Andrew Lewis Sailing Academy & Foundation Safety Procedures and Emergency Protocols

Effective: February 25, 2026

 

This document outlines core safety procedures for ALSA/ALSF on-water and shore-based activities, including emergency response. It applies to staff, volunteers, participants, and parents/guardians.

 

1. Safety Culture

• Safety is the top priority. Coaches may stop or modify any activity for safety reasons.

• All participants must follow coach instructions immediately.

• Respect weather, sea conditions, vessel traffic, and equipment limitations.

 

2. Required Equipment

• Properly fitted PFD/lifejacket (mandatory on water).

• Appropriate clothing, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), hydration, and footwear.

• Boat-specific safety gear as instructed (e.g., whistle).

• For powerboats: kill cord, communication device, first-aid kit, towing line.

 

3. Pre-Session Checks (Coach Responsibilities)

• Weather/forecast review; establish wind/lightning limits and boundaries.

• Headcount and sign-in/out verification (including minors).

• Equipment checks: hull, rigging, foils, mainsheet, buoyancy, rudder retention.

• Safety boat readiness: fuel, kill cord, comms, first aid, tow line.

• Briefing: boundaries, capsize procedure, buddy system, recall signal.

 

4. On-Water Supervision Standards

• Maintain appropriate coach-to-sailor ratios based on conditions and group level.

• Use defined sailing area boundaries and monitoring points.

• Maintain frequent headcounts; use buddy system for youth groups.

• Suspend sailing and return to base if conditions exceed limits or visibility drops.

 

5. Shore-Based Safety

• Safe launch/recovery procedures; keep clear lanes and control crowds.

• Heat and hydration monitoring; scheduled water breaks.

• Supervised changing areas; no photography in private areas.

• Report hazards immediately (slips, sharp objects, broken gear).

 

6. Medical & Welfare

• Annual intake/medical disclosures are required and accessible to senior staff for emergencies.

• First aid kits must be available on shore and on safety boats.

• All injuries and near misses must be reported to senior staff and documented.

• Participants with medical risks may require additional supervision or adjustments.

 

7. Emergency Response (General) In any emergency:

Protect life → Call for help → Stabilize → Notify leadership/parents → Document.

1. Stop the activity and secure the group (headcount).

2. Assess the scene for danger (boats, lines, traffic, lightning).

3. Provide immediate first aid within training limits; request medical help when needed.

4. Call emergency services if required; provide clear location and details.

5. Notify Head Coach/Administrator; notify CPO if safeguarding-related.

6. Contact parent/guardian for minors as soon as practical.

7. Complete an incident report as soon as possible.

8. Specific Emergencies

8.1 Capsize / Person in Water

• Account for all persons immediately.

• Instruct participants to stay with the boat, keep PFD on, and await instructions.

• Safety boat assists only when safe; prioritize exhaustion/heat risk.

 

8.2 Lightning / Severe Weather

• Immediate return to shore when lightning is seen/heard or storms approach.

• Suspend activities until conditions are safe.

• Avoid open areas and tall masts during lightning.

8.3 Serious Injury / Suspected Fracture

• Stop activity; stabilize the injured person; control bleeding and immobilize.

• Call emergency services for serious injury; notify guardian and document.

 

8.4 Unresponsive Person / Drowning Response

• Call emergency services immediately.

• Begin CPR/rescue breathing if trained and safe; use AED if available.

• Continue until handed over to medical professionals. 8.5 Missing Participant

• Immediate headcount and last-seen check; stop all sailing.

• Search defined areas; notify authorities if not located promptly.

• Notify leadership and parent/guardian. 8.6 Safeguarding Concern

• Ensure immediate safety of the child/participant.

• Remove accused person from contact with youth where necessary.

• Report to CPO and Head Coach; escalate to authorities as required by law.

• Document factual details only; protect privacy.

 

9. Emergency Contact List (fill in) Insert local emergency numbers, venue address, and key contacts here:

• Emergency Services: ____________811

• Nearest Hospital/Clinic: ____________POSGH

• ALSA/ALSF Emergency Phone: ____________377 6554

• Head Coach (Kristof Stüven): ____________ 3139424

• President (Andrew Lewis): ____________794 0426

• Child Protection Officer (Kathryn Christopher/Andrew Leiws): ____________321 5552

 

10. Incident Reporting All incidents, near misses, injuries, and safeguarding concerns must be documented promptly using the ALSA/ALSF incident reporting process and retained according to organisational policy.