Top facebook2x Top email2x Email us Top webcam2x Webcam Top search2x Basket Login
Home / News / Water and Club Safety Reminders
Home / News / Water and Club Safety Reminders

Water and Club Safety Reminders

Published 15:11 on 30 Jul 2021

Given this is the busiest time of year at Coniston Sailing Club, we wanted to share some general safety tips and reminders for those using the water and club this summer.

Buoyancy aids and swimming:

  • We recommend a buoyancy aid is worn at all times by those in or on the water. Buoyancy aids are a key safety device which should be worn when participating in any sailing or on water activity, even when the weather is hot.
  • If you are open water swimming please make sure you either have a brightly coloured float or someone spotting you from a nearby kayak or support boat. If you are swimming in the club bay, please ensure you swim within your capabilities and make sure you are vigilant of any moving boats.

Footwear in the water:

  • We have had a number of recent reports of sharp objects in the water both at the club and around the wider lakes edge. We recommend if you are entering or exiting the waters edge that shoes are worn to avoid potential injuries. Sharp objects, glass and debris from boats may be concealed below the surface of the water throughout the lake, please be careful.
  • Please also note the cruiser launching ramp is both slippery and sharp in places, so footwear is also recommended.

Blue green algae:

  • Over the last month blue green algae has been spotted and recorded in the lake. Please keep an eye on the water quality and any algal blooms, especially during hot weather.
  • If algae is present please avoid swimming and/or letting dogs swim in the water. The algae producers toxins which can cause rashes and sickness if ingested and can be fatal to animals where large quantities are consumed.
  • For more information about blue green algae and where it has been reported, please see the Environment Agency's "blue green algae in Cumbria and Lancashire" webpage: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/cumbria-and-lancashire/blue-green-algae-in-cumbria-and-lancashire/

Non-members accessing club grounds:

  • At this busy time of year there are a lot of people using the water and passing the general vicinity of the club. There have been a number of incidents of non-members accessing the club grounds to attempt to access the water and club facilities. We want to remind all members to remain vigilant, if you do not recognise anyone in the club grounds please do ask the question and check whether they are a member. Please therefore expect to be challenged on your membership whilst in the club grounds and be polite to anyone who may challenge you. This is for your own safety and that of all of our club members.


We hope you are able to enjoy the club this summer and stay safe. If you have any concerns about anything related to club safety please approach a member of the committee.

Last updated 12:11 on 23 February 2024

© 2024 Coniston Sailing Club powered by Sailing Club Manager