Sport

The popularity of watersports continues to grow, but with it comes a greater need for knowledge and safety awareness. Equipment and expertise may have developed but water will always present a threat, and so it is important to be clued up about the risks and challenges of any new watersport undertaken. The MCA encourages people to fully immerse themselves in all aspects of recreational watersports, so they can pursue them with confidence and enjoy them to the fullest.

General Safety Advice

Watersports take on all sorts of diverse forms, from exploring the ocean depths, to floating above the sea attached to a parachute. As a result the safety concerns and precautions will vary from discipline to discipline, with scuba diving attracting greater attention to detail than swimming for example. Nevertheless there are some generic safety rules that apply to all water activities.

• Make sure to follow the necessary activity and safety training before taking part.
• Consider joining a local club for qualified support and advice.
• Always use the appropriate safety equipment. This could include a lifejacket.
• If using any equipment, always check that it is in sound working order.
• Before setting out on open water make sure to check whether the local weather forecast and conditions are appropriate for the planned activity.
• Take some means of communication such as a mobile phone or a whistle.
• If heading out to open waters ensure that somebody knows and is given an expected time of return.