THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY HONG KONG
WATER SPORTS CENTRE
SAFETY
GUIDELINES
1. Life
Jacket/Buoyancy Aid
1.1 Life jacket/buoyancy aid
must be worn at all times while pursuing watersports.
1.2 Make sure life jacket/buoyancy aid fits your body size and all the knots
are tight.
2. Swimming Ability
2.1 All participants should be a competent swimmer, confident in the water and able to handle themselves underwater and in whitewater when their boats/equipment capsize.
3. Fill in
Navigation Form
3.1 Inform the Centre Office where you are going and
what time you expect to be back.
4. Weather
Conditions
4.1 Be aware whether the
weather, tide and other conditions are safe for sailing. Never sail under the
following circumstances.
a. The Centre
Supervisor observes that thunder-storm warning will be hazardous for water
sports in the area.
b. Typhoon signal No.3 or above is hoisted.
c. Black rainstorm warning signal is announced.
4.2 Obtain a weather forecast.
5. Be Accompanied
5.1 Never pursuing water sports alone.
6. Clothing
6.1 Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Remember that weather conditions can change rapidly. The effect of wind chill and lower water temperatures during the winter season can result in hypothermia after only even a relatively short period of immersion.
6.2 Wear shoes with heel-toe covered rubber shoes.
6.3 Always have spare dry clothes when sailing and canoeing.
7. Equipment Checkup
7.1 Check the seaworthiness of your boat/equipment which should be in good
condition.
7.2 Bring a whistle for emergency.
7.3 Bring a first aid kit.
7.4 Bring communication equipment such as walkie-talkie and mobile phone
whenever available.
8. Observe the
Centre Flag Signals
Windsock - means the Centre
is open.
Red Flag -
means it will be dangerous to carry out any water sports activities. All water
sports activities should stop immediately. All participants are required to
return to the centres as soon as possible.
Yellow Flag -
means the weather is beginning to worsen or there is danger in offshore waters.
Hence, all water sports activities should be carried out in the waters near the
shoreline.
N Flag -
means the time for the current session of water sports activities is ending soon.
9. Areas for
Activities
9.1 Beginners are advised to carry out their activities near
the Centre.
10. Hypothermia
10.1 The lowering of the body temperature can be serious, even fatal. Early warning signs are uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, bluish tinge to lips, lack of coordination, and poor concentration. Prevention is the best medicine; layer clothing and get adequate food and water.
11. Dehydration
11.1 The body becomes
dehydrated when more fluids are lost than replaced. It is important to drink
plenty of water.
12. When In
Danger
12.1 Rescue people first, equipment later.
12.2 In the recovery of equipment, avoid taking unnecessary risks which might further endanger yourself or others.
12.3 Procedures for getting help if you have a mobile telephone are as follows:
12.3.1 Telephone the Centre Office and ask the Supervisor for rescue. Ensure the Supervisor knows your position, the nature of the problem and your telephone number so you can be contacted.
12.3.2 If you are unable to reach someone at the Centre, telephone the Marine Police.
12.3.3
Emergency contact numbers are as follows:
(a) 2603 6776 - Centre Office
(b) 2609 7999 - Security Office,
CUHK
(c) 2735 3355 - Ambulance
(d) 999 - Police & Emergency
(e) 2603 4060 - Marine Police (Tai
Po Kau)
13. Capsizes Skills
13.1 All participants must
know how to right a capsized boat/equipment and have the equipment and skills
needed to do this.
14. Special
Considerations When Sailing
14.1 Sailors must be qualified for Level Two Sailing Certificate or above
14.2 Make sure oars, bungs and hailer are on the boat.
14.3 Remove unnecessary rope and items from the boat.
14.4 Pay particular attention to the condition of the mast rigging, rudder pins
and gudgeons.
14.5 Checked your mast every 12 months to ensure that it is properly sealed and
will not fill with water during capsize.
14.6 Sail in a company of at least two boats.
14.7 Do not overload the boat. Boat type and maximum number of sailors are as
follows:
- Otter - 3 persons
- Sunfish/Topper - 1 person
- Hobby - 3 persons
- Catamaran - 4 persons
14.8 Always stay with the boat. Never leave the boat unless it is out of control and is floating toward the danger.
14.9 Keep away from passing boats and swimmers.
14.10 Watch out the towline and the fish net.
14.11 Never sail too far away from the Centre. Follows the suggested sailing areas for sailors at different level, otherwise inform the Supervisor in advance.
14.12 Sailors should sail upwind and take down their main sail before approaching the slipway.
15. Special
Consideration When Canoeing
15.1 Canoeist should be able to swim 50m in canoe
clothing and must be qualified for 3
Stars Award Certificate or above.
15.2 A minimum of two - never canoe alone.
15.3 Always try to carry a spare paddle.
15.4 Always wear a cagoul or windproof top.
15.5 Never canoe on new water without a leader.
15.6 Listen very carefully to all instructions given by your instructors.
16. Special
Considerations When Windsurfing
16.1 Windsurfer must be qualified for
Basic Windsurfing Certificate or above.
16.2 Check if your wet suit is warm enough. Is your harness in good condition, with no lines frayed ?
16.3 Your rig should be secured onto the board with a safety leash.
16.4 Check the skeg to see if it is fixed in place.
16.5 Try to always sail with an organised club or some friends. Try to limit your sailing to within 300 metres off the shore if possible.
16.6 Stay within your ability. If in doubt, don't go out! Long and mid length boards are a liability in wavy conditions when uphauling is the only option.
16.7 If you get into trouble. Staying with your board is your first priority, notifying somebody of your plight is your second, and limping in alone is your third.
17. Special Considerations When Using Motor
Boats
17.1 Motor boat users must possess a valid Hong Kong Masters and Engineers (Outboard Motors) Class 2 license.
17.2 According to the HKSAR Marine Department regulations, speed restriction around the Centre seafront is 5 knots. All motor boats users should comply.
17.3 Motor boat users must pay attention not only to their own safety but also the safety of other.
17.4 No petrol or other inflammable liquid should be stored in any motor boat. They should be stored at the Centre Danger Goods Store.
18. The Most Common
Reasons For Accidents
18.1 Failure to recognise a
potential environmental threat; unfamiliar with area for activity or
characteristics of weather.
18.2 Equipment failure; inspections and replacement neglected.
18.3 Too ambitious an undertaking for current skill level.
18.4 Solo activity; itinerary unknown to others.
18.5 Hypothermia (cooling of the body and brain) owing to improper clothing.
18.6 Lack of rest (fatigue); poor physical conditioning.
18.7 Thirst (dehydration during salt water activities).