Swimming Lissroy Beach - 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

· A high water swimming venue on Lihou Island that is subject to no significant tidal currents. Useable for approximately 2 hours either side of high water

· Gently shelving with shingle at the head of the beach then becoming course sand with isolated small rocks with predominantly smooth surfaces

· Beach contained on either side by tall rocky outcrops that do not cover

· In strong winds with swell the beach can suffer from a significant wave

· After half tide there is a significant quantity of weed and the bottom becomes rock strewn and unsuitable for swimming

· The beach is 52 metres wide

Facilities Information

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

· Lihou house is approximately 55 metres from Lissroy Beach 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

Swimming Activities

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

· Swimming to take place in a structured manor and in the clearly defined boundaries of the beach and only under the direct supervision of a supervisor with a minimum of RLSS ERAS award or equivalent with recent local knowledge of Lissroy Beach

Emergency Equipment

· Fist Aid Kit

· Whistle

· 15 metre throw line (checked and re-packed at the start of 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 signals demonstrated, practiced and understood by all

· Swimming boundaries clearly pointed out and obvious

· Whistle commands established and understood - two or more short loud blasts, get out of the water and return to waiting area

· Waiting area established

· 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

· 1:10 unless weather, activity or ability of students dictates otherwise

· Ability of swimmers should be known beforehand but if not, assessed under close supervision in the shallows before activity can commence

Participants Equipment and Clothing

· All participants should have with them on the beach, a towel, change of clothes, a drink and any medication they require

· Rash vests or t shirt should be worn when swimming

Aerial Photograph of Lissroy Beach - Lihou Island

NOTE:

This is a high water swimming venue and as such unsuitable for groups not staying on the island either in the house or camping

With moderate to fresh onshore winds the beach may experience a significant wave and should be avoided for swimming

Given the nature of a Lihou high tide swimming location, it is unlikely that any other people, other than those resident in the house or camping, will ever use this bay.

There are no dogs allowed on Lihou at any time of the year

There is a six knot limit for motorised craft around the whole of Lihou