Coasteering Lihoumel - 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.

· Lihoumel is the western most islet around Lihou

· At high water it is cut off from Lihou by a shallow but fast flowing stretch of normally turbulent water

· The natural causeway to and from Lihoumel is uncovered from approximately half tide on both springs and neap tides

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

· At low water there is greatly reduced swell due to the exposure of the outer reefs

· At low water there are no serious or significant tidal currents immediately adjacent to the rocks

Facilities Information

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

· Lihou house is approximately 800 metres from Lihoumel 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 NOPs 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 only between the dates of July the 31st and the 31st of October with groups

· Coasteering on Lihoumel MUST be done only after using a less serious venue first i.e. Lissroy or Foam Gully

· Coasteering can only take place two hours either side of a low spring tide and careful attention MUST be paid to the tide times

· 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 Lihou and Lihoumel - Lihou Island

NOTE:

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

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

Lihoumel is an important bird breeding venue and MUST be avoided between the 1st of January and the 31st of July

There are no fishing pots or lines normally placed within the coasteering area