🏖️ Ashore Safety

Plas Heli – The Welsh National Sailing Academy & Events Centre

Ashore Safety covers all land‑based operations at Plas Heli, including the compound, beach access, balcony, public areas, vehicle movement, temporary structures, and visitor flow. This section follows RYA Safety Management Guidance and is designed to be simple, calm, and volunteer‑friendly.

Volunteers are never expected to make complex safety decisions. Their role is to observe, report, and support the Duty Manager and Event Safety Officer (ESO).

1. Core Ashore Roles (RYA‑Aligned)

• Event Safety Officer (ESO): Leads ashore safety, hazard control, and emergency coordination.
• Duty Manager: Oversees venue operations, access control, and public safety.
• Beach Team: Manages launching, recovery, beach access, and waterline safety.
• Bridge Team: Provides communication link between ashore and afloat.
• Volunteers: Support safe movement, report hazards, and assist visitors.

2. Waterline & Shoreline Priority (Coastal Venue Requirement)

Plas Heli is a coastal venue. The waterline, shoreline, and beach access present the highest risk to life.

• Beach Team monitors waterline conditions continuously.
• Strong winds, tide, and swell may affect launching and recovery.
• Children and vulnerable adults must be supervised near the waterline.
• ESO may restrict beach access during severe weather.
• RNLI escalation follows Emergency Procedures.

If there is any reasonable concern about safety at the waterline, activity may be paused or suspended.

3. Compound Safety

The compound is a busy operational area with boats, trailers, vehicles, and equipment.

• Keep pedestrian routes clear.
• Ensure trailers are secured and chocked.
• Maintain clear access to gates and emergency routes.
• Report any damaged or unstable equipment.
• Children must not play in the compound.

4. Vehicle Movement & Access Control

Vehicle movement is a significant ashore hazard.

• Vehicles must move slowly and follow staff instructions.
• Beach access gates controlled by Beach Team or Duty Manager.
• Emergency routes kept clear at all times.
• Deliveries coordinated to avoid peak launching periods.
• Public vehicles restricted from operational areas.

5. Balcony, Building & Public Areas

Public areas must remain safe and accessible.

• Balcony furniture secured in strong winds.
• Doors may slam in gusts — take care.
• Stairways kept clear.
• Wet floors reported immediately.
• Visitors guided calmly during busy periods.

6. Temporary Structures & Event Equipment

Temporary structures must be safe and secure.

• Gazebos, flags, and banners secured against wind.
• Electrical cables routed safely.
• Generators positioned away from public areas.
• Any unstable structure reported to ESO.

7. Ashore Communication Protocol

Radio use ashore:

• Use clear, calm language.
• Identify yourself (e.g., “Beach Team”).
• Key phrases:
  • “Urgent message” – important but not life‑threatening.
  • “Priority message” – life‑threatening or serious incident.
• Bridge Team logs significant messages.

Link with Emergency Procedures:

• ESO and Duty Manager notified of serious incidents.
• RNLI liaison follows Emergency Procedures.
• Landing points and ambulance access coordinated.

8. Crowd Management & Visitor Flow

• Guide visitors calmly during busy periods.
• Keep access routes clear.
• Monitor balcony and beach congestion.
• Support vulnerable visitors where needed.

9. Volunteer Guidance (Ashore)

Volunteers are never expected to:

• Make emergency decisions.
• Manage crowd control alone.
• Enter dangerous areas.

Volunteers should:

• Attend briefings.
• Report hazards immediately.
• Use radios clearly and calmly.
• Support safe movement of people.

Document Control

Document Title: Ashore Safety
Version: 1.0 (RYA‑aligned ashore safety structure)
Review Cycle: Annual or post‑major event