Risk Assessment Paddleboarding - 5th August 2020

 Hazards

Probable injury or Reason

Person at risk

Current control measures

Action required

Actioned by/date

Probability x severity = impact

Slips, trips and falls

Cuts and bruises

Chains, ropes, steps, slipways, stones, seaweed

User

Staff

Public

Briefing

Help to handle board.

Suitable footwear

Students under staff supervision

2x2=4

Injury associated with lifting, carrying, dropping  and falling from board

Improper technique

Lack of instruction

Back muscle injury

Damage to feet

Knee paddling in water depth <1m/3ft

User

Staff

Public

Brief lifting technique.

Carry in pairs if necessary

Staffed prepared for session.

2x2=4

Members of the public

Getting in the way whilst carrying the board.

Consideration for other beach and water users

User

Staff

Public

Try and be wary of public

Good group management.

Sessions delivered away from busy areas

4x1=4

Change in/adverse weather conditions

Loss of confidence

Inability to paddle and control board

Blown onto rocks

User

Staff

Dynamic assessment of weather conditions, cancel or postpone if risk considered unmanageable.

Brief customers on activity area

Appropriate clothing for conditions

Safety boat on station.

2x3=6

Collisions

Boats

Other water users and paddle boarders

Rocks

User

Staff

Public

Briefing ref other water users.

Group management.

Teach 2m spacing from one another/other water users.

Helmets on request or instructor’s discretion

2x2=4

Separation from instructor/ equipment

Loss of confidence

Bad weather

User

Ensure good group management

Teaching ratio 6:1 maximum.

Use of leashes when on water

Stay in CBW operating area

2x1=2

Entanglement

Leg leash/moorings/anchors/anglers/ swimmers

User

Staff

Keep group from moorings/busy areas/boat channels/bathing areas

1x4=4

Illness

Any pre-existing illness or injury that could cause problems

User

Pre-session forms

Safety boat / instructor to be informed

User / instructor to take medication during session e.g. inhaler

1x5=5

Drowning

Head injury

Lack of confidence

Poor swimming ability

User

Staff

PFD for under 18 and at instructor’s discretion

Wear leash on the water

Check waiver forms

At risk students employ smaller ratios and PFD

Instructor’s close attention at all times

If secondary drowning suspected access A+E

2x5=10

Waves and boat wake

Falling, impact with equipment, shallow water

User

Staff

Other water users

Safety boat / Instructor vigilance

Shallow water paddling – go to knees

No breaking waves and <2ft swell

360° awareness

4x2=8

Equipment failure

Splinters, cuts, bruises, separation from equipment

User

Staff

Daily equipment check.

1x1=1

Climatic reaction

Sunburn

Heat stroke

Hypothermia

Hyperthermia

Dehydration

User

Staff

Briefing for skin protection,  hydration, and /or reducing exposure time.

2x3=6

Covid 19

Risk of infection

User

Staff

Public

Social distance compliance.

Hand washing / sanitizing

Hygiene clean of paddles after use.

Review if changes to Welsh Government advice.

1 x 5 = 5