Outdoor Adventure
Coasteering Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for coasteering adventures and coastal exploration.
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Updated February 2026
The essential guide to coasteering safety
Coasteering combines cliff jumping, swimming, and rock scrambling along rugged coastlines. This dynamic activity requires careful management of multiple hazards in a constantly changing marine environment.
This guide covers everything you need for a thorough coasteering risk assessment—from tidal planning and swell assessment to jump safety, cold water management, and emergency procedures.
Outdoor Activity
Activity Benefits
Why coasteering is worth the investment
Adrenaline & Adventure
Thrilling combination of jumping, swimming, and exploring.
Confidence Building
Overcoming challenges in a dynamic environment.
Marine Environment
Unique access to coastal wildlife and geology.
Physical Fitness
Full-body workout combining swimming and climbing.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
DrowningHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Drowning from exhaustion, cold, waves, or injury after jumping.
Control Measures
- Swimming competency verified (50m+ in open water)
- Buoyancy aids worn by all participants
- Qualified leader with rescue skills
- Group size appropriate to conditions
Cliff Jumping InjuriesHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Impact injuries from landing, submerged rocks, or poor technique.
Control Measures
- All jumps checked by leader before use
- Water depth verified at current tide
- Proper jumping technique taught
- Progressive jump heights
Tides & SwellHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Swept away, trapped, or unable to exit due to conditions.
Control Measures
- Tide times and heights calculated
- Swell forecast checked
- Route planned for tidal state
- Escape routes identified
Cold WaterHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Cold water shock, hypothermia, swim failure.
Control Measures
- Wetsuits worn (5mm+ recommended)
- Session duration limited
- Monitor participants for cold signs
- Warm kit available post-session
Rock ScramblingMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Slips, falls, cuts on rocks.
Control Measures
- Helmets worn at all times
- Appropriate footwear (wetsuit boots)
- Leader selects appropriate routes
- Group assisted at difficult sections
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 40 hazards and 96+ control measures for Coasteering, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Pre-session checklist
Conditions
- Tide times checked
- Swell forecast reviewed
- Weather suitable
- Water temperature noted
Equipment
- Wetsuits fitted
- Helmets provided
- Buoyancy aids worn
- First aid kit available
Group
- Swimming ability confirmed
- Safety brief completed
- Medical conditions known
- Signals understood
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