Closure of the lake 28th & 29th September - Important Information

Published 17:51 on 22 Sep 2024
Dear Member,
Following a number of near misses and/or incidents over the course of the last few months, a review has been undertaken by those responsible for Health and Safety at the club as to the risks associated with others using the lake at the same time as Powerboat Racing. The review was undertaken collaboratively across the club by gathering observations from members who saw the near misses and/or incidents and submitted incident forms, alongside discussions with each of the sections to better understand some of the risks. Following the presentation of the review to the Management Committee including section representatives, the decision has been taken that no other use of the lake should take place whilst Powerboat Racing is underway. This is to ensure that risks are mitigated as much as reasonably practicable and therefore the safety of all members using the lake is not compromised.
To implement this practically, two stages were identified:
- Agreeing an approach for events already scheduled for 2024
- Agreeing an approach for 2025 and beyond
For the first stage, the sailing and power committees explored a number of approaches together. Sailing suggested a potential option to cancel the scheduled sailing events on the weekend of the 28th-29th September to allow Powerboat Racing to take place, but for the scheduled Powerboat Racing on the 12th-13th October to be cancelled to allow scheduled sailing events to take place. This was suggested so that both sections can continue important events but appreciate that for this year a compromise was required. This suggestion was subsequently accepted by power.
Therefore, no on-water activities except Powerboat Racing will be allowed to take place on both the 28th and 29th September.
Members are of course allowed to use the rest of the club facilities as normal. The Watts Cup, scheduled for the 13th October, will continue to take place but without Powerboat Racing happening alongside. Members are also free to use the lake as usual on 12th October.
The online calendar will be updated to reflect the above. Please refer to this over the printed members handbook.
An approach for stage 2 is now being discussed and several options are being explored. As your Sailing Committee, we are committed to working collaboratively with representatives from management and other sections to find a solution which enables you to continue enjoying sailing at Stewartby.
If you have any questions or comments on the above, please feel free to get in contact with us via our Sailing Secretary, Dan, by emailing sailing.secretary@stewartbywatersportsclub.co.uk.
Kind regards,
Your Sailing Committee
Last updated 13:34 on 3 January 2025