Health & Safety at BYRA

Health & Safety at BYRA

BYRA takes Health & Safety very seriously and has developed policies and protocols to this end. These are outlined below.

BYRA has a Health & Safety Policy - click here to read the latest version.

BYRA has a Health & Safety Management System. This is shown by the graphic below.

Please click here for a detailed description of the steps that correspond to the numbers.

BYRA Members' Health & Safety Obligations

While BYRA takes active steps to minimise the risk of harm to those participating in BYRA-hosted activities, members must also take responsibility for their own safety and those juniors they are responsible for.

This includes [but is not limited to]:

• It is a mandatory [and a legal requirement] to wear a life jacket/buoyancy aid - we prefer that all participants purchase their own to ensure the correct size and fit. Whitworths in Mona Vale have an excellent selection.
• We recommend that adults wear shoes/suitable footwear when both at the club and sailing.
• It is mandatory that juniors wear shoes/suitable footwear when both at the club and sailing. This reduces the risk of splinters from the deck; oyster cuts when on the sand, and injury during sailing or capsizing.
• We recommend that all sailors wear rash vests over their buoyancy aids. This reduces the risk of entanglement in ropes/sheets during both tacking and capsizing.
• Club boats can only be used by members who have both had their sailing competency approved and been given a rigging induction on the specific boat they wish to borrow. This is non-negotiable. Please respect the time of the volunteers who will be providing this 'competency check' and rigging induction. Please book in for this well in advance of when you might want to use a club boat, and preferably make yourself available for this on a regular sailing Sunday.
• Know your limits! Always check the weather before going for a sail, SUP, etc. If going alone, make sure you have a means of communication with you - a cell phone in a waterproof pouch works well. Tell family/friends when you are due back! Check the weather forecast and ask yourself the following question: Can I handle this weather? Both Windy.com and Predict Wind are excellent [and free!] apps that provide hour-by-hour forecasts, including detailed information on expected gusts.
• Consider wearing a helmet. For clarity, BYRA does not mandate the wearing of helmets. However, BYRA strongly recommends that all members educate themselves on the pros and cons of a helmet and make an informed decision on this issue.
• Always report any incidents or concerns. Please let us know ASAP so that we can respond appropriately. You can email these to commodore@byra.com.au or sailing@byra.com.au. 

Additional Links:

BYRA H&S Risk Register

Please reach out with any questions you may have in regards to Health & Safety at BYRA. We are always open to feedback and suggestions. 

BYRA Security and Safety System

BYRA has introduced a new security and safety system based on wristband fobs.

Traditionally we have used a club fob access system for members with boats, which records who first opened the side door, but gives us no information on who else was present or their activities at the club.

For on-water safety we have used a manual paper sign-on sheet which is used by the starter to track boats on the water and record results. Signing off provides a safety check of who has returned safely.

The intention of the new system is to identify all individuals at the club, their reason for being there and when they left. The system also identifies who is out sailing or racing and if they have returned safely. The wristband rack also provides a visual record without relying on electronics or pen & paper.

The system involves a personal rfid wristband or fob which hangs on a peg board inside the club boatshed. The fob can be tapped on any phone, to activate the website link. In the on-line form you select the purpose of your visit and confirm by pressing the submit button. You are then registered as being present at the club.

Wear the wristband while at the club, including while out sailing.

When returning to the club, tap-off using any phone and confirm you are leaving.
We then know you have returned from sailing safely.