Beach Visit (non-swimming) Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Lost personal belongings — Advise participants to only bring essential items and provide a secure, supervised location for belongings. Label personal items with the participant's name, and remind the group to check their area for belongings before moving to another location or ending the trip.
• Participants with additional needs — Ensure that all participants' medical, physical, and learning needs are identified and catered to in advance. Provide appropriate support staff where needed, and adjust activities to be inclusive for all participants. Carry necessary medical supplies or assistive devices for participants with specific conditions.
• Hazardous debris — Conduct a visual sweep of the area before allowing participants access. Ensure everyone keeps their shoes on in high risk areas and avoids touching objects. Carry grabbers and gloves if collecting debris is part of the activity. First aid kits should be readily available to treat injuries.
• Inadequate supervision — Ensure adequate adult-to-child ratios, based on group size and specific needs. Assign supervisors specific roles (e.g., first aid, crowd control). Rotate supervision roles to maintain focus and avoid fatigue. All supervisors should be briefed on the activity plan and safety protocols.
• Slips, trips, and falls due to natural terrain — Conduct a pre-visit inspection to identify tripping hazards such as wet sand, rocks, or uneven surfaces. Advise participants to wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear and walk carefully, especially near the shoreline or in rocky areas. Clearly mark safer paths and supervise movement across challenging terrain. Adjust the route if necessary to avoid high-risk areas.