COVID 19- FAQs for Centres

From 7th August, Wales moved to Alert Level 0 in easing of legal restrictions concerning the Coronvirus pandemic.

The Welsh Government is reminding people that it is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated, and that we are still in the third wave of this pandemic in the UK.

While no situation is risk-free, there are actions we can take to protect ourselves and others around us. Following this guidance will help you stay safe and protect others by controlling the spread.

Every action to help reduce the spread will reduce any further resurgence of the virus in the coming months.

For more information about the Alert Level 0 restrictions

We have also published FAQs for Clubs, Class Associations and Recreational Boaters

What does this further easing of restrictions mean for RYA Training activity Wales?

This is positive news for training centres as now the majority restrictions to RYA training courses, instructor courses and examinations were lifted on Saturday 17 July.

This includes removing the limits on the number of people on courses and exams, as well as the use of double-handed sailing dinghies and keelboats.

Whilst this is fantastic news, all of us need to remember that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over and we are not yet ‘back to normal’. Many of the safeguarding measures you will have put in place over the last 18 months should be retained where possible and appropriate, including:

• Frequent hand washing

• Wearing face coverings in certain contexts

• Maintaining distance from those not in your household

• Being outside or letting fresh air in

• Minimising social contacts

• Frequent testing

• Isolating when positive or when contacted by NHS Test and Trace

Employers (RYA Training Centres) have a legal duty to manage the risks to those affected by their business and have a legal duty to undertake a covid specific risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus.

With the legal restrictions on social distancing having been removed, the onus of responsibility has been passed onto organisations delivering activities or providing facilities.

Coronavirus Risk Assessments and Reasonable Measures

Welsh Government have published the Gyms, leisure centres, sports clubs, dance studios and other indoor sports facilities: potential reasonable measures action card (coronavirus) on the 1st September 2021 which lays out the guidance what reasonable measures must be considered as part of the Coronavirus risk assessment. This is not an exhaustive list, you may have developed/applied a robust reasonable measure that hasn’t been identified, if this provides the same level of protection you will be justified in using that reasonable measure.

When deciding which reasonable measures best apply to your situation you should:

1.  Refer to the ‘hierarchy of controls’ - the aim should always be to apply the most effective reasonable measures. A combination of reasonable measures will offer the best level of protection if applied correctly.
2. Consult with your staff and or members, if applicable.  

The assessment should be regularly reviewed, in particular if the Alert Level is changed in the area where the business/activity operates.

RYA Training Centres should be aware that the local authorities will monitor compliance with the Regulations, so you can expect to receive a visit or phone call or e-mail from your local authority enforcement officer regarding your risk assessment and the reasonable measures you have implemented in your setting.

NB: it is not the role of local enforcement officer to approve your risk assessment and approach to reasonable measures.

You should consider if the measures identified in the Gyms, leisure centres, sports clubs, dance studios and other indoor sports facilities: potential reasonable measures action card (coronavirus) are reasonable to take. The measures you decide to take should be informed by your assessment of the risk of coronavirus from use of your equipment, premises and tailored to your specific situation.

Welsh Government has produced a Standard Template for Coronavirus Risk Assessments and this should be used in conjunction with the RYA Cymru Wales Club & Centre Facility Guidance

Further support can be found in the Guide to Risk Assessments which can be accessed via the Document Finder

It is important to recognise that many people will be feeling differently about the easing of restrictions and going back to a more ‘normal’ life. We encourage all centres to be respectful of both their staff and customers and to work with them to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe. There is information from the NHS on how to cope with anxiety about lockdown lifting.

Temporary adjustments to the RYA Conditions of Recognition

Many of the temporary adjustments that were implemented to help the RYA Training network during the coronavirus pandemic will remain in place, view the full list here.

RYA practical and shorebased courses

RYA training for all disciplines may take place in Wales, organised activity/ facility usage can take place both indoors and outdoors with no capacity caps for participants or spectators, subject to the organisation undertaking a covid specific risk assessment and taking reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus.  There are some restrictions on the use of indoor spaces, specifically the use of face coverings in public indoor spaces.

Instructor courses

All instructor courses will be able to recommence, including Dinghy Instructor and Senior Instructor courses in double-handed boats. For further details about running instructor courses, please see the organising instructor courses page.

Overnight stays and indoor facilities

Overnight stays are permitted. However the temporary adjustment for sail and motor cruising courses to day sail and not be residential remains in place for centres and customers that do not wish to stay onboard overnight.

Training centres should be mindful that indoor settings have an increased risk of COVID-19 spreading and consider minimising the time used in indoor settings like wheelhouses, below deck or classrooms, and take steps to improve ventilation.

Changing rooms and showers are an area of increased risk of transmission and there use should be subject to the organisation undertaking a covid specific risk assessment and taking reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and spread of coronavirus.

We suggest that venues may we to encourage participants to arrive already changed and, where possible, to travel home to change/shower. If changing rooms and showers are to be used, measures should be put in place subject to a covid specific risk assessment.

Further details on changing room use and management can be found in the RYA Cymru Wales Club & Centre Facility guidance.

RYA Training Centre inspections

Inspections resumed on 01 April 2021 and centre inspectors are in the process of contacting their allocated centres. Where a centre is operational, a physical inspection should take place. Where it is not possible for a physical inspection to take place then a virtual inspection remains an option.

Further information

In addition to the information above, centres should ensure they are familiar with the temporary adjustments to the RYA Conditions of Recognition and the General and scheme-specific considerations for running RYA training activity. We will continue to update our guidance as the situation evolves and encourage you to monitor these areas regularly.