Return to Boating Update – Summary

Updated: 1st April 2021

These Guidelines have been produced from Guidance produced by RYA Northern Ireland and in accordance with the NI Executive Pathway to Recovery and SportNI Pathway out of Restrictions guidance. The decision to go boating lies with the individual and it is essential you are familiar with the full and current regulations.

Guidance is based on the Pathway presented in the ‘Covid 19 Framework for a return to boating activity in Northern Ireland’.

Below is our summary Guidelines for members;

From 1st April;

• The Club is permitted to operate with limited activity as outlined. Outdoor facilities may reopen.
• Kinnego Marina including Jetty and slipway access is permitted to facilitate limited activity as outlined. This includes boat upkeep and maintenance.
• Where social distancing of 2 metres can be maintained, two households (up to a maximum of 10 individuals) can be in the same boat. This may exclude certain boats where this is not possible.
• Group gatherings of 2 boats are permitted as long as they are restricted to two households and social distancing is adhered to.
• No group gatherings greater than two households are permitted. Club racing or organised social sailing is not permitted however individual boats may sail within guidelines.
• Activity should be undertaken above deck with no mixing of households below deck unless in an emergency.
• No dinghy group sailing permitted. Guidelines on group sailing in smaller crafts and dinghies (and with mixed crew where social distancing is not possible) are still to be advised.
• Staying overnight on a boat is not permitted.
• Sailing is permitted on individual multi-handed craft, above deck, from 2 households when social distancing is possible.
• Club Racing is not permitted.
• Safety cover should not be expected.
• The Club House remains closed – with the exception of the use of toilet facilities.
• Indoor facilities must remain closed, with limited exceptions, until further notice.
• Vaccination is NOT considered a mitigating factor. Mitigations are focused on methods to minimise the risk of transfer of infection – masks, distancing, hand sanitation, limiting face to face, etc.

If we are challenged by the public when participating in boating activity as long as we are operating within these published guidelines refer them to the available guidance maintained on the club website.

From 12th April;

• Racing is still not permitted.
• Changing rooms remain closed.
• The clubhouse remains closed.

In addition to the guidance offered above;

• Organised training is permitted for up to 15 participants per group (including coaches/ safety) at any one time, irrespective of age. Any 2 groups cannot mix and must be kept apart with control measures ashore to ensure this. There should be social distancing by individuals/ household group within the group of 15.
• Additional guidelines are available for working parties, committee meetings etc. but due to the limitations (10 from 2 households) LNSC deems these to be not permitted at the moment.
• Safety cover permitted when mitigated.
• The Club will further advise on any training opportunities made available on an individual course basis.

Reference documents:

FAQs On Return to Boating

RYANI Return to Boating Framework Step 2 Guidance March 2021 – 1st April