Coasteering 'Foam Gully' - Lihou Island

NOTE: This document is to be used in conjunction with the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the above named activity and location

Venue Information

· IMPORTANT Coasteering around Lihou Island is a very serious proposition given the strength of tidal flow, Atlantic swells and remote nature of the location. For that reason it is essential that the following NOPs are adhered to

· Foam Gully is the northern most tip of Lihou Island

· Foam Gully is accessible as a venue for two and a half hours either side of high water only

· There are no major jumps but many interesting rock gullies and features to explore

· There are no serious or significant tidal currents immediately adjacent to the rocks

· Swells can be prohibitive at this venue and coasteering should only be undertaken when the sea state permits

· Whilst activity looks possible over the low water period, there are strong currents flowing right to left through the site at this state of tide

· The venue is never cut off from Lihou Island and there are numerous escape routes back up to grassland

Facilities Information

· Lihou house is the only property on the island and as such is the only facility available

· Lihou house is approximately 250 metres from the venue and accessible only when occupied by a group in residence

· Within Lihou house there is a first aid station that is equipped with a large first aid kit, eye wash facilities and a defibrillator

Coasteering Activities

· To be carried out in accordance with these NOP’s and in conjunction with a current risk assessment relevant to the group and a Emergency Action Plan that is familiar to all

· Coasteering is to take place between the dates of July the 31st and the 31st of October with groups

· An emergency grab bag must be carried or be immediately to hand containing the items listed below

· A throw line must be carried at all times

· Participants must be able to swim and be confident swimming in the sea - It is recommended that a swimming test be carried out off Lissroy beach prior to any activity if the swimming ability of the participants is not known

Emergency Equipment

· Fist Aid Kit - Whistle - 15 metre throw line (checked and re-packed before a session) - Group shelter - Mobile telephone - Towel - Other items such as extra warm clothing and a flask should also be close at hand but can be in the house for resident groups

Communications and Parameters

· Hand, voice and whistle signals demonstrated, practiced and understood by all

· Nobody leaves activity area without approval from the person overseeing the activity

In the Event of an Incident or Emergency

· Refer to the EAP (attached)

Maximum Permitted Swimmer to Staff Ratio

· 2:10 unless weather, activity or ability of students dictates otherwise

· Session leader MUST be familiar with venue and be RLSS ERAS or above

Participants Equipment and Clothing

· Wet suits, buoyancy aids, helmets and solid footwear (not sandal type footwear) must be worn

Aerial Photograph of Foam Gully - Lihou Island

NOTE:

This is a HIGH WATER coasteering venue ONLY and not suitable for groups not staying on the island in the house

This venue may experience a significant swell in certain weather situations and should be avoided for coasteering in such conditions

There are no official seasonal restriction for this section of the Island but The Lihou Charitable Trust voluntarily avoids this area for bird breeding up until the 31st of July

There are not fishing pots or lines normally placed within the coasteering area