Boating Guidance for Scotland
TCC condensed version of what I think is relevant to us
Andy McRoberts Part of the Covid Team
FAQ’s in response to Scottish Government Temporary Additional Restrictions
To Stop Covid-19 Spread
10th October 2020
In order to stop the spread of Covid 19 the Scottish Government have
implemented new guidance which differentiates between five NHS Health
Boards in the Central Belt and the rest of Scotland. The Central Belt
comprises of Lothian, Lanarkshire, Forth Valley, Ayrshire & Arran and Greater
Glasgow & Clyde Health Boards
These notes and advice sit alongside our existing guidance for general
boating activities and Clubs and Centre Guidance and in some instances
supersede these documents temporarily. The following information aims to
address the implications on boating activity of the temporary restrictions that
come into effect for 16 days from the 10th until the 26th October 2020.
What boating activity can happen?
Organised activity at clubs can continue to take place in all areas for those
aged 17 and under.
Organised Adult (those aged 18 and over) ‘Contact Activity’ can continue
using ‘bubbles of play’ in the NHS Health Board areas out with the five NHS
Health Boards in the Central Belt.
Organised Adult (those aged 18 and over) activity can continue to take place
– with up to 30 people – within the five NHS Health Boards in the Central Belt
as ‘non-contact’ sport if physical distancing (2m) can be maintained at all
times and all relevant guidance (for organised activity) is followed.
Individual sailing and boating can continue throughout Scotland, including
within the Central Belt. Always be considerate of the risks in undertaking
singlehanded activity to ensure you can do so safely.
Cruising, including overnight stays can still go ahead provided it is with
members of your own household/extended household. We recommend
skippers consider carefully whether they should choose destinations in areas
currently under additional restrictions and the impact of their activities on their
chosen destination – #respectthedestination
Is boating a contact or non-contact activity?
It can be both. To enable activity across all disciplines of boating such as
double handers and mixed households on safety boats, keelboats and yachts
our guidance states that these are ‘contact sport’ activities.
If you can maintain 2m physical distancing at all times then those elements of
our sport would be deemed as non-contact, including training and racing
activity.
In the Five identified NHS Health Board areas, contact sport for adults is not
allowed to take place at this time.
Can I travel to my boat if is out with my NHS Health Board area?
With many boats requiring to be removed from moorings or winterised at this
time of year we recognise there can be a need to travel to attend to annual
maintenance. Again, you should think carefully about whether you need to
travel and when doing so you are asked to act with great care and follow all
measures to stop the spread of Covid-19. You should keep within your
household or extended household group unless you can maintain physical
distancing and have no more than 2 households and 6 people.
Can racing take place at my club?
If your club is within the Central Belt, then organised outdoor contact sporting
activity has been suspended for adults. This means organised activity,
including racing, for adults where 2m physical distancing cannot be
maintained, should not take place e.g. mixed household safety boats, mixed
household crews.
If your club is anywhere else in Scotland contact activity, including racing, can
still take place as described in our existing guidance.
Full detail on RYA site “return to boating”