Royal Brighton Yacht Club
A Quick Safety Note
Liferaft lessons in the Safety and Sea Survival Course
Following an on-board accident last night we would like to remind members of safety procedures to follow in order that assistance can be provided and clear accurate instructions are conveyed to the right persons and subsequent authorities.
Firstly;
- Provide First-Aid to the injured person(s)
Then immediately
- Radio the Tower
It is strongly recommended that if your boat or crew is in an emergency situation that the first point of contact is RBYC Race Control via VHF radio.
RBYC Race Control are then in a position to Co-ordinate rescue operations from shore.
This can include if required:
- Phoning for emergency services, assistance with bringing boat into shore/docking at the marina.
- Providing first aid personnel both on and off water.
- Ensuring adequate access is available for emergency services or other.
- Notifying other competitors to keep clear and so on.
Remember the best thing to do is to remain CALM and let people know what is going on so they can offer and organise assistance.
"Rescue Operations" EXTRACT;
6.4. Medical Emergency
If the rescue boat personnel, in conjunction with the RMO, decide that the incident is a medical emergency requiring ambulance support, the RMO will immediately telephone ‘000’ or ‘112’ to contact emergency services and request an ambulance to arrive at the nearest appropriate jetty. Rescue boat personnel will notify the yacht involved that this has occurred and direct them to take the injured or ill person to the specific jetty. If this is not possible then the rescue boat will initiate the evacuation of the injured or ill person, provided they deem it safe to do so. If it is not possible to evacuate the injured crew, rescue boat personnel will advise the RMO of the situation, and request assistance from Emergency Services, such as Water Police. If the nearest jetty is RBYC, the rescue boat personnel will contact the RBYC on-shore Duty Officer to ensure that the emergency vehicle has access to the pier and hardstand.
In a medical emergency it may be necessary for rescue boat operators to administer emergency first aid. A first aid kit is available on all RBYC rescue boats. It is assumed that all rescue boat operators will have basic training in first aid. At all times, the rescue boat personnel will maintain communication with the RMO
REMINDER
This is a reminder to all competitors and skippers competing in Royal Brighton Yacht Club’s races that the Club has an emergency response plan and therefore the need to peruse the document.
The Club’s plan is set up to support all yachts and crews in an emergency situation. But it is up to individual skipper’s to have an emergency response action plan in the event of an on-board emergency, which should include at least ONE person holding a First-Aid Certificate. The Club’s Safety document may assist in the formulation of such an on-board plan.
However, the main thing to remember is - Do not take matters into your own hands, notify race control to coordinate needs.
Management
Royal Brighton Yacht Club
