Reading Sailing Club

Principles

The safety policy of Reading Sailing Club is based on the following principles:

• The safety of all members and visitors when on the water is of the utmost importance.
• The club does not wish to restrict the times at which members can sail on the lake.
• Members are responsible at all times for their own safety and the safety of their visitors.
• Members are reminded that safety boats are unlikely to be available other than at club racing times or previously scheduled cruising times.

All persons sailing do so at their own risk. The following rules and recommendations are intended to be an aid to members by encouraging safe practices.

Safety Rules

Rule 1: Buoyancy Aids

Buoyancy aids must be worn by all persons when sailing and by persons aged under 16 years old at all times when on the water.

Compliance with this rule is the responsibility of the individual.

Rule 2: Protective clothing

Protective clothing means either a full wetsuit or a full drysuit.

Adequate protective clothing must be worn by all persons when sailing between the dates of 1 November and 31 March inclusive.

Windproof garments, such as spray suits, may be worn in addition to the above but, by themselves, do not provide the necessary protection.

Compliance with this rule is the responsibility of the individual.

Rule 3: Swimming

Swimming is not allowed in the sailing area. Children are not allowed to play at the waters edge in the area of the slipway or jetty. Jumping or diving from the safety boats is forbidden.

Shimming or playing in a boating areas with the risk of being struck by a boat is potentially dangerous. There are also underwater obstructions.

Members are reminded that:

• The club is not insured for swimming.
• The club cannot be held responsible for any accident or injury suffered by a member or guest while swimming.

Recommendations

Recommendation 1: Buddy sailing

It is unlikely that safety boat cover is available outside of the club racing times. The club recommends that the practice of ‘buddy sailing’ be adopted when safety boat cover is available i.e. sail only when another boat is on the water and it has been pre-arranged that each boat will provide assistance to the other in case of difficulties.

Recommendation 2: Weather conditions

The club recommends that members should not sail if they are in any doubt about the suitability of the wind and weather conditions.

Observance of the Rules

Reading Sailing Club has an excellent safety record. Our continued use of the lake and the freedom of access available to members is in part dependant upon this record being maintained.