Swiss Valley Risk Assessment

Swiss Valley reservoir – Description of route and hazards

General Hazards  

Fallen and overhanging trees, water tower building, shallow water, buoys, pontoon and other AquaPaddlers: Please keep a safe distance from any obstacles and other paddlers. If you see any obstacle, please shout to other paddlers warning them of the danger.

Anglers At various places on the banks along the reservoir. Paddle cautiously, and give enough space around where they may be casting. Move to the opposite side of the reservoir if safe to do so.

Pontoon. The pontoon is raised above the water, and the paddler will have to take care when lowering themselves onto their craft, lower onto your knees and climb the board, paddling on the knees near the pontoon. Do not climb or jump on the board standing up. 

Shallow water. Get on your knees when paddling close to the shore. To mount onto the paddle board, lower onto your knees and climb the board, paddling on the knees near the pontoon and shore.

Exclusion zones: Anglers and Water Tower Exclusion zones. Red marker buoys indicate an exclusion zone at the pump tower and run off area for paddlers.

Swimming in the reservoir is prohibited.

Main Launch, Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point 

Meeting point

Swiss Valley reservoir, 

Llanelli SA15 4RT

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The launch point is from the pontoon on the reservoir.

The water is deep at the pontoon, and shallower closer to the shore. 

Anglers: please move over to allow them access.

Hazards 

1. The launch point is alongside the path with walkers, dogs, and cyclists.
2. The path could be wet and muddy, so care must be taken not to slip. The pontoon can get wet, so care must be taken not to slip. Remember don’t rush and always take your time. “Slow is Pro” 
3. The pontoon is at some height above the water, and the paddler will have to take care when lowering themselves onto their craft. Take your time and don’t rush.
4. Buoys – avoid getting close to buoy and keep safe distance at all times.
5. Paddling to the Start Point, be aware of other paddlers around you.
6.  Anglers Exclusion zone: Red marker buoys also indicate the angling zone. Recreational paddling activities are not permitted
   within the angling zone. 
7. Water Tower Exclusion zone: Red marker buoys indicate an exclusion zone at the pump tower and run off area for paddlers.
8. No equipment or belongings of any kind to be left on the slipway/pontoon.

Secondary Launch, Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point 

The bank between the Water Tower and pontoon.

The launch point is off the shore.

Hazards 

1. The launch point is covered in grass and can be slippery, the bottom at this launch point is covered in rocks.
2. Give yourself plenty of time before the start and don’t rush to launch.

The Start 

The start of the AquaPaddle is near the pontoon. The Captain calls the AquaPaddlers forward once everyone has arrived and will start the event. The AquaPaddle route can be clockwise or anticlockwise along the shoreline and Anglers Exclusion zone buoys. Keep safe distance from the shore and byous.

Hazards 

Fishing hooks being cast from the side of the river 

Buoys: Please leave space to go past buoys.

The reservoir is shallow at shoreline, be aware that your paddle might touch the bottom easily if you are at the side.

Swans and other wildlife, please give them space.

Fallen and overhanging trees. Please move a distance away from them.

THE 5K ROUTE IS 4 LOOPS.

The Finish 

The Finish point will be the Start point. 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 bank.

Other information.

Defib is at the CO-OPERATIVE SUPERMARKET 1.9 miles away, 6 minutes on the car.