Coasteering Generic - Lihou Island

NOTE: This document is to be used in conjunction with the Normal Operating Procedures (NOP) for the above named activity and location

Coasteering on Lihoumel MUST only take place at low water - This is when it is safe to do so and also when it is possible for the rescue services to access Lihou the quickest by vehicle

Staffing

· Minimum of two staff supervising at any one time of which at least one should hold a minimum current qualification of Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Emergency Response Activity Supervisor (ERAS) and have recent and relevant knowledge of the route and venue

· Maximum  swimmer to qualified staff ratio of 1:10 but  more staff if and when required by either conditions or participating swimmers

Role of the Person in Charge in the event of an Emergency

· To take command of the situation to prevent further incident or injury and to prevent any injuries from getting worse until outside assistance, if required, is on scene

Communication During an Incident

· An agreed system of communication between both assisting staff and participating swimmers will have been established and practiced prior to the start of the activity

· This will include both sound signals (i.e. Whistle/voice) and visual (i.e. hand signals)

· Any member of staff or participant to know and understand what is expected of them in the event of an emergency and know the location of the nearest telephone, mobile telephone and any lifesaving equipment

Emergency Equipment

· A watertight bag either carried or on the rocks immediately adjacent to the activity that contains a first aid kit, group shelter, towel, mobile telephone

· Throw line carried at all times

In the Event of An Emergency

· All other coasteerers cleared from the water or area of rock and instructed to gather at a safe waiting area

· Injured persons in the water should be removed from the water if safe to do so to prevent further injury or hypothermia

· First option is throw line, then close assistance and then direct assistance

· Injured persons on the rocks should be assessed before any movement is attempted

· If outside assistance is required this should be summoned IMMEDIATELY

· First aid, including CPR should continue until outside assistance is able to take over control of the casualty

· For less serious injuries the casualty and remaining participants should be relocated back to Lihou and ultimately the house

Reporting an Incident

· All incidents must be reported (LCT form 020) and recorded to the agreed line manager and parent/guardian as soon as possible using the contact information provided on the participants medical/activity consent form

· Under no circumstance should and detail be submitted to any persons from the media who might be present

· A prepared statement made in conjunction with the parents/guardians (where appropriate) should be made public at the earliest agreed opportunity

Review the Incident

· All incidents, even minor, should be followed by a report (LCT form 020) and review of practices to reduce further risk of repeat incidents. NOP’s and risk assessments should be altered accordingly

Rescue Equipment

· First aid kits, throw lines and other items of rescue equipment replenished and cleaned and reviewed as to their effectiveness