02 Jun 2020

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport have released guidance for the phased return of outdoor activities which includes specific guidance for watersports and advice that sports coaches and trainers should follow relevant National Governing Body Safeguarding Policies and Procedures and conduct a thorough risk assessment before engaging in any sessions.

Here is the Watersports section in full:

"You can go to the beach as long as you are alone, with your household, or with no more than 5 other people from outside your household and staying 2 metres apart at all times. You should not share a private vehicle with anyone outside your own household and you should follow social distancing guidelines when encountering others. If you are swimming while at the beach, you should only do so if a lifeguard is on duty.

All forms of water sports practised on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately owned motorised craft (in line with the guidance issued by the relevant navigation authority) are allowed provided that the guidance on social distancing is observed.

You are allowed to visit venues like a sailing club to exercise. You should only do so alone, with members of your household or with 5 other people from another household as long as you can remain 2 metres away from them. You should check ahead to ensure that these facilities are open and prepared to receive visitors. You should not gather indoors with anyone from outside your household."

View the full government guidance.

The government has also published further guidance for outdoor activity providers here.

This document includes sections on managing bookings, keeping facilities and equipment clean, protective equipment for staff and face coverings.