Safety Management Statement
Introduction
Bosham Sailing Club (BSC) is committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all its members, guests, and visitors. This Safety Management Statement outlines the approach to managing risk and ensuring that BSC activities are conducted in accordance with best safety practices.
Objectives
- Promote a culture of safety within the BSC by encouraging all members and participants to understand and adhere to safety procedures.
- Manage and minimize risks associated with clubhouse events, sailing and other water-based activities.
- Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, and industry standards.
- Regularly review and improve the safety management systems to adapt to changes and improve overall safety practices.
Safety Management Responsibilities
Flag Officers and Staff: Responsible for setting and reviewing safety policies and ensuring their implementation. The Sailing Manager and the Clubhouse Manager are responsible for overseeing safety practices, conducting risk assessments, organising safety training sessions, and ensuring that BSC's safety equipment is properly maintained.
Members and Participants: All members, participants and visitors should take reasonable care with their own health and safety and are expected to follow BSC's safety procedures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), the operation of vessels in a safe manner, and the adherence to any guidance. The Risk Statement published in the Notice of Race for BSC Club Racing applies to all on-the-water activities at BSC.
Safety Management Practices
Risk Assessments: Regular risk assessments will be conducted for all BSC activities to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures. These assessments will be reviewed periodically and after any significant incidents or changes to the activity structure.
Members and visitors can familiarise themselves with certain BSC risk assessments published on the website here.
Training and Education: BSC provides safety training to members, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge to act safely on the water. This includes but is not limited to, safety briefings, first aid training, and specific sailing and powerboat-related courses. It is expected that all patrol drivers have powerboating skills to RYA PB2 level and that members hiring club equipment for personal use have sufficient proficiency in that equipment under the expected conditions.
Equipment Safety: BSC ensures that all safety equipment, including buoyancy aids, life jackets, patrol boats, and communications devices, is regularly inspected and maintained. Buoyancy aids are mandatory for all participants during BSC's water-based activities. BSC sailing equipment and power boats meet the standards required for a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Recognised Training Centre (RTC).
Emergency Procedures: Members should familiarise themselves with BSC's emergency procedures, particularly the Major Incident Plan for incidents on the water. These procedures will be regularly reviewed and continuously monitored to ensure quick and effective action. In case of emergency, contact the club office on 01243 572341 or in person.
Health and Safety at Events: For club events, BSC will establish event-specific safety plans, ensuring proper facilities, supervision, patrol boats, and communication systems. Risk assessments for each event or type of event will be created to identify risks and mitigate them accordingly.
Weather and Water Conditions: Club activities will be suspended if weather or water conditions present a significant risk to safety. The Sailing Manager, Clubhouse Manager, Senior Instructor, Race Officer or Rowing Coach will make decisions about restrictions based on weather forecasts and real-time observations. Members will be notified promptly about any changes or cancellations.
Incident Reporting: All accidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions should be reported immediately to the club office using the Safety Report Form if necessary. Incidents will be investigated, and corrective actions will be proposed to prevent recurrence.
Review and Continuous Improvement: Safety management will be reviewed on an annual basis or after any significant safety incident. The review will assess the effectiveness of current procedures and make improvements where necessary. Feedback from staff and members will be encouraged to ensure continuous evaluation.
Next Review: March 2026
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Last updated 14:49 on 2 April 2025
