DSC COVID-19 Rules and Procedures
Last updated: February 2022
BEFORE VISITING: Guidelines for Observing COVID-19 Restrictions when visiting Donaghadee Sailing Club (DSC)
The NI Executive has removed nearly all legal Covid-19 restrictions , and replaced with guidance.
This does not mean that Covid-19 has gone away or that we as a community are safe from its harm.
“It is vitally important that we continue to observe the sensible measures we have all learnt to protect ourselves and others.”
As a responsible club we’re constantly reviewing these guidelines as they impact our water and land based activities, and interpret and update our current risk assessments accordingly.
As it stands members are still being strongly encouraged to wear face masks in enclosed public spaces, Social distancing is also still encouraged as well as meeting outdoors or in well-ventilated places were possible.
It’s still ‘Good Practise’ to maintain a list of members attending events for track and trace, so please continue to sign in, it’s no longer necessary to produce a covid passport!
We would ask that ALL members planning to visit the club, read these guidelines carefully before arriving at DSC and check them before making future visits as they will be periodically updated with the latest information.
VISITING GUIDELINES
The COVID-19 preventative measures are vital to protecting health and wellbeing and to minimising pressure on the frontline services.
We all have a role to play in adhering to the Government guidelines and therefore we ask you to observe the following:
◾Are you fit to visit? Please do not attend DSC if you, or anyone in your household, are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
DSC is currently operating on the N Ireland executive guidance of ‘Hands, face, and space’ please show courtesy to other members and observe this practice as required.
◾Before travelling: Please check the club website and Facebook for the latest information; if changes in Government guidelines require the Club to be closed again, this will be communicated by these methods. We will also send email notification of any changes.
◾Please be aware of inherent risks and minimise contact with shared hard surfaces. Ensure hands are thoroughly washed before your arrival and bring hand sanitiser for personal use. Hand sanitiser will also be available at clearly marked areas around the club. The club is undergoing regular sanitising.
◾Please bring your own equipment when working on your boats and if you have to use club equipment for any reason, please bring cleaning products and cloths and clean any hard surfaces before and after use.
◾DSC Junior member sailing – For Juniors under the age of 16 we require a parent or adult family member to remain within the vicinity of the club whilst the junior member is on the water.
◾Water hoses will not be available to rinse boats.
◾Please observe and follow guidance any signage on site.
◾Restrictions may be in place to ensure overcrowding does not take place, this will be managed via the booking system, please note that advance booking is in line with government guidance.
◾The club house facilities and changing rooms are open.
◾Please bring your own drinks with you, especially if the weather is warm and do not share water bottles or food.
◾Please give careful consideration to prevailing conditions, your own competancy and the condition of your equipment, when taking the decision to go afloat. DSC flag officers and or the RYA principal have the overriding authority to cancel or postpone ‘club organized sailing activity’ or to restrict participation to those members deemed competent for the prevailing conditions during the planned ‘session’.
◾Support / Safety crews should adhere to the published rota and also use the online booking system.
General COVID-19 policy for attending DSC premises and organised events.
COVID-19 Training Policy
This policy sets out the DSC process for training and participant responsibilities.
DSC will ensure all instructors are updated with the current guidelines and restrictions and all static and dynamic risk assessment outcomes & mitigation measures are in place.
DSC instructors reserve the right to ask a training course or event participant(s) to observe and be compliant with the current DSC and or N. Ireland Executive guidlines/restrictions. Failure to comply and or obey the rules, placing the participant or the staff & participants at risk, may upon escalation to a DSC flag officer or RYA Training Principal, deem the participant being removed from the training course or event, and any course or event fees being forfeited.
COVID-19 Event/Course cancellation policy
DSC will offer all participants the option to receive a full refund and or an alternative date to resume training if the event is cancelled due to guidelines or restrictions curtailing the planned event. Refunds at the discretion of DSC will be processed within 10 working days.
As per the DSC general guidelines we would ask a participant to comply with ‘not attending’ a training course or event if he or she feels unwell or any member of their household becomes unwell. DSC will endeavour to offer an alternative booking for the trainee once they have undertaken the health authority precautions and or have made a full recovery. DSC at their discretion will either provide an alternative course or may again at their discretion provide a refund to the participant within 10 working days.
Changing Rooms
As far as possible, sailing or course participants should be encouraged to arrive and depart in sailing kit ready to go onto the water. Please note indoor sports facilities must comply with visitor and attendee information requirements.
An activity must have an appropriate risk assessment and clearly outlined mitigations in place. Use of changing facilities will be limited to the space available. The shower fans will be set to operate during the period when changing rooms are occupied. Please take all your belongings with you when you exit, returning your bag back to your car.
Book your Sailing Session on the DSC Club Calendar