St. Nathy's School Policies - Effective: September 2007

SCHOOL TRIPS & TOURS

GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC TOURS / ACTIVITIES

COASTAL VISITS AND WATER

1. There are dangers on the coast quite apart from those incurred in swimming. The group leader should bear the following points in mind when assessing the risks of a Coastal activity:

1.1 Tides, rip tides and sandbanks are potential hazards. Timings and exit routes should be checked.
1.2 Ensure group members are aware of warning signs and flags.
1.3 Establish a base on the beach to which members of the group may return, if separated.
1.4 Look out for hazards such as glass, barbed wire, sewage outflows, etc.
1.5 Some of the group’s time on the beach may be recreational. Group leaders should consider which areas of the terrain and sea are out of bounds.
1.6 Cliff tops/caves can be highly dangerous even during daylight hours. The group should keep to a path at all times.

2. Swimming in the sea or other natural waters are potentially dangerous activities. They should only be allowed as formal or supervised activities, preferably in recognized bathing areas which have official surveillance i.e. qualified lifeguard cover. Students should always be in sight of their supervisors. One supervisor should always stay out of the water for better surveillance.

3. The group leader, or another designated teacher in the group, should preferably hold a relevant life saving award, especially where lifeguard cover may not be available.

4. The group leader should:

4.1 Be aware that many children who drown are strong swimmers.
4.2 Ascertain for themselves the level of the students’ swimming ability.
4.3 Be aware of the local conditions — such as currents, weeds, a shelving, uneven or unstable bottom.
4.4 Designate a safe area of water for use by the group.
4.5 Be aware of the dangerous effects of sudden immersion in cold water.
4.6 Ensure that students have not eaten (at least 30 minutes) before swimming.
4.7 Ensure that the activity is safe for students, especially any with disabilities.
4.8 Adopt and explain the signals of distress and recall.
4.9 Ensure that the students behave appropriately in and out of the water.
4.10 Ensure that proper changing facilities are available and that propriety is observed regarding gender separation. In mixed groups there should be at least one male and one female supervisor.

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