IMPORTANT: Any water activity on Lihou Island is to be supervised directly by a qualified and experienced person holding a suitable lifesaving qualification (RLSS ERAS or higher) with additional support from other non water based staff due to the remote nature of the venue.
What is the risk | Who Might be Harmed and How | Level of Risk | Control Measures Implemented | Remaining Risk After Controls | Tidal Currents and Swell | All participating person | High | - Swimming only undertaken off the beaches immediately in front of the house on the south side of the island and not over the causeway area
- Tide times closely observed
- High water swimming only
- Water side observer watching the open sea for erratic swell
- Throw line immediately accessible to all
| Low | Open water | All participating and supervising persons | Medium | - Boundaries pointed out and enforced
- Clear visual and audible signals for use in the control of swimmers
- Clear positioning of person in charge of session observing with no blind spots
- Consideration should be given to the use of additional persons to help monitor swimmers
- Throw lines immediately to hand
| Low | Hidden underwater rocks | All participating and supervising persons | Medium | - No jumping permitted
- No diving permitted
- Swimming at high water only is recommended
- Beaches monitored for new hazards regularly
| Low | Cold water | All participating and supervising persons | Low | - Warm clothes on the beach adjacent to the water
- Towel close to hand
- Access to Lihou house for warming and hot drinks etc
- First aiders aware of the signs of hypothermia and the subsequent treatment
| Low | Injury caused by any of the above | All participating and supervising persons | Medium | - First aider present during activity and in known location/RV point
- First aid kit situated in the house
- Eye wash in the house
- Defibrillator situated in the house
- Emergency services trained and familiar with the house and island and familiar with both high and low water evacuation should it be required
| Low | Marine Mammals | All participants | Low | - Seals are reasonably common off the beaches of Lihou, swimmers should avoid swimming in areas obviously occupied by a seal
| Very Low | What is the risk | Tidal Currents and Swell | Who Might be Harmed and How | All participating person | Control Measures Implemented | - Swimming only undertaken off the beaches immediately in front of the house on the south side of the island and not over the causeway area
- Tide times closely observed
- High water swimming only
- Water side observer watching the open sea for erratic swell
- Throw line immediately accessible to all
| Remaining Risk After Controls | Low | What is the risk | Open water | Who Might be Harmed and How | All participating and supervising persons | Control Measures Implemented | - Boundaries pointed out and enforced
- Clear visual and audible signals for use in the control of swimmers
- Clear positioning of person in charge of session observing with no blind spots
- Consideration should be given to the use of additional persons to help monitor swimmers
- Throw lines immediately to hand
| Remaining Risk After Controls | Low | What is the risk | Hidden underwater rocks | Who Might be Harmed and How | All participating and supervising persons | Control Measures Implemented | - No jumping permitted
- No diving permitted
- Swimming at high water only is recommended
- Beaches monitored for new hazards regularly
| Remaining Risk After Controls | Low | What is the risk | Cold water | Who Might be Harmed and How | All participating and supervising persons | Control Measures Implemented | - Warm clothes on the beach adjacent to the water
- Towel close to hand
- Access to Lihou house for warming and hot drinks etc
- First aiders aware of the signs of hypothermia and the subsequent treatment
| Remaining Risk After Controls | Low | What is the risk | Injury caused by any of the above | Who Might be Harmed and How | All participating and supervising persons | Control Measures Implemented | - First aider present during activity and in known location/RV point
- First aid kit situated in the house
- Eye wash in the house
- Defibrillator situated in the house
- Emergency services trained and familiar with the house and island and familiar with both high and low water evacuation should it be required
| Remaining Risk After Controls | Low | What is the risk | Marine Mammals | Who Might be Harmed and How | All participants | Control Measures Implemented | - Seals are reasonably common off the beaches of Lihou, swimmers should avoid swimming in areas obviously occupied by a seal
| Remaining Risk After Controls | Very Low | The risk assessment is a general risk assessment for Lihou Island. It is not exhaustive and should be used in conjunction with a risk assessment written by the user group, making note of any special needs or issues that are specific to that group.
For further information or to comment, please contact the warden on: email – info@lihouisland.com or call Mobile – 07781 120421