While the risks associated with Sailing and Watersports in general are very minimal, ABC would still like to remind members of some important points to ensure sailors have an enjoyable and safe experience while afloat! We will be regularly updating this section with advice and recommendations, so check back from time to time! While some club rules differ slightly, we highly recommend members to review the important Hong Kong LCSD Watersports Safety Guidelines, which may be found by clicking the following: Hong Kong LCSD Watersports Safety Guidelines

Buoyancy Aids and Lifejackets

It is a requirement that all ABC staff, members and guests wear personal flotation while sailing club dinghies, windsurfers or using club Stand Up Paddle Boards or Kayaks. We also require drivers and all passengers on ABC “open” powerboats to wear buoyancy aids according to the club rule published HERE 
Click here for ABC's Safety Sheet on Buoyancy Aids: ABC Safety First! Buoyancy Aids and Lifejackets

Drowning

An understanding of Secondary Drowning is important for all, look HERE 
In the winterthe waters of HK can be surprisingly cold. Watch the video of the effect of Cold Water Immersion HERE

Weather and weather warnings

• Sailing Courses and dinghy hire at Middle Island will be cancelled if a Typhoon Signal no 3 is issued or a Black or Red Rainstorm Warning is in force.
• Under the Typhoon no.1 signal, Monsoon Warning or Amber Rainstorm warning, activities will go ahead at the discretion of ABC staff, depending largely on local conditions. If weather is deeemed unsuitable for water-based activity, shore teaching will still take place.
• Organised courses will still go ahead if the Thunderstorm Warning is issued, but on the water activities will not take place if there are any thunderstorms in the local area. To view 10 tips about dealing with thunderstorms, which apply to yachts and cruisers as well as dinghies, look HERE

Further details on weather warnings may be found by clicking the following:
Hong Kong Observatory Weather Warnings  
Weather information for Watersports  

Use of the kill-cord while driving powerboats

The club reminds all those who may drive powerboats that the use of kill-cords is vital. Click below for detailed advice:
ABC Safety First! Use your kill-cord!

Shark Warnings

From time to time Shark Warnings may be issued in HK waters. While the club does not want to over-react, some prudent action may be taken and members will be informed by means of a shark warning flag and notices posted.
ABC Shark Warning Poster

Red Tides

In the summer months red tides can affect our sailing area. Generally these are harmless, but to learn more click below:
ABC Safety First! Red Tides in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Government Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) provides extensive information and monitoring of Red Tides in Hong Kong, look HERE for more details.

Safety Knives

The Safety Knife is a vital piece of kit for sailors and also powerboat operators. ABC recommends that all sailors, apart from young children, and especially those sailing High Performance Dinghies, carry a personal safety knife at all times. Click below to read our detailed review of choosing the right knife that could one day be a life saver.
ABC Safety First! Safety Knives

Jet Ski Safety

Jet Ski's may not suit everyone, but  certainly can be great fun. ABC would like to remind users that the area around our Middle Island Club and Deep Water Bay has a speed limit, and personal watercraft should be driven slowly, paying attention to other water users from not only the Jet Ski itself, but also its wash. Particular caution should be shown for swimmers and young children. An introduction to Jet Ski's and particular safety considerations may be found HERE. 

Propeller Guards

ABC advises users of small powerboats and RIBS to consider the use of propeller guards.
While all powerboat drivers should be skilled and aware of the dangers of driving when people
are in the water, prop guards do offer an extra level of safety.
A very balanced and detailed assessment, click HERE
The RYA Policy on Propeller Guards for recreational boaters is HERE
The RYA Policy on Propeller Guards for Training Centres is HERE