Bournemouth Risk Assessment

DESCRIPTION OF ROUTE AND RISK ASSESSMENT

We will have sole use of Longham Lake for this paddle. The route involves three circuits of the lake and a final lap around the island.

Main Launch, Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point

There is one entry point to the lake via a slipway. We ask all paddlers to take care at this entry point as it can be slippery at times. A member of our crew will be there to help entry and exit.

The launch point is a short walk away from the carpark.

Hazards

  1. The launch point is a slipway that can become slippery. Care must be taken when launching. We ask paddlers to give themselves plenty of time to enter the water before the paddle starts.
  2. There are buoys around the island. Paddlers must stay outside of the yellow buoys  around the island.
  1. There are also buoys to the left of the entry slipway. Stay clear of these to reduce the risk of entanglement.
  2. There is a water outlet marker buoy. When water is being removed from the lake this can create negative buoyancy which is extremely dangerous. Paddler must stay away from this marker. It will be pointed out during the briefing and clearly marked.

The Start

The start of the AquaPaddle will be clearly marked with two buoys. The Time Lord will call the AquaPaddlers forward, once everyone has arrived and start the event. The AquaPaddle heads anticlockwise around the lake.

The Finish

Once you finish, please keep clear of the finish line. If you want to stay to cheer on the other AquaPaddlers there is a path around the lake with good views of the route.

Hazards

Tiredness: Don’t rush and take your time to recover. When exiting the lake, give yourself time!

All Risks

RISK ASSESSMENT: AquaPaddle – Longham Lakes

DATE CARRIED OUT:  18/02/2023 ASSESSMENT CARRIED OUT BY: Lynne Ruddick

HAZARD  WHO MIGHT BE HARMED?  HOW MAY THE RISK BE  ADEQUATELY  CONTROLLED? WHAT FURTHER ACTION MAY BE REQUIRED?  Review comments / review date 
DROWNING  Paddlers & Others  Wearing of buoyancy aid  Instruction in capsize procedures Relevant supervision for novices  Advised to keep away from waters edge  Buoyancy aids tested annually  Induction sessions for beginners and new members  Instructors to ensure buoyancy aid correctly fitted.  Regular checks on hire equipment during the season.  18/02/2024
HYPOTHERMIA / HYPERTHERMIA  Paddlers  Advised on the correct clothing to wear.  Adjustment to clothing as required  Continuous dynamic risk assessment.  18/02/2024
SLIPS TRIPS AND FALLS   Paddlers, Parents, Coaches & others  Regular observation of the slipway and lakeside paths, recommendation of footwear Ensure appropriate footwear is worn   18/02/2024
SPRAINS, STRAINS  AND SOFT TISSUE  INJURIES  Paddlers, Parents Coaches & others  Trained to lift correctly  Ask for help  Encouraged to paddle correctly  Ongoing training and regular checks of procedures  Appropriate checks on lifting crafts 18/02/2024
POLLUTION AND WATER QUALITY  Paddlers Advised to wash soon after immersion Made aware of flotsam  Risks higher in spate conditions. Avoid intentional capsizes in poor conditions  18/02/2024
OTHER WATER USERS  Paddlers and other users Paddlers instructed to be aware of other water users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action.  Informed as to possible other water users and location  18/02/2024
EXHAUSTION/FATIGUE Paddlers and water safety team Advise paddlers to bring a drink and have eaten appropriately prior to paddling Water safety team will assist and help them ashore. 18/02/2024
CAPSIZED CRAFT Paddlers Information to be collected on entry of ability. Ask paddlers to look after each other on the water. Water safety to assist capsized paddlers. 18/02/2024
WEATHER/WIND   Paddlers & Safety Team Weather reports checked the day before and on the morning. Advise paddlers to exit the water should adverse weather conditions approach. Continuous dynamic risk assessment   18/02/2024
Wild Animals Eg: Swans Paddlers Advise paddlers to maintain distance from all wildlife, especially Swans with their signets. If a nesting family is close to the start/finish, the paddle will be moved to a different location to protect the animals. 18/02/2024
Environment Everyone  Advise everyone to stay on the paths and to prevent minimal damage to the flora and fauna. Continuous dynamic risk assessment 18/02/2024