Health and Safety Policy for Casual Sailors

CUCrC and all members on trips have a duty of care towards ensuring the responsible behaviour and safety of all those on the trip. Individual members must also ensure their own actions do not jeopardise the safety of themselves or other members.

In line with CUCrC and University policy, we have produced our own Health and Safety Manual. It is important, and a condition of membership, that all members read the manual before coming on a trip. A hard copy of this manual should be carried by all trip organisers, who have delegated responsibility for Health and Safety, on trips.

The Secretary is the committee member responsible for Health and Safety matters, and all questions should be directed there.

A summary of the policy is included below, though this is NOT a substitute for reading the full version.

1. Trip organisers are responsible for ensuring all those on their trip have read and are complying with the Health and Safety Policy. Trip organisers must be appointed by the President.
2. Trip participants MUST ensure they are aware of their own responsibilities as outlined below and detailed in the full manual.
3. Each sailor is responsible for ensuring the equipment is complete and in good condition on their boat before taking it out. Every effort will be made to keep the boats in good condition by the cruising club. Any problems encountered must be brought to the attention of the trip organiser to ensure that the information is passed to the rest of the club, and that the necessary remedial action is taken.
4. As casual sailing welcomes sailors of all abilities, it is the responsibility of each sailor to decide whether they are competent to sail on the day, based upon the weather conditions found on arrival. The organiser will endeavour to pair up less experienced sailors with those with more experience. If there are not enough experienced sailors on a trip, however, beginners will be unable to sail for safety reasons. Boats will not be allowed out with a crew of two beginners.
5. If weather conditions are considered to be too bad for sailing by the trip organiser or Grafham authorities then no boats will be allowed out. The trip organiser reserves the right to cancel the trip at Grafham. Money will still be required for the minibus to cover costs. Sailors must follow the instructions of any flags flying at Grafham.
6. All sailors will wear buoyancy aids while sailing. Anyone not wearing a buoyancy aid will not be allowed out. Wetsuits should be worn according to the rules of Grafham Water. All sailors should be able to swim 50m in light clothing without a buoyancy aid; anyone unable to do so MUST inform the trip organiser.
7. Appropriate clothing and footwear (no flipflops) should be worn by all participants. This responsibilty lies jointy with the participant and trip organiser, who has the authority to prevent anyone sailing who is inadequetly dressed. Likewise if the onset hypothermia becomes apparent, the trip organiser has the authority to curtail the sailing session.
8. All sailors will need to be members of the Cruising Club before sailing. Non-members will not be allowed to sail. The trip organiser will take necessary forms for non-members to join the club on the day.
9. Sailors must stay within the area designated for sailing by the Grafham authorities and abide by their rules at all times. All sailors should keep a good lookout for other members of the trip and try to offer assistance if it is required.
10. There is a possibility of contracting certain diseases from Grafham water. Care should be taken to avoid swallowing the water, and all cuts and abrasions should be covered with waterproof material.
11. In the event of a capsize, sailors should stay with the boat at all times and await rescue if they cannot self-right.
12. In the unlikely event of injury, first aid kits can be found in the club house and the Rescue Coxswain's hut. Serious injury may require the calling of an ambulance. Less serious injuries may be require the casualty to be driven to Hitchingbrooke Hospital.

"If you think safety is expensive, try having an accident"