COVID-19 Update - 12th May 2020
Published 14:15 on 12 May 2020
Following the latest announcement by the Prime Minister regarding easing of lockdown restrictions in England, we have received a number of queries from members. The Executive Committee has consulted with the Harbour Authority (East Devon District Council) and has agreed the following guidance for AYC members:
- Current Government guidelines now allow members to travel to the club for exercise.
- Anyone who is unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 should not come to the club. Anyone who has contact with a family or household member who is unwell with the symptoms of COVID-19 should stay away from the club for a minimum of 14 days.
- Members are permitted to check on their boat's security and to undertake maintenance work.
- Members should arrive on their own or with members of their own household (i.e. those they live with).
- Please park on the beach top leaving one parking space empty between each car. DO NOT PARK IN THE YARD.
- Strict social distancing MUST be observed at all times.
- You are encouraged to bring disposable gloves and anti-bacterial hand sanitiser to use when handling surfaces that other members come into contact with e.g. yard taps.
- The clubhouse remains closed so there will be no toilet facilities available on site.
- You must bring your own tools and equipment - members will not be permitted to enter Fred's shed or borrow tools. Work within your capabilities to minimise the risk of an accident.
- Members are not permitted to stay overnight on their boats.
"Currently the RNLI are asking that no one go to sea unless it is essential. Should a boat or water user get into trouble they are putting an entire lifeboat crew at risk since there is no way they can socially distance or use masks during a rescue. Therefore our current position reflects this and recreational boating and water sports are not allowed from our harbours or beaches at this time. It is possible that the RNLI will change their position in the light of the government advice and if so we will review ours accordingly at that point."
Peter Blyth
Axmouth Harbourmaster
The Club cannot therefore allow members to put to sea either via the harbour or from the beach at this time.
In anticipation of the restrictions on recreational boating being lifted by the Harbour Authority at some stage:
- It has been confirmed by the Harbourmaster that boats with pontoon moorings may be launched as long as strict social distancing controls are maintained. Boats may make the short transit from slipway to berth. Launching will be co-ordinated by the Bosun.
- Social distancing MUST be observed at all times - please take particular care to maintain 2m distancing when accessing the pontoons.
- Members are not permitted to stay overnight on their boat on their mooring.
- Members with summer storage - until boats can be launched and moved to their pontoon moorings, space in the yard will be limited so please do not bring your boat to the yard without contacting the Bosun first so he can advise where it should be parked.
- Please make sure that your boat and trailer are clearly marked with your AYC membership number. To maximise the storage/parking space, the Bosun must know who to contact in the event that it needs to be moved. A spare key for any trailer lock must be left with the Bosun
The Executive Committee will of course keep the situation under review and will update this advice as further guidance is issued.