Safety on and off the water
We are proud of our excellent safety record. Please take the time to review our recommendations.
In and around the Club
Please be aware that there is a big drop beyond the terrace walls and, last time we checked, people don’t bounce too well off rock! If you fall on the river side at low tide you are in for, at best, a very muddy experience. At high tide please see the note below on tides.
On the pontoons
Please be aware that the River Dart can have very strong tidal currents, particularly on spring tides – you could be halfway to Dittisham or halfway across Start Bay if you are not careful. We strongly recommend that all adults wear life jackets and we insist that all children do.
On the water
Safety is very important to each of the club's Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and further details of their own safety guidelines are available under each individual section on the website.
The club has 4 motor boats - Bravo, Tango, Zulu and Delta which are used by the Special Interest Groups for taxi, support and safety boat duties. Bravo is also used for Race Officer Duty. Only approved drivers are permitted to drive the club motor boats.
In order to become an RDYC approved motor boat driver, you will need to have an RYA PB2 certificate (or ICC Power/Yacht Master or any similar approved rating) and then pass an assessment with one of our club powerboat instructors. If you would like to become an approved driver please contact the RDYC at office@royaldart.co.uk or 01803 752496.
Aides-memoires covering the motor boat operations and required mooring procedures are available on the member's website pages.
Safety Training
RDYC runs regular Safety at Sea courses as well as First Aid courses – see our training page for details.