PEBBLE DASH – 1000 METERSRISK ASSESSMENT AND EVENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN

3RD AUGUST 2018

PEBBLE DASH SWIM MANAGEMENT PLAN

THE EVENTThe PEBBLE DASH Swim is a one-day annual event organised by Swim Ulster, Ballyholme Yacht Club and supported by Ballyholme Yacht Club’s Mooners Swim group, SUPHUB and 54 NORTH. It is held in Ballyholme Bay, Bangor comprising of 1 swim distance; – Circa 1000m Changing Facilities- Ballyholme Yacht ClubRefreshments – hot drinks and snacks available to all participantsBBQ food available to purchase on site

SAFETYEach swimmer will be assigned a swim number to ensure each is counted in and out of the water. The boat – swimmer – kayak- paddleboard ratio will be met.All swimmers will be briefed on the swim course, rules of open water swimming and entry and exit points. Participants will be advised during the safety briefing (prior to the swim commencing) on the rules and what they should do if they need to be removed from the water All communications will be verbal onshore and by VHF whilst off shore.

An open-water safety crew and trained medical personnel will be in attendance for the swim journey with local emergency services advised of the events. All vessels will be manned by fully trained personnel.

Each swimmer will sign a waiver for the event as part of their entry.Each swimmer will sign in for the event prior to the start.

Overall Safety coordinators will approve the plan and make the final decision whether to run the event that day BYC will house first aid staff and a place to bring lost children and report all incidents to organisers

ITINERARY OF SWIMS The Event Organisers and Race Directors will have overall operational and safety responsibility for the waterborne activities, and decisions regarding races will lie with Ross Parker and John McLaughlin - Race Directors.

Registration for the event will be via a hyperlink on on Ballyholme Yacht Club website www.ballyholme.com

2019    

DATE EVENT

PLANNED START TIME

3rd AUGUST 2019 1000m 4:00PM

CONTACT DETAILS00447968941533 John00447738699579 Ross00447455690007 Claire

Event Organisers:BALLYHOLME YACHT CLUB, SEACLIFF ROAD, BANGOR BALLYHOLME YACHT CLUB MOONERS SWIM GROUP

Event Directors:John McLaughlinRoss Parker

Event Officers:John McLaughlinGrace McLaughlinClaire MoraghanNiall MoraghanRoss ParkerPatrina Parker

Safety Officers and their locations for the event: Allocation of names TBA and recorded prior to event start.

Shore Rescue Co-ordinator- BYC Shore Medically qualified Doctor/Nurse- BYC Shore First Aid staff- BYC Shore Paddle Boarders- Ballyholme Bay, on course Kayakers- Ballyholme Bay, on course Rescue RIB Boat(s) - Ballyholme Bay, on course Rescue Yak Boat(s) - Ballyholme Bay, on course Notified Coast Guard/Lifeboat Staff- Bangor Marina Emergency services- via 101/999

PEBBLE DASH SWIM SAFETY BRIEFING FUNDIMENTALS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

Explain course layout and Pebble Dash concept. This swim is

1. 1000m Please ensure you are wearing at least one brightly coloured silicone swim cap Skins or wetsuits are permitted Skins should only be an option if the swimmer is an experienced confident swimmer. Entry and exit point at the start/end/mid-point may be on a slipway/uneven sea-bed/beach. There is always a risk of

injury/slipping. Organisers therefore recommend that footwear to be worn to prevent this, although this is not compulsory. The swim will start in the water at a set mark and with an adequate height of water. Swimmers must operate a “buddy-care” system towards fellow competitors. Swimmers should not swim a distance they are not comfortable with. If you find yourself in difficulty in the water for any reason, lie on your back, raise your arm and/or shout to attract the

attention of the nearest watercraft. If you are able to assist in your own rescue you may use the kayak/paddleboard for support and you will be towed to safety.

Never approach the side of the kayak/paddleboard – instead reach for the front. If you are unable to assist in your own rescue but are still above the surface of the water, you should if possible draw

attention by raising your arm and shouting. You will receive immediate assistance from the nearest boat or lifeguard. Where you are in such difficulty as to have gone beneath the surface the nearest lifeguard will affect an immediate rescue.

You will be taken to shore and if necessary given further medical assistance. A full specific briefing will be delivered prior to the swim start. A copy of this briefing will be signed by a race director and

retained. Adequate warm up/acclimatization time will be provided between briefing and swim start.

PEBBLE DASH SWIM 2019 RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessment for the Pebble Dash Swim 2019This risk assessment applies to the above open water swimming event. Local authorities, harbour masters, coastguard and emergency service providers will be contacted and made aware of the individual event date and duration.Local police will be notified that swimmers will be in the water during the relevant times;

Definition of Hazard and Probability RatingHAZARD means the potential to cause harmRISK PROBABILITY the degree of likelihood that a hazard will cause harm reflects RISK both the likelihood that harm will occur and its severityPERSONS AT RISK those who may be affected by a riskRISK ASSESSMENT controlling the level of risk. RISK RATING between 1 and 16 higher the score the more hazardous the risk

Hazard Rating• Catastrophic Imminent danger exists, capable of causing death or injury to person (4)• Critical Can result in serious injury / damage property or equipment (3)• Marginal Can cause minor injury or minor damage to person property or equipment (2)• Negligible Will not result in serious injury, remote possibility of injury beyond minor first aid / damage person property or equipment

(1)

Risk Probability Rating• Probable Likely to occur (4)• Reasonable Probable Could occur (3)• Remote May occur (2)• Extremely Remote Unlikely to occur (1)

Hazards Associated • Weather

• Open Water • Hypothermia• Water temperature

Persons Affected• Swimmer • Kayakers/Paddle-Boarders• Safety staff• Spectators• Volunteers

Hazards Identified

Persons at Risk

Risk Factor1 low – 5 high

Measures required to control the risk Responsibility of /Action to be taken by

Date completed and signature

Weather Conditions – strong winds, thunderstorm etc.

All – swimmers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, rescue team, spectators, volunteers

2211

Weather updates will be monitored in lead up to the event

Weather and water conditions will be monitored at all times during the event. In the event of conditions becoming hazardous the organisers will act in the safety of the participants

Event Organiser

As the bay is sheltered the water should not be too affected unless very severe weather. Dynamic assessment to be undertaken in conjunction with the experienced sailing members at BYC. Shorten or Cancel if required.

Water quality All – swimmers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, rescue team, spectators, volunteers

Water conditions will be monitored at all times before the event based on regular planned testing carried out in the area and visually during the event. In the event of conditions becoming

Event Organiser

hazardous the organisers will act in the safety of the participants

Biological matter – algae bloom, jellyfish

All – swimmers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, rescue team

Local warning regarding water quality to be monitored regarding suitability to swim in

August swim aimed to reduce chance of jellyfish which are locally more common in June/July.

First aid treatment available as per safety plan

Event Organiser

Water temperature leading to hypothermia

All – swimmers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, rescue team, spectators, volunteers

Item covered in pre-registration brief with swimmer’s organisations

Hot drinks available following participation for swimmers and kayakers

Different teams of kayakers so that none are out on the water for too long

Plenty of foil blankets available

Event Organiser

Sun/Heatstroke All – swimmers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, rescue team, spectators, volunteers

Ensure all wear sun cream Rotate within team of rescue

staff/kayakers/paddle-boarders so that none are out on the water for too long

Shaded tent to allow people to keep out of the sun

Event Organiser

Swimmers going missing

Swimmers Swimmers counted at start and at end of activity in designated area of bay.

The swim will be monitored from shore using binoculars, from all rescue staff and swimmers will be briefed to operate a buddy care system at all times to ensure all swimmers are accounted for at all times.

Swimmers will wear brightly coloured hats. The front and rear of the course will be monitored

Event Organiser

by a kayak/paddleboard. Zones within the course will be monitored by addition kayakers/paddle-boarders and each zone will also be monitored by a Yacht club rescue RIB/YAK.

Boat/Kayaks capsizing Safety boats/Kayakers/Paddle-Boarders

Separate Rescue Team briefing will be delivered. All briefed as to how to react if this occurs Additional Kayakers’ available if required

Event Organiser

Boat/Kayak/Paddle and swimmer contact (accidental)

Swimmers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, rescue team

All will be briefed before the event to endeavor to keep a safe distance from swimmers to avoid contact

Event Organiser

Injuries from falls etc. Medical episodes.Allergic reaction

All First Aid available –BYC staff and Medical

personnel If in water, kayakers will assist in getting

swimmer to safe location Organisers to be made aware of any Medical

conditions prior to start. EPIPEN carriers will alert organisers of any allergies and discuss an “actions on” plan. All rescue staff will be made aware of these.

Coast Guard notified if required 101/999 if required

First Aid

Entry and Exit from slipway/Beach/Shore - Slips, trips and falls .

Safety boats/kayakers & swimmers

Swim start will be in the water Safety Briefing will cover exercising cautious

entry and exit to water, recommending footwear Event planned around high tide to allow easy

Event Organiser

access to bank and reduce necessity to have to walk in low water

Appendix A – Location of event. Ballyholme, Bangor, Co DownSite Plan

Appendix B - ContactsContacts

Event: The Big Bay SwimOrganisation: Ballyholme Yacht Club/ Ballyholme Mooners Swim GroupCommittee: Contact No:John McLaughlin 07968941533Grace McLaughlinRoss ParkerPatrina ParkerClaire MoraghanNiall Moraghan

Appendix C Briefings

This will be the base material for any email and/or oral briefings.1.0 Boats / Kayaks1.1 Swimmer in Difficulty – Tired or Cold – how to spot hypothermia1.2 Remove swimmer from water immediately1.4 Administer First Aid and Keep Warm.1.11 Transfer to Ambulance if required1.12 There will be lifeguards placed at strategic points 2.0 Swimmers2.1 ENTRY POINT slipway Ballyholme Yacht Club. Please register at least 30 minutes prior to the start time.2.2 If you become tired or cold, hold on to the kayak/paddle-board or boat, if necessary, get into a boat.2.3 If you require EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE attract the attention of a kayak/paddle-board or Boat and let them handle it. It is MANDATORY to assist other swimmers who may be in distress. Educate all swimmers on the signs of hypothermia and types of questions being asked by Kayakers/Boat Crews.2.4 Ensure that you are recorded exiting from the water 3.0 First Aid3.1 First Aid will be available throughout the swims.4.0 Weather Conditions4.1 The Safety Coordinator will decide if the event goes ahead. If weather affects the visibility or safety of swimmers in event

Emergency Action Plan

The decision to remove a swimmer from the water is with the Safety Officer. This decision is not take lightly and requires clear precise and timely communication between the swimmers, kayakers and Safety Officer. Constant observation is maintained of the swimmer in the water to ensure risks are minimal and the swimmer is safe at all times. The swimmer if in difficulties will be taken from the water to the safety of the boat where rewarming / recovery will be provided as well as basic first aid. Should the services of the medics be required the safety Officer will communicate through the appropriate VHF channel to avail of such requirements

PEBBLE DASH WAIVERI confirm that:

I will only take part in the event once I am able to complete the event distance continuously and unaided on or before the date of the event.

I am aware there is not 1:1 kayak/paddle-board safety cover I am aware of my own limitations and take full responsibility for any additional support required. I am fit and have no medical issues that will affect my ability to complete the event. I am aware of the risks of open water swimming, triathlons and similar events and like all sports it carries the risk of injury,

paralysis or death. I am entering the event of my own free will. I hereby agree to keep BALLYHOLME YACHT CLUB and its officials, rescue crews, volunteers, organizing committee and

all sponsors free from any loss or legal claim however caused by my participation in the event or by my participation in any associated provisions linked to the event/location..

FULL TERMSEVENT SAFETY

I confirm that I will: Comply with all instructions given to me by officials and rescue crews. To sign a sign-on sheet prior to starting and bee allocated a race number. To have completed a parental consent form for competitors under 18 and be content that their competitor is competent to

complete the distance. Organisers suggest these distances are suitable for Under 18 competitive club swimmers. Again, 1:1 safety cover will not be provided.

Attend the compulsory race briefing prior to event start. Failure to attend a safety briefing will lead to disqualification and refusal of entry to the start of the event.

Leave the event / water and retire if I exceed the cut off time. WITHOUT EXCEPTION Retire if requested to do so by officials or rescue crews. WITHOUT EXCEPTION If I withdraw from the event before or during the event start I will notify officials. WITHOUT EXCEPTION Provide my race number details to event staff immediately on completing the swim or having had to fail to complete the

swim, to notify them that I have exited the water. Follow all event safety directions and general rules. WITHOUT EXCEPTION

Withdrawing from an event:

Swimming – Turn on your back and raise your hand. Get the attention of other swimmers or the closest rescue cover and signal them for help.

Participants will not be allowed to enter or start the event: If Race organisers and officials feel you are not competent for the event You are suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances. You are a liability to yourself or others.

Participants will not be allowed complete the event: If you have exceeded the cut-off time, or are on a point on the course were you will exceed the cut off time. This may be

decided dynamically due to conditions/circumstances that you may be unaware off.

Equipment Tow aids are permitted and recommended (similar to the SWIM SECURE products) No paddles, flippers or devices that will assist performance including buoyancy or life jackets are permitted. Wetsuits may be worn but should be good fitting, so that they do not become a hazard. MP3 devices should not be worn Nose clips / ear protection are permitted Minimum grease can be worn to prevent chaffing

Swimming Race Rules Event Director judgments are final

Special Requirements We welcome participants of all abilities. If you have any specific needs, it is essential that you contact the event organiser in

advance so we can best assist where possible.

Loss and Liability I am aware of the risks of open water swimming, triathlons and similar events and like all sports it carries the risk of injury,

paralysis or death. I am entering the event of my own free will. I hereby agree to keep the organisers and officials, rescue crews and all sponsors free from any loss or legal claim however caused by my participation in the event or by my participation in any of the other events.

Cancellations I understand that due to the nature of outdoor events this event may be relocated/postponed/cancelled prior to and on the

day of the event due to unforeseen circumstances (including bad weather conditions or unsuitable water quality).

Photography I authorise the event organisers to use my photograph or digital images for publicity and media purposes.

Guardian consent for minors The Event Organisers allow competitors under the age of 17 ("a minor") to compete in the Event with the consent of their

parent or guardian. Parents or Guardians must however be aware that Open Water Swimming and is much more physically demanding than

pool swimming and competitors face different risks and hazards, including but not limited to, the effects of long periods in cold water. Parents or Guardians should exercise caution in supporting their minor child's wish to swim in the Event.

Parents or Guardian should talk to their minor child's swim club coach and their family doctor before giving consent by signing this form.

Parents and Guardians must evaluate conditions at the Event to consider if it is suitable for their minor child to swim. Where a parent or guardian has a doubt after evaluating conditions at the Event, they should not allow their minor child to

swim in the Event. Conditions which may be suitable for adults may not be suitable for your minor child. I as a parent / guardian am aware of the risks of open water swimming and I allow my minor child to participate in the Event.

My child is entering the Event of their own free will and with my consent and I hereby agree to keep the event organisers, rescue crews and any sponsors free from any legal claim however caused by my child's participation in the Event. I confirm that my child will compete in the Event and the Event Races under the same terms and conditions as adult swimmers.

Signature: _______________________________________________ Participant

Signature: _______________________________________________ Parent / Guardian if Junior

Date: ____________________________________

Emergency Contact Number (Not your number if you are the participant)

_______________________