Richmond Health & Safety

Route and Hazards Ellerton Lake
Ellerton Lake is a sheltered water environment with public access that is controlled by paying a launch fee. It is a popular venue for families to visit as well as swimmers, divers, paddlers, dingy sailing and the odd fisherman.
Please be aware that there are no dogs aloud in the car park or around the lake. There are dog walking areas outside of Ellerton park.
There are often people fishing from various points around the lake. We ask that paddlers allow a 10m distance from the bank to avoid disturbing lines.
This site has changing depths of water, please adjust your height accordingly to reduce the risk of injury if using a paddleboard. Please remain on your knees when launching from the slipway/beach until you reach the buoy, likewise on your return lower to knees before egress.
We regularly test the water quality of the lake, many swimmers come from outside of the area for its cleanliness. Please ensure that you have washed any equipment or clothing that has been used previously at a different site. We want to avoid the risk of cross contamination from other sites, thank you for your cooperation, it is valued.

Main Launch, Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point

Ellerton Lake car park
Paddlers can launch from the slipway, edge of the lake directly onto the water from the car park only 20meters to water.
Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point
Paddlers can exit at most points around the lake in an emergency but would be easier to exit at the car park if possible or the campsite side.

Hazards:
. The slipway can become slippery, please take care when entering the water. Freshwater mussels grow in the lake and can be sharp, causing cuts. Footwear is advised when accessing from this point to reduce the risk of cuts.
• Water depth is variable around the lake, when launching from the slipway it is advised that you remain on your knees if paddleboarding until you are at least waist deep. Ensure you wade deep enough into the water to avoid damaging fins.
• The swans are generally very good natured but please take care not to cause any alarm or distress to the wildfowl while paddling.
• The carpark can get busy at times especially in the summer months, parking may be extended to the back field area during these busy times. Please take care when moving around the site and be aware of moving vehicles.

The Start:

The start of the Aqua Paddle is by the scout’s pontoon and is clearly marked by a large Red Paddle Bouy . The Time Lord will call the Aqua Paddlers forward, once everyone has arrived, and start the event. The Aqua Paddler heads in an anti-clockwise direction around the lake.

Hazards

There will potentially be people fishing from the banks around the lake. We advise leaving a 10m distance when passing any lines to avoid disturbance. Our route has taken this into account. Please be courteous to other lake users.
There are 4 Red Paddle buoys around the lake to mark the paddle loop and course. These are weighted and anchored by rope. These should present menial risk as there is no flow. At all times you must not enter the swimming area that is clearly marked and will be briefed at the start.
Following setting off from the start point a second buoy beside the caravan park (200m) will mark your left turn point, you will then travel approx. 400m to the 3rd buoy directly where you will turn right again then after 200m another right turn. From here you will head to the top of the lake and the 1st Buoy and the start. This is one loop completed, and you will then continue to do this loop 3 more-time totalling 5km
A marshal will be present close to the turn points close or in the middle of course loop and all marshals will have line of site of whole course.
The Finish
Once you finish, please keep clear of the finish line. If you want to stay and cheer on the other Aqua Paddlers please do.

Hazards
Tiredness: Don’t rush and take your time to recover before getting off the water at the Launch and Exit point, please look out for other craft and don’t cross in front of them.