TenbySea Rowing Club

2006 Caldey (Round the Island) Challenge Race

RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT

Description of Race :

The Race will take place on Sunday 25th June. The approx’ distance is 13 km.

There will be one race for boats of all categories/classes. The start time will be 2 pm. The start will be a straight line beach start from SouthBeach.

The first leg of the course will be south east to Caldey Point (most easterly point of Caldey Island), the second leg will be south west to Chapel Point (most southerly point of Caldey Island, the third leg of will be west to West Beacon Point (most south-westerly point of Caldey Island), the third leg will be to the western end of St Margaret’s Island, the fourth and final leg will be east and then north east through Caldey Sound. The Finish Line will be a buoy marked line off the start point.

Race HQ will be at the Tenby Surflink building at the SouthBeach car park

Hazard ID & Assessments

1:Arrival of boats : the optimum route (regularly used by Tenby rowing team) through town has been identified and signs will be placed on the major routes into Tenby. The police will be informed.

2:unloading/loading boats at TenbySouthBeach car park has been discussed and agreed with the relevant officer (Tenby Harbourmaster)

  • Tenby Surflink tractor (supplemented by any 4wds) will take trailers via dedicated tractor route to water line
  • dedicated tractor route is in regular use during summer season, always suitably “coned off”
  • a dedicated, on-beach, trailer park will be set aside and “coned” or “ribboned” off for storage of trailers during race
  • with agreement of Pembs CC, the Lower Quarry car park (adjacent to SouthBeach car park) will be set aside for rowers vehicles. This will be sign posted.
  • Tenby Rowing Club and Surflink staff will supervise/marshal trailing and unloading activities

With the described control measures in place arrival and unloading are assessed as LOW RISK/TOLERABLE

3:Safety Boat cover

  • A lead boat or jet ski (with the relevant coloured flags) will lead the race
  • There will be four stationary safety boats at Start/Finish Line, Caldey Point, West Beacon Point and St Margaret’s Island. The last three (above) boats will follow race “tail enders” back to SouthBeach
  • The Tenby Inshore Lifeboat and 2 additional safety boats will accompany the race
  • All boats will be skippered/crewed by suitably qualified/experienced personnel

Safety boat cover as described will substantially reduce the risk/hazard associated with any navigation/water hazards incidents

4:Conflict with pleasure and commercial craft and other water users

  • A “no swim zone” at start/finish line will be identified, marked and patrolled by Tenby Surflink Lifeguards
  • There is no commercial traffic to CaldeyIsland on Sundays, Seal Safari boat is aware of the event and will steer clear of longboats
  • Tenby Harbour Master, Tenby Yacht Club, Tenby Surflink (windsurfers and kayakers etc), Tenby RNLI, Tenby and Saundersfoot fishermen all informed, Coastguard will be informed of race start and completion of route by all entrants
  • Rules of the road will be emphasised during coxes briefing and on hand-out given to all competitors on registration

With the described control measures in place the risk of conflict with other craft and water users is assessed to be LOW to MEDIUM/TOLERABLE

5:Water based hazards :

  • Grounding :coxes briefing and hand-out will warn competitors to stay 100 yds off shore of Caldey Island, St Margaret’s Island and Giltar Head at all times. Safety boats will be positioned off headland and major reef hazards.
  • Capsize/swamping: race will not be run over the route if weather conditions suggest any likelihood of this occurring, alternative route (north from Tenby, past Monkstone Point and across SaundersfootBay is available)
  • Immersion, Hypothermia, Drowning : ( low risk in context of two points above). Strong safety boat cover will be present (see above). Safety boats will be equipped with space blankets/first aid facilities. Dry clothes, hot showers, food and drink will be available at Race HQ building.
  • Collision injuries/stress exertion : Mobile safety boats will accompany the race and first aid facilities and personnel available at race HQ

With the described control measures in place the risks arising from water based hazards are assessed to be LOW to MEDIUM/TOLERABLE

Since all risks and hazards are increased in adverse weather/sea conditions the final decision to run the race or cancel and whether or not to use an alternative route will be taken on the morning of the Race. This decision will be taken by experienced club members in consultation with regional Coastguards and RNLI staff and in light of the prevailing conditions and weather forecast.

Risk Assessment completed by

Tim Deere-Jones

Club Captain and Senior Cox : TenbySea Rowing Club