General Safety Information

The safety of all lake users is paramount and all members must respect the other users of the lake - be they fishing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding or windsurfing.

Prevention of Collisions

When a craft comes within three craft lengths of one or more other craft on the lake, the rules for avoidance of collision will be the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea.

For the avoidance of doubt under this rule both vessels have a responsibility to keep clear of each other and only where that is not possible and the vessels become close then paddle craft will be required to keep clear of sailing boats - however if everyone keeps to their activity zones (see restrictions) then neither should come into close proximity with each other!

Safety

During Club events the a safety boat will be on the water during the duration of the event or at times advertised. Safety boats are primarily employed for ensuring the safety of persons afloat - craft and/or equipment will not be recovered while lives are at risk.

At other times, it is recommended that there should be at least two craft on the water when using the lake.

All board sailors must be capable of swimming 50 metres in light clothing.

Users of boats fitted with trapezes should ensure that a modern quick release harness is used at all times.

Personal Buoyancy / Life Jackets

ALL members, visitors or guests must wear buoyancy aids whenever using the water, or on the pontoons.

Buoyancy aids should be of a design appropriate to the particular water sport involved and should meet the following standard: ISO 12402: INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (LIFEJACKETS AND BUOYANCY AIDS) with a minimum of 50 Newtons of buoyancy.

Buoyancy Aids can be hired on Club Days (generally Sundays)

Children's buoyancy aids should have crotch straps fitted and secured.

Appropriate clothing

The Committee may make the wearing of wet or dry suits obligatory for particular activities / races.

Outside of any specific instruction, Wet or dry suits for dinghy sailors are recommended to be worn during the months December to April inclusive. For board sailors, canoeists and kayakers the period is extended to include the months of October, November and May.