Torquay - Torre Abbey Sands Health & Safety

Notes

The event takes place on a public beach and as such extra caution should be made for the general public, including children and dogs around paddling and event equipment.

Additionally, the water is open to the public and thus liable to power craft entering the area of the event.

Risk Assessment

Torquay - Torre Abbey Sands risk assessment was reviewed by Brett Scillitoe (Captain) on 25 August 2025.

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
All Activities	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Participants must comply with AquaPaddle policies	Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by Crew. Ensure each member/visitor has access to a current copy of the AquaPaddle Policies, via the website.
Children	Paddlers	Constant	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Children are only allowed to take part in AquaPaddle is accompanied by are parent/guardian or coach if part of an organised club training session. Prior notice should be given to the Captain that they will be attending	Crews need to be aware of the presence of minors on the event and future events.
First Aid / Injuries	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Paddlesport is an “assumed risk sport”. There will be a designated First Aid AquaPaddle official on site.	All Crew are qualified first-aiders. All injuries should be reported on the incident report. Means of contact for emergency services to be available at the venue. Defib is available with the Time Lord.
Safeguarding	Paddlers, Spectators	Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	All members and people on our site agree to follow our AquaPaddle policies and procedures, of which safeguarding and code of conduct is one of them. An Event Captain/Safeguarding Officer is to have oversight over the Safeguarding of the event.	Crew and other Volunteers who have regular contact with U18 are to be DBS checked and attend a safeguarding course.
Safety Cover	Paddlers	Majority	Probable chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Crew are to either have a Captain present or be in a minimum number of four Crew that are at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others; one person is aged over 18 or a coach (Land or Water) is in the vicinity. Compliant with the AquaPaddle Safety Policy. The Captain and or an Event Safety Officer is to have oversight over the Health And Safety of the event.	British Canoeing Awards set an appropriate level for standards, such as 2 Star, Explore awards and higher. However other factors can be taken into account such as experience, competition level and paddlers being at the standard that to self-rescue and rescue others, during paddling on the water.

Off Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Boat and Manual Handling	Paddlers, Crew	Briefly	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	If carrying a boat or board alone, paddlers are to ensure it is within the limits of their limitations and experience.	All paddlers are advised that two people should lift boats at least. Failure to do so could lead to injury.
Spectating	Spectators	Majority	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Spectators are not to encroach over the perimeter fencing or water's edge. Instructions will be issued. On-site induction.	AquaPaddle Crew to monitor and advise the spectators when they are not acting in the best manner.
Tripping or Slipping on access steps. (see also Drowning - Medical section)	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Advised to wear suitable wet footwear with a non-slip sole, or training shoes, when using the access steps. But care needs to be exercised to avoid algae or, bird deposits etc. particularly when wet.	Ongoing Housekeeping Maintenance to ensure the minimum build-up of growth or droppings by AquaPaddle Crew when the risk is increasing. Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by AquaPaddle Crew.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Collision with mooring buoys and other static objects	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Captain and Crew to give clear guidance and path the avoid obstacles.	Review path/crossing annually and ensure Crew are fully trained.
Collision with other waterway users	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers instructed to be aware of other waterway users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action.	All members of the group are to be informed as to possible other Waterway users and locations, what to do when boats approach
Effect of Hot, Cold and wind from Weather and Environmental	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Captain and Location Safety Team to assess the weather before getting on the waterway.	The event is to be cancelled if not considered safe. Captain should consider instructing participants to bring: drinking water, hats, sunscreen, windproof clothing, or extra layers as appropriate
Entrapment	Paddlers	Briefly	Possible chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	Paddlers are to either have a Crew member present or be in a minimum number of three that are at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others; one person is aged over 18 or a coach (Land or Water) is in the vicinity. Spray decks are to be appropriate for kayaks. Paddlers are to be competent to wear a spray deck if one is used	British Canoeing Awards set an appropriate level for standards, such as 2 Star, Explore awards and higher. However other factors can be taken into account such as experience, competition level and paddlers being at the standard that to self-rescue and rescue others, during paddling on the water.
Equipment Failure - board deflates while on the water - fall in and hit head or get injured, Leash Snaps causing them to come detached from their board if they fall in. Paddle snaps and unable to paddle back to launch point	Paddlers, Crew	Briefly	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	All equipment will need to be checked before launching into the water. Crew are trained in how to tow Paddlers if issues arise with boards. Dynamic risk assessment to be carried out on the water to monitor any issues that may arise with equipment.	Before Padders enter the water a visual check of all craft needs to be carried out
Falling from inability to stand	Paddlers	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	During the AquaPaddle Briefing, Check that all Paddlers can self-rescue, if not, talk through the correct way to fall and climb back on a board or kayak.	Bring Paddlers to a safe spot on the shore and assist back on the craft.
Hazard from prevailing wind and weather conditions	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Events will not operate over 18 mph standing wind (depending on the wind direction) unless a safe location is found and agreed upon by two Event Safety Team (Captain, Time Lord and experienced on-water Crew Member).	Assess by Captain, check weather forecast. If thunderstorms occur after an event has begun, ask the Paddlers to return to a safe area on the bank, if there are less than 7 seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder. This follows the PUK guidance.
Launching / Landing Areas and Sides	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Probable chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	When embarking and disembarking from the water from a Kayak, Canoe, or SUP ensure that care is used with help if necessary, using the correct technique Crew are to be inducted to location of safe evacuation locations.	Standing in SUPs is prohibited when within falling distance to an object – including walls. Kneeling when embarking and disembarking the SUP. Helmets may be used for SUPs.
Other water users including power boats, sails, kayakers etc	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Although engine should move for paddle ensure the group maintain a safe distance from other vessels where possible. Always move and keep clear of shipping and other waterway users.	Conduct training with Crew.

Medical hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Exhaustion/Fatigue	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Advise paddlers to bring a drink and have eaten appropriately prior to paddling	Water safety team will assist and help them ashore.
Handling of boats and paddles and accidental falls whilst in/on the craft leading to Head Injuries	Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Helmets are advised to be worn whilst on the water and carrying craft.	Captain and Crew could set a good example and wear a helmet when the activity or conditions dictate. Crew to carry Walkie Talkie Radios and/or a mobile phone to summon emergency services and be able to relay where they are on the waterway and the nearest access point
Hypothermia / Hyperthermia	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	AquaPaddlers to be given info about appropriate dress and Crew to give the AquaPaddlers a wetsuit if deemed necessary.	Carry foil blanket (if the instructor sees fit). Make sure the AquaPaddlers are out of the water and taken to an appropriate assemble/exit point and call for emergency assistance if need be.