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Sailing in small craft

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Guideline review date: June 2018

The CARA planner (DOCX, 423KB) must be used in conjunction with this guideline to determine additional risk hazards and controls within school-specific circumstances.

Activity scope

This guideline relates to student participation in sailing in small sailing craft on sheltered and semi-sheltered waters for the purposes of instruction, competition and/or recreation as a curriculum activity. 

Small sailing craft refers to boats (usually less than 6 metres) that are propelled only by wind and are solely designed for day sailing (i.e. they have no accommodation facilities and usually carry little or no ballast).

Location and conditions (e.g. sheltered or semi-sheltered waters) have a large bearing on the safety and operation of the activity. Note: Semi-sheltered waters may be considered as sheltered waters when extra safety craft, safety lines or other devices are used to simulate a safe shore.

Management of risks associated with sailing small craft in open water is not covered under this activity guideline. Open water sailing conditions are appropriate for advanced sailors only.

Sailing in small craft may involve other activities that have various risk levels. Refer to the relevant activity guidelines (e.g. Swimming in locations other than pools, Light vehicles, towing and trailers) for mandatory requirements associated with this activity.

For activities beyond the scope of this activity a separate risk assessment must be undertaken using the CARA generic template (DOCX, 401KB).

Medium risk: Sailing for instruction, competition and/or recreation in sheltered waters.
High risk: Sailing for instruction, competition and/or recreation in semi-sheltered waters.
Extreme risk: Sailing for competition and/or recreation in open waters.
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All requirements are necessary for the activity to be conducted.

Hazards and controls

If any listed control measure below cannot be met:

  • modify the activity (or elements of it)

    and/or

  • identify and implement alternative control measures to meet or exceed the level of safety.

Alternative or additional considerations, hazards and control measures must be included in the planning process.

Before the activity

Hazards Control measures
Considering environmental conditions

Assess weather (Bureau of Meteorology) and environmental conditions

Refer to Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for restricted areas

Accessing facilities and using equipment

Ensure access to waterways is available for emergency vehicles

Ensure shade, water, food and first aid are available and clearly identified

Managing student considerations

Obtain accurate information on tides, depths, currents and other expected water conditions and pass this information on to participants before the activity begins

During colder periods and during the stinger season, participants must wear a wet suit or stinger protective swimwear. Adhere to the Surf Life Saving Queensland Marine Stinger Risk Management Guidelines, if appropriate

Instruct participants to call or signal for assistance if they cannot rectify a problem immediately

Advise students not to handle marine organisms and avoid all contact with marine creatures where possible

Do not allow personal attributes or accessories (e.g. jewellery, body piercing, clothing, hair, fingernails) to interfere in the activity

During the activity

Hazards Control measures
Considering environmental conditions

Cease activities when conditions tend towards unfavourable (e.g. impending storm)

Continually assess threat of vehicles (e.g. boats) and dangerous marine animals (if appropriate to location)

Managing student considerations

Continually monitor students for signs of distress (e.g. fatigue, exhaustion, illness, hunger, dehydration, difficulty breathing and hyperventilation)

Ensure that all participants work far enough apart that they are not struck by falling masts

Consider the size and weight of the equipment when allocating student tasks

After the activity

Hazards Control measures
Managing student considerations

Implement procedures (e.g. roll marking mechanisms) for students leaving the location

 Disclaimer

This information is developed and distributed on this website by the State of Queensland for use by Queensland state schools only.

Use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this information by persons or organisations other than the State of Queensland is at their sole risk. All users who use, adapt or rely on this information are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy, currency and appropriateness to their particular circumstances. The State of Queensland makes no representations, either express or implied, as to the suitability of this information to a user's particular circumstances.

To the full extent permitted by law, the State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs arising from the use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this information.

Links to external websites are for convenience only and the State of Queensland has not independently verified the information on the linked websites. It is the responsibility of users to make their own decisions about the accuracy, currency, reliability and correctness of the information at these external websites.

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Last updated 08 March 2021