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WSA COVID-19 UPDATES
COVID 19 Update - 26th March 2021
As we slowly see the easing of restrictions across the UK we would ask you pay essential attention to ensuring that your equipment is serviced and in working order, that you are fit enough to undertake the paddle or surf planned and that you exercise within the current travel rules. We also ask that as WSA members and ambassadors for our sports that you are mindful of where you exercise in regards to other members of the public and residents.
Don't forget to check your WSA membership is up to date!
ENGLAND
From the 8th of March 2021 there are 4 steps being introduced easing restrictions. Sport England have detailed the current situation and easing from the 8th of March. Please read this carefully and pay particular attention to the Government guidance.
Recreational paddling resumes.
shorturl.at/eCES1
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-sets-out-roadmap-to-cautiously-ease-lockdown-restrictions
SCOTLAND
On the 12th of March there are changes which will effect exercise and organised sport activity. For the government guidance please refer to https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/
WALES
From tomorrow (Saturday 26th March), travel restrictions are eased further across Wales allowing travel within Wales. Travel outside and into Wales are still restricted for work only.
Organised children’s OUTDOOR activities can now also take place following Welsh Government guidance.
https://gov.wales/organised-childrens-outdoor-activity-frequently-asked-questions
NORTHERN IRELAND
16th March Review
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you
COVID Update 5.01.2025
We continue to work with our partners to clarify the situation further. Please be aware this information may be updated in the near future.
We ask all members to seriously consider undertaking low risk activities during this period.
England
We have included the advice from Sport England below as an update and Canal and Rivers Trust update.
Please pay particular attention to travel and exercise restrictions. Whilst exercise can continue please be aware of restrictions and access to some waterways. In addition we ask all members to evaluate the risk of any surfing and / or paddling and the risk of any incident or accident resulting in additional pressure put on our emergency services and NHS.
Canal and Rivers Access - All navigation in England and Wales should be limited to essential use only. Canal and Rivers Trust - Our navigations are open for paddle sports.
In England please follow the government guidance for outdoor exercise.
WALES
In Wales please follow Welsh government guidance.
Please remember that you still need a valid licence to use any kind of unpowered craft on our network, included in the WSA Membership.
We ask you to maintain social distancing at all times, both on and off the water. Be mindful of others on the towpath and try to avoid areas with lots of moored boats, where people may be shielding or self-isolating. Give people space and use face coverings when appropriate.
Sport England
On Monday 4 January, the Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown to counter the steep rise in coronavirus (Covid-19) infections in England. For now, the national lockdown restrictions mean you should minimise time spent outside your home.
It's against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they're part of your household or support bubble.
You can only leave your home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure (e.g. a picnic or a social meeting). This should be limited to once per day, and you shouldn't travel outside your local area.
You can exercise in a public outdoor place:
by yourself
with the people you live with
with your support bubble (if you're legally permitted to form one)
in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
or, when on your own, with one person from another household (going for a walk with someone counts as exercise).
Public outdoor places include:
parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)
the grounds of a heritage site
playgrounds
Outdoor sports venues, including tennis courts, golf courses and swimming pools, must close.
There are, however, two exemptions to the national lockdown restrictions for sport and activity:
Organised outdoor sport for disabled people is allowed to continue.
Elite sportspeople (and their coaches if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) - or those on an official elite sports pathway - are allowed to meet in larger groups, to compete and train.
COVID Update 17.12.2024
As December draws to a close we are reporting new restrictions coming into force across the UK. Above all, we ask all our coaches and recreational members to follow your countries and Tier restrictions, keeping up to date through the governments we sites.
Wales
New Tier 4 restrictions will come in to force on the 28th of December 2020. These tighter restrictions will without doubt have a serious affect on activities. We are working with Welsh Sports Association to clarify what the restrictions will have on activities. Due to the seriousness of the situation today, all training and coaching activities will stop until further notice.
Update on activities beyond the 28th December to follow.
https://gov.wales/coronavirus
England
New areas across the UK have now been graded as Tier 3. We ask that you follow government guidance for each area and that you pay attention to travel between Tier areas. If you are unsure of tier areas please use the postcode checker below.
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Details on Tier and sporting activities https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus/return-play/frequently-asked-questions-return-sport-and-activity
Scotland
The 5 level system (0- 4) in Scotland has been updated. Please check follow Scottish Government advice, paying attention to travel not to travel in low level areas.
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
N Ireland
Guidance for N Ireland government can be found here with updates regarding sporting activities following the Christmas break.
https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/covid-19-measures-11-december-questions-and-answers
Ireland
Sport Ireland updates https://www.sportireland.ie/covid19 using Levels with each area.
Postcode Checker
https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-local-restrictions
Mainland Europe
Please refer to each countries guidance and travel / quarantine restrictions.
As always if you have any questions please contact us info@waterskillsacademy.com
5 November 2020: England Update
Following discussions today and further clarification from UK Government and Sport England https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus and assistance from the Outdoor Industry Association we can confirm the following:
Recreational Paddling
Is allowed following government guidelines.
You can
Travel to an outdoors venue, however advice is to stay local
You are on your own
Within a support bubble
With your household (those you live with)
With 1 person from another household
Safety
We strongly advise that you paddle / surf well within your limits. Our SUP Safety information can be found here
Coaching
Coaching can take place 1:1 only, in an open space, following government guidelines. Ensure your risk documentation contains any changes / updates.
Venues
Inland - Please ensure you keep up to date and hold your Canal and Rivers Trust License, maintaining your membership. Check prior to travel as some venues may be closed. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/towpaths-to-remain-open-during-national-restrictions
Coast
Beaches are open however please be aware that the lifeguard service has now finished.
Further information please contact us info@waterskillsacademy.com
Water Skills Academy COVID Update 4.11.2024
We are seeing changes again across Europe and closer to home within the UK, as Wales comes out of lockdown England will enter one. N. Ireland, Ireland and Scotland are also issuing new guidance and changes. As an international organisation it is impossible for us to post all changes so we once again urge you to check the areas you paddle in and abide by regulations.
As many paddle on canals and rivers locally CRT have updated their guidance for their managed areas and we ask you to read and comply with this guidance and English regulations. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-paddle-sports
Coastal users should also follow Government regulations and please remember that lifeguard services and surf schools have stopped for the year and we should consider placing increased demand on emergency services.
Water Skills Academy COVID 19 Update: 16th October 2020
The European COVID situation is changing and local lockdowns and regulations are taking place at a rapid rate.
With this in mind we ask all our members to abide by their local regulations to keep themselves and their communities safe.
Our advice remains to source information from the Government websites and remain up to date using this information.
We are available to assist with any queries regarding this matter.
Water Skills Academy COVID 19 Update: 10th July 2020
Please continue to follow Government advice on social distancing and hygiene. We also continue to recommend the WSA COVID Care QA Scheme available to all. This includes being very aware of the impact on all communities.
Wales (Source – Welsh Gov)
Following the latest 21-day review of the coronavirus regulations, the First Minister has set out a phased timetable to ease restrictions for large parts of Wales’ visitor, hospitality, and leisure and tourism sectors.Although cases of coronavirus are declining in Wales, the disease has not gone away and everyone has a responsibility to maintain social distancing, good hand hygiene and to respect the places and communities they visit.https://gov.wales/sport-recreation-and-leisure-guidance-phased-return-html#section-46491From Monday, (13 July) the following will be able to open, subject to following the guidance about coronavirus-safe ways to operate:
Hairdressing salons and barbershops, including mobile hairdressers.
Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes outdoors.
Outdoor cinemas.
Indoor visitor attractions, but a small number of underground visitor attractions will remain closed for the time being because of the higher risks associated with these environments. The Welsh Government will continue to work with these attractions towards safe re-opening.
Places of worship. Faith leaders can begin to gradually resume services when they are ready to do so safely.
FAQs: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance#section-39253
The Welsh Government is also making changes to the regulations to allow larger gatherings of up to 30 people outdoors only where these are organised and supervised by a responsible person for sports and other leisure activities and classes.
England (9th July 2020)
We will update the WSA knowledge bank, please see additional information here.
Scotland (9th July 2020)
Scotland continues with its phased approach and the link below provides information on moving into phase 3.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis-phase-3-update/
Northern Ireland (9th July 2020)
The Executive has agreed that elite athletes can commence indoor training on 29 June.Indicative dates have also been agreed for the following activities:
reopening of indoor gyms - 10 July
reopening of outdoor leisure playgrounds - 10 July
competitive sports - 17 July
limited numbers of outdoor spectators permitted on 17 July with numbers increased at a later date - 31 July
reopening of indoor sports courts and skating rinks - 7 August
leisure centres and soft play areas - 7 August
socially-distanced indoor spectators permitted - 28 August
Each of the activities listed will remain under review and will be ratified by the Executive ahead of the indicative date, based on the emerging situation.
Return to sport
For further detailed information and sources of advice and assistance visit: The Safe Phased Return of Sport, Leisure and Recreation in Northern Ireland (external link opens in a new window / tab)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Framework for a Return to Sport
Ireland
Ireland remains ahead of the UK in regards to reducing restrictions, please refer to – https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
WSA COVID - 19 Welsh Update 4th June 2020
We have received confirmation this morning that Welsh Government will allow coaching of a 'household'.
The coach counts as one household, so is therefore able to meet with an unlimited number of people from another household for coaching purposes as long as everyone stays local (5 Miles) and all other guidelines are adhered to.
Only two households can meet, and social distancing must be observed, equipment shouldn’t be shared.
Even though this is a positive development we ask that you check with landowners and consider your social responsibilities.
WSA COVID - 19 Update 29th May 2020
In the last few days we have seen some developments in restrictions for movement and social interaction. We are currently reviewing the updates in relation to guidance on SUP, Surf, Packrafting and coaching / training.
NB – Please ensure that you continue to ask yourselves, is my journey essential? Will my destination be open? Should I be putting pressure on a the community?We will be updating this later.Please use our 10 safety steps listed below, for guidance.
England
As of the 1st June, six people from different households are allowed to meet, maintaining strict social distancing.https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Wales
As of the 1st of June, you can meet another household in your area ‘outside in open air’, travel of up to 5 miles is allowed. ‘Rule of thumb’, social distancing must be maintained.https://gov.wales/coronavirus
Scotland
You can take part in outdoor recreation alone or with members of your household and/or members of 1 other household at a time, providing that physical distancing of at least 2 metres is maintained between the different households at all times.If people from 2 households are meeting, you should meet in small numbers – no more than 8 people in total at a time. You should not meet people from more than 1 other household each day. Meeting only in small groups will reduce the risk that outdoor spaces could become crowded and make physical distancing harder to maintain, and meeting no more than 1 household each day will minimise the risk that someone who had the virus without realising it could infect multiple households on the same day.Meeting outdoors with members of more than 1 other household at a time is not permitted.https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
N Ireland
Updates https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/news/covid-19-press-conference-28-may-2020
Wales Update for WSA Activities - 15th May 2020
We have been holding back on making a statement until we were 100% on information from the fantastic organisations we work with. We feel this is the only way to remain safe and convey correct messages to our members and the community who we have gained further support from over this period.Following a meeting and update from Welsh Government 13th May and further information we can clarify that ‘Exercise’ is not specified therefore WSA Activities can take place under conditions.However, the overarching message is STAY AT HOME.Please be aware that many access points are closed including beach car parks, National Trust and local authority areas.Working in close contact with the Canal and Rivers Trust we can now confirm that the guidance for Wales has changed: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/coronavirus
Please note the current guidance from HM Coastguard as of 15th May 2020 remains the same for Wales: https://www.gov.uk/…/hm-coastguard-asks-everyone-to-take-ex…
We ask that you comply with local restrictions and be very considerate to local communities and follow all government advice.The current guidance from Welsh Government can be found here: https://gov.wales/leaving-home-exercise-guidanceYou can access water for Exercise within walking distance of your home and we recommend starting and finishing at the same point of access.
Can I drive?
Welsh Government guidance states, “The intention is that exercise should be undertaken locally – as close as possible to the home. In general, this should not involve people driving to a location away from home for this purpose. No journeys of any significant distance should be taken, for example, just in order to exercise in the countryside or at beauty spots (many of which are closed in any event to prevent this).” https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance
Please follow the WSA suggested ten points to stay safe and minimise risk, before considering exercise on the water:
Choose your nearest patrolled beach (PLEASE SEE HM COASTGUARD FOR WALES).
For those of you planning to paddle in the ocean, please choose to use a beach that is patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards when this begins. The RNLI has announced that they will be providing limited cover for the 2020 season, with only 70 of 240 beaches nationally having cover.
Stick to activities you know.
Now is not the time to start a new activity such as surfing or paddleboarding, unless you can take lessons from a suitably qualified and experienced instructor. With most surf and SUP schools likely to remain closed for the near future, lessons are not going to be available.
Check the conditions.
weather and surf forecasts to see if the conditions are appropriate for your skill level. Now is not the time to be challenging yourself in adverse conditions.
Don’t go SOLO!
Surf/SUP/Paddle with a friend or with someone else maintaining social distancing if safe to do so.
Check your kit.
Leashes, boards, wetsuits, safety kit. If paddling, carry a drybag if possible. Make sure you have an appropriate comms device - a VHF or at the very least, a mobile phone in a waterproof holder. Check it is charged prior to leaving.
Communicate.
Let others know where you are going, and your estimated return time. Have a plan and make sure everyone understands it.
Warm up.
You have been off water for a few weeks. Don’t risk an injury which will keep you out for another long period.
Be kind.
We are all in this together and having these qualities is good for everyone. Be considerate, be helpful and don’t be selfish.
Respect local communities.
This is not the time to explore new areas. Stay local and avoid honey-spot areas. If they are busy try paddling outside of peak times. Be mindful of access, egress and pinch spots. Don’t paddle in large groups.
Follow Government guidelines.
If they say don’t go then don’t go. This is not the time to be a maverick. If we all follow the rules, the quicker we can return to some form of normality.Please ensure that your WSA membership is up-to-date, as this includes your insurance and Canal & Rivers Trust License.We all have a responsibility to our community, the reputation of the Water Skills Academy and our chosen activities. Please STOP and THINK, is it essential and be aware and considerate to those around you by following government social distancing and hygiene rules.
COVID 19 Statement – 12th May 2020
Water Skills Academy Update following the announcement by the UK Government on the 10th of May and 11th May. In relation to individual members only and not coaching activities.As you will be aware the lockdown restrictions are being eased in ENGLAND only from Wednesday the 13th of May which will allow some outdoor activities. We have been in contact with the Canal and Rivers Trust, as well as our insurance brokers and their advice is as follows:Whilst we understand that you are excited about this opportunity, we would ask you to STOP and THINK, is it essential? If you choose to paddle you MUST continue to follow guidelines on social distancing and travel.Remember that any incident or accident will be putting further risk and pressure on the emergency services and NHS. We would therefore again ask you to STOP and THINK is it essential?Please be aware that this is for England and that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have issued their own guidance.
Wales: https://gov.wales/leaving-home-exercise-guidance
Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/collect…/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance/
Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/…/new-coronavirus-covid-19-regu…
It remains that other countries follow their own guidelines.We will continue to update you.
April 20
While we all navigate through uncertain times, we appreciate that renewing memberships isn’t a favourable action for many. We are aware that COVID-19 is greatly impacting the WSA community, but we cannot stress enough the need for continued insurance cover through this time.With this in mind, coupled with the fact that the majority of income streams have been diminished, we have taken the decision to offer all of our current members extended membership until 1 July 2020, so that their cover and their businesses are not compromised during this time.
March 24
Lifeguarding qualifications extended to support everyone through the COVID-19 outbreak
We are very aware of the challenges that the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak is causing and WSA is committed to supporting all of our members, qualification holders and customers throughout this difficult period.Whilst the health of our families and communities is at the front of all of our minds, we are also aware that job security and future work planning is also a worrying issue for many people and businesses, especially those working in the leisure and aquatic sector, who are required to remain qualified in order to do their job.We understand that renewing qualifications and awards is particularly difficult at this time, however it is worth remembering, everyone will need to be qualified in order to get back to work as quickly as possible, as soon as we are able to do so. The following information has been sent to us by SLSGB.At the moment the RNLI have advised us that they are planning to commence beach patrols at Easter, although this will be finally confirmed at a later date. Many RNLI Lifeguards use our Lifeguard Award as their vocational qualification. The RNLI provide their own operational guidance to their Lifeguards on CPR. Our SLSGB declared patrols must have currently qualified lifeguards to be declared to the Coast Guard. Accordingly, to enable continuity of essential beach safety activity, we have provided a process for those who have used their Lifeguard award in 2019 to follow an evidence-based, self-declaration renewal procedure.We are being asked about proficiency requirements for renewals of the Surf Coach and safety and Rescue Award in anticipation of Surf Schools starting activity at Easter or soon after. In our opinion, this is a non-essential leisure-related activity. Whilst we have no direct influence over surfing or those who provide surf coaching products, we have decided to leave proficiency as it is so that when recreational beach activity re-starts, you respond.The length of the extension period will be reviewed, should the COVID-19 restrictions last beyond the revised expiry dates. Please contact SLSBG directly if you wish to apply to have your surf lifeguard qualification extended.
March 17
Dear WSA Community,As COVID-19 spreads we are taking additional safety measures to protect our trainers and members. The scale of impact is still unknown and we want to do our part to protect our community.Over the last few weeks, we have been monitoring developments and have now postponed all WSA foreign courses.As of today (17.3.2025) having worked with and taken advice from our risk management advisors and insurance company, we have made the decision to postpone