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   British Coasteering Federation



Definition

Coasteering is an extreme adventure activity that can be high risk depending on sea and weather conditions and activity location.

Coasteering is an adventure activity that takes place around the rocky coastline of the UK. Coasteering entails wearing a full body wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet and suitable footwear.

Coasteering sessions are led by a minimum of two qualified coasteer guides.

Coasteering is a combination of swimming along the base of the cliffs, exploring gullies, caves, cracks and different rock formations created by the sea, also stopping on route to experience the lift and fall of the sea against and below the cliffs.

Traversing and scrambling the lower level of sea cliffs above deep water and climbing the cliffs to the jumping locations. Cliff jumps can range from 1 – 10 meters in height.

Safety Guidelines (at present)

Coasteering sessions are always guided by a minimum of two coasteer guides. The lead guide will hold the BCF Award, valid Beach Lifeguard Award, up to date First Aid Certificate and logged information on the knowledge of the location. The assistant guide must hold a valid Beach Lifeguard Award and an up to date First Aid Certificate.

The coasteering provider or leading guide MUST! have in place:

  • Detailed risk assessment for coasteering
  • Detailed written location assessment (site photos can be included)
  • Emergency Action Plan
  • Normal Operation Procedures
  • Staff training and assessment log
  • Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (if required)
  • Activity Insurance 5 million indemnity

The above risk assessments, EAP’s and NOP’s must be collected and formulated by both the coasteer provider and the head coasteer guide(s). This must be documented in the staff training and assessment log.

The coasteer guides to client ratio are always two guides, then one to six. The guide ratio is advised to be increased if sea conditions are more adverse than normal or the group’s needs are greater than usual, i.e. a group of young children with weak swimming ability.

Coasteering Equipment

The correct equipment must be used and worn by all taking part in coasteering.

  • 3mm full body wetsuit for summer season
  • 5,4,3 steamer full body wetsuit for winter season
  • 65N Buoyancy Aid with adjustable shoulder straps, side panel adjusters and chest/ waist straps.
  • Suitable impact water helmet.
  • Suitable footwear i.e. trainers or thick soled wetsuit boots
  • Only recommended! protection over shorts for wetsuits

All the above equipment must be fitted to client correctly and checked throughout coasteer session.

Guide Safety Equipment

The basic recommended safety equipment that should be carried by the coasteer guide while leading a coasteering session.

  • Rescue Tube (flexible or solid) The Peterson flex tube is recommended because it is almost impossible to tow an unconscious patient with a solid rescue can.
  • Throw line (no less than 10 meters)
  • Plastic whistle
  • Pocket Mask
  • Safety knife
  • Mobile Phone (Mobile Phone can be left at HQ if less then 10 minutes to dial Emergency services.
  • Standard First Aid Kit, (First Aid Kit can be left at HQ if less than 10 minutes to retrieve.

Coasteering Session

The duration of the session can last between 2-3 hours. If the client or group has booked a full day coasteering, this can last from 5-6 hours. The following points must be addressed:

·      1 hour rest with food and drink must be taken.

·      Both lead and assist guide should discuss and assess group fitness     individually before second session.

·      If individual or group members seem uncomfortable about a     second session, the lead guide must discuss with the individual their own requirements and safety options for the second session.

·      Change of wetsuit for second session due to adverse weather and sea conditions. A client or group member may require changing their 3mm to a 5mm wetsuit.

Introduction

One of the most important skills a coasteer guide can have is an ability to communicate effectively to his/her clients!

A clear friendly approach is always taken when meeting clients for the first time.

Recommended introduction to client(s).

·      Welcome to the organization i.e. company

·      Guides and group introduction, IMPORTANT!

·      Can everybody swim? And are there any medical conditions within the group.  Clients may wish to discuss these matters to one side. Be professional in your approach!

·      Brief description and history of the coasteering location.

·      Introduce the route of the coasteer and give brief description of activity.

·      If possible! Safely show coasteering route.

·      Equipment introduction i.e. how to fit wetsuit correctly, buoyancy aids and helmets.

·       Client’s equipment must be checked by all guides.

Guides Safety Brief

All guides must address the following points prior to group’s safety brief; these points should be discussed to one side of group.

·     Which guide is leading the coasteering session?

·     Can the chosen route be led safely?

·     To the guide’s knowledge of the group, are the conditions matching  the group’s ability?

·     Can all parts of the coasteer be used safely?

·      If the sea conditions change, how will the route vary?

·      Escape routes and stopping the session early.

·      Equipment checks.

Group's Safety Brief

The safety brief should be led by the lead guide, with the assistance of the other guides. It is extremely important that all guides are involved in the safety brief.

·      Introduction of coasteering guides.

·      Description of coasteering i.e. what is coasteering?

·      How to enter the water safely.

·      Swimming alongside the cliffs, submerged rocks.

·      Exiting the water safely i.e. feet first.

·      Climbing on the rocks i.e. always three points of contact.

·      Jumping procedures. Always start at a low level to assess group’s technique.

·      Swimming and walking through caves.

·      Marine life.

·      Bunch up procedure.

·      Emergency escape routes

·      Signals

·      Group safety

·      Self-awareness.

·      Communication.

·     Any questions? IMPORTANT! Make sure that everybody is happy and understands all safety procedures before entering the water.