helms needs to be absent for a short period, another member of the duty team should take over the watch and know where to find the absent helm.

4.                  If these conditions cannot be met, then sailing will not commence.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Club member or visitor, you have a duty to both yourself and to other lake users as regards safety. This duty means acting responsibly whilst on Club premises, including in the use of the boat park and winches and in the supervision of your children. You can improve your own on-water safety by adopting the following: -

§        Check the information board at the main entrance.

§        Remain in the sailing area designated for the day.

§        Less confident sailors – stay in an area where you can be easily seen and quickly reached.

§        Do not sail in a boat or in weather conditions that are beyond your competence. 

§        If in doubt – ask the rescue helms to watch out for you or your child.

Your duty to other members and visitors includes: -

§        Providing help or seeking help for anyone you see needing it on the water.

§        Alerting the rescue helms to any situation that you observe that may need their attention.

Version 2 Jan 2010