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 members and guests wear personal flotation while sailing club dinghies, windsurfers or using club kayaks. We also ask that all passengers on ABC “open” powerboats wear buoyancy aids.
Click below for ABC's Safety Sheet on Buoyancy Aids:
ABC Safety First! Buoyancy Aids and Lifejackets
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 number 1 signal, or Amber Rainstorm warnings, activities will go ahead at the discretion of ABC Management staff, depending largely on local conditions. Courses and watersports activites will continue if the Thunderstorm Warning is issued, but will immediately be suspended if there are any thunderstorms in the local area. Activities taking place when the Monsoon warning signal is in force may be limited or suspended at the discretion of ABC Management Staff according to local conditions. 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
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.