The Race Official Policy Group has issued new guidance to volunteer race officials on safety, risk mitigation and potential liability while involved in dinghy and inshore racing which require your attention.
All sailing, kite surfing and boating activities have inherent dangers and so safety is of fundamental importance. Race officials, experienced boaters of all sorts, sailors, jet skiers, power boaters must play their part in playing safe by evaluating risk and acting responsibly. We can continue the activities we so much enjoy, and at the same time minimise risk, in the knowledge that risk can never be entirely eliminated with the sea and wind conditions we experience on our island nation.
Documents pertaining to Risk Assessment and Guidance around this area have been updated and can be found in the Racing Library - Irish Sailing > Library > Racing / under Risk Assessment.
They cover areas such as:
- Liability Risk
- Law
- Racing Rules of Sailing
- Life Jackets & buoyancy Aids (PFDs)
- What a Race Official must do when asked to officiate at an event
- Insurance
- Decision to run Racing
- Coaching and Training
Irish Sailing in promoting the practises outlined are adhering to best international standards as set by World Sailing and other international sailing bodies.
The priority is that we all enjoy our time on the water safely.
This paper is issued by Irish Sailing on behalf of the Race Official Policy Group for guidance of race officials and others. It is not legal advice and should not be construed as such. This is a ‘living document’ and advice may change.