Swansea Risk Assessment
The AquaPaddle Swansea is held at White Rock Heritage park at Landore, Morfa, Swansea. The route is one 5km lap of the River Tawe Swansea, up to Morfa shopping Parc, Swansea turning down to Swansea Marina and then retuning upstream to White Rock at Landore, Morfa Swansea. (The direction of the route depends on the conditions as to which way the route is run).
Swansea River Tawe – Description of route and hazards
General Hazards
Rowing club, day boats, and other craft on the water – The Tawe is shared with other craft, and we need to keep ourselves safe. Please keep a look behind from time to time to make sure you are not going to be in collision with another river user. If you see a boat or craft, please shout to other paddlers warning them of the danger and giving them a chance to move to the right-hand side of the river. If they are coming close, draw their attention to you, shouting and waving or blowing your safety whistle. Also move out of their way and if necessary. Large craft take priority, kneel if at risk of falling in.
Anglers– At various places on the banks along the Tawe. Paddle by cautiously, giving enough space around where they may be casting. Move to opposite side of river if safe to do so.
Swimmers- Wild or Open Water swimming has become very popular and you as the overtaking craft need to keep clear. Please shout to draw their attention to you as you come up behind them. Please keep at least 2 metres away from them.
Main Launch, Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point
White Rock Morfa
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The launch point is from the riverbank below the car park. The ground is a sloping bank to the water edge made up of hardcore and soil. Caution advised when entering the water due to debris. Anglers are occasionally on the bank.
Hazards
The launch point is down through the gully into the river. The bank could be wet and muddy, so care must be taken not to slip. The has entrance to the river is a natural riverbed debris and rocks are present, care must be taken not to slip or trip.
Remember don’t rush and always take your time. “Slow is Pro”
Paddling to the Start Point, be aware of other river users. We have a marina nearby and a other water users may be coming around the river bend.
Anglers occasionally fish from the banks, please move over to allow them access.
Secondary Launch, Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point
(This is an evacuation point for emergencies)
Swansea Marina Sub Aqua Club Slip just after halfway along the route.
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Hazards
Sited at the turning point just after halfway along the paddle.
The slip is private property set in a marina on a busy boat yard. A concrete slip and has direct access for emergency service. The slip belongs to Swansea Marina Sub Aqua Club this is a private and should only be used in emergencies.
The moorings can be busy with boats waiting to enter the marina. The lock can be busy with boats coming through.
The Start
The start of the AquaPaddle is in front of the carpark next to the entrance to the water. All kit will be checked on entering the water. The Time Lord will call the AquaPaddlers forward once everyone has arrived and will start the event. The AquaPaddle heads in the direction of the pre-race briefing, this is mandatory to attend if you are paddling.
Hazards
Other river users.
Other AquaPaddlers. Please give everyone space to move about. The river is wide enough.
The River and Riverbank.
The riverbank has several fishing platforms on the right-hand side. Please pass any anglers quietly and slowly and give them space.
If whilst passing someone fishing you are approached by a boat, please stop, and move over to the right-hand side of the river. If you get caught in any lines, stop and apologise. We share this space. Please don’t get into an argument, regardless of what the Angler is saying to you. Once free of the line, continue.
River is shallow at both sides. There are bridges to pass under, please stay away from the sides of the bridge pillars.
Fishing hooks being cast from the side of the river.
Boats behind and coming towards you. Keep a good look out and be prepared to stop.
Submerged Debris in the water such as trees as shopping trolleys, tree roots.
Marshals, buoys or instruction at the briefing will be detailed for large hazards. Please leave space to go past it as the obstruction may hit your fin.
The river is shallow at both sides, be aware that your paddle might touch the bottom easily if you are at the side.
The river has flow and tide, you will be informed of the conditions of the water state at pre paddle briefing.
Swans and other wildlife, please give them space.
Over hanging trees. Please move a distance away from them.
The Upstream Turning Point
The turning point is by a crew member sited next to a turn buoy. There will be a Member of the Crew on their board or kayak at that point. Please go round them. Drop to your knees if you are feeling unstable.
Hazards
Other AquaPaddlers. Please give each other space to turn and cross the river.
Other craft and boats. Stay at least 2 metres away.
Turning on the river.
Watch out for boats and other river users as you turn. They have right of way. Be prepared to stop. Do not risk crossing in front of any craft.
River is shallow at both sides.
There are bridges to pass under, please stay away from the sides of the bridge pillars.
Please shout if someone is likely to hit you.
Falling off. If you should fall in, if you can’t re board quickly, please swim your board away from any hazards, before trying to mount again. A Crew Member will come and assist you. If you see someone fall in, without putting yourself in danger, please go and give help or alert a crew member.
Please inform the crew if you have fallen in and the reason for this.
The Finish
The finish point is marked by a flag and the time lord. Please keep paddling towards the flag. Once you finish, please keep clear of the finish line.
If you want to stay and cheer on the other AquaPaddlers, please gather on the riverbank or slight upstream and away from the Timelord and be prepared to move if.
Make sure your number is visible to the time lord.
Other information
First Aid Kit is carried by Captains and the crew.
Defib sites;
Start Line
Landor social club Neath Road, Swansea, SA1 2LE
Turn Point:
Swansea Marina Stephen Evans Optometrist Ethos, Kings Road, Swansea, SA1 8AS.
Moriston Hospital – https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/our-hospitals/morriston-hospital/