Boating Coaches and Instructors encouraged to help COVID-19 efforts

RYA Cymru Wales sailing in Cardiff Bay © RYA Cymru-Wales

RYA Cymru Wales is encouraging sailing coaches and instructors to help out in their communities during the current COVID-19 crisis.

The spread of the virus has seen the RYA suspend organised events and training until at least April 30th, 2020, in line with Government advice to avoid mass gatherings and non-essential travel.

The difficult decision has been taken to protect the health and well-being of participants, officials, organisers and volunteers, as well as alleviating the risk of extra burden on the emergency services at a testing time.

However it also causes problems for sailing coaches and instructors, many of whom are self-employed with their main income coming from boating.

"Given the current climate and with many critical services being over-stretched, our coaches and instructors could make an impact supporting Local Authorities, NHS Trusts, supermarkets, or other areas," said RYA Cymru Wales chief executive Gerwyn Owen.

"We know this is a really difficult time for them, as for many people around the UK. This could offer an opportunity to turn a negative into a positive.

"There is a relaxation on the need for DBS checks, but if they already have a DBS through sailing or volunteering then they can be used for social care roles within that sector.

"The sailing community would like to see those coaches and instructors helping out elsewhere and then being in a position to return to boating when the wider situation starts to improve and it is possible to restart the development of our sport."

For further details about Welsh sailing and watersports, please go to www.rya.org.uk/rya-regions/rya-cymru-wales or www.facebook.com/RYACymruWales or follow on Twitter @RYACymruWales. You can also keep up to date by following RYA Cymru Wales on Instagram - www.instagram.com/rya_cymru_wales

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