Beach Visit (non-swimming) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• 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.
• Stranger danger — Instruct participants to avoid interactions with strangers and to report any suspicious behavior to a supervisor. Keep the group together in a supervised area, and assign extra staff to patrol the vicinity to ensure no unauthorized individuals approach the group.
• Unstable geological features (cliffs, dunes, falling rocks) — Conduct a pre-visit inspection to identify and mark off unstable areas such as cliffs, dunes, or rocky outcrops. Instruct participants to stay well clear of these zones. Use signage or physical barriers if needed. Position supervisors strategically near hazard zones to monitor behaviour and intervene promptly if boundaries are approached.
• Lack of local knowledge — Conduct a site visit before the activity to become familiar with the area. Contact local authorities, such as coastguards or park rangers, for insights into specific risks. Provide supervisors with detailed maps and emergency contact information for the location.
• 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.