Safety Event Guideline: Safe Watersport Event Management in South Africa

It is in the context of team effort and collaboration that Sea Rescue identified the need for a water sports event safety guideline for South Africa. Currently water sports events in South Africa are un-regulated except for broad parameters applied via SAMSA and its Authorised Agencies under the National Small Vessel Regulations and some sporting bodies who have developed their own protocols and guidelines for events.Whilst recognising that many sporting bodies, event organisers and clubs have worked exceptionally hard with their own safety and emergency planning, this document aims to provide a comprehensive guideline and “best practice” recommendation for water sport events across all disciplines. It is a document aimed to encourage better safety planning and emergency response and we hope it will become an aid in planning, executing and reviewing water sport events to promote safer practices and prevent the loss of life.Strongly driven by a “bottom up” approach, in the compilation of the guide, various sporting bodies, clubs, event organisers and individuals were consulted. Their willingness to share their experiences and recommendations to inform this guideline was humbling, and it is testament to a national commitment to safety on the water.We would like to acknowledge and thank the following organisations and individuals for their contributions to the guide:• Canoeing South Africa• Diver Alert Network• Natal Canoe Club• Rowing South Africa• South African Kiting Association• South African Deep Sea Angling Association• Surfing South Africa• Triathlon South Africa• Arthur Roslee• Brad Geyser• Carl Krause• Clifford Ireland• Colin Simpkins• Dawid Mocke• Derrick Frazer• Geoff Bettison• Greg Bertish• Herman von Velze• Johnny Albert• Morne Christou• Phil Ress• Richard Kohler• Robin de Kock• Robin Tindall• Steve Botha• Vanessa Davidson• Wendy Wright• William WaltonThere is always a significant level of risk in water related activities, but this guide aims to provide organisers with the tools to manage the risks and takes a balanced view of the cost effectiveness, fairness, consistency and risk control measures needed at water sport events.Ensuring responsible and safe practices, reducing the likelihood of an accident, minimizing the inherent risks of the water sport activity, reducing the possible consequences in the event of an accident, and knowing what resources to deploy in the event of an emergency are the aims of this guide.The documents can be downloaded here:NSRI EVENT GUIDE_PrinciplesGuidelinesNSRI EVENT GUIDE_SummaryNSRI EVENT GUIDE_Template