COVID-19 Welsh advice

Our primary concern remains the health of our members, affiliated clubs and classes, recognised training centres (RTCs), instructors, staff and volunteers.

COVID-19

Updated: 1st September 2021

Following Welsh Governments updated guidance for Sports Clubs, Organisations and Centres on the 1st September 2021, we have updated the guidance below specifically, the COVID-19 FAQs for clubs, class associations and recreational boaters and the COVID 19- FAQs for Centres.

To help outline what the next steps mean for our sport we have developed our documentation based on the Welsh Government guidance and what that means for recreational boating in Wales. These will be updated as we move step by step through the Government’s plan to ease restrictions in Wales.

General principles applying to all boating activity

1. Our guidance

Covid-19 preventative measures are vital in keeping you, your family and others safe and to minimise pressure on frontline services. The RYA Cymru Wales, alongside the RYA will continue to support the National effort to control the spread of Covid-19 and assist members of the RYA family with any variations that might develop at a local level. We support the Government's desire to return to normality in a measured way and we recognise that we have a role to play by providing guidance to the RYA community on the application of the 2021 Regulations.

2. Our approach is considerate and responsible

Considerate: be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services.

Responsible: help to minimise incident and accidents by taking an extra cautious approach to your boating.

Our guidance on safe boating remains unchanged: know your limits; look after yourself; keep in touch and, above all, have a plan. As the restrictions are relaxed, we advise boaters to think about these factors. The RNLI and the RYA have also worked in collaboration to produce joint safety guidance to help ensure that this summer is as safe as it can be.

Individuals should only take part on their own or with others if social distancing and good hygiene can be maintained.

Participants are encouraged to use their own personal equipment during this phase, or to have equipment allocated to them for exclusive use during a set period. This equipment should be cleaned appropriately before being allocated to another user.
Participants must only take to the water in conditions well within their ability and which assume a self-sufficient approach to their activity.

Check your equipment thoroughly, particularly engines and fuel, as they may not have been used for some time.

Consider using a device to keep in touch such as RYA SafeTRX on a mobile or carry a VHF and notifying someone ashore of your intended activity, anticipated time afloat and calling them when you are back ashore safely.

Advice for Clubs & Centres

UK- wide information can be found on the RYA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information hub

FAQs for Clubs, Class Associations and Recreational Boaters

In relation to the current Welsh Government guidance on the resuming of club activity.

COVID-19

FAQs for RYA Training Centres in Wales

Get the latest guidance on running RYA Training in Wales. This page must be read in conjunction COVID-19: Guidance for running RYA training activity.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Financial Support in Wales

Wales specific financial support to clubs and centres to assist with effects of the COVID -19

COVID-19

Return to boating resources

Guidance for re-opening your facilities in Wales, planning tools and resources to help support this.

Additional information

Major events guidance

Boating with others

RYA Training Centres

Re-starting activity

RYA Coronavirus Hub