Swimming and paddling in natural waters such as rivers, canals, the sea or lochs can present significant hazards and the Visit Leader must prepare a risk assessment detailing any significant hazards and how they will be controlled. If this is a planned activity it is expected that the Visit Leader, or other designated supervisor in the group, will have had the appropriate training as recommended by the RLSS or other appropriate National Governing Body to supervise this activity.
Approval should be given initially by the Head of Establishment before being submitted to the Local Authority or Employer to confirm the safety of swimming in natural waters.
Unplanned swimming in natural waters such as the sea, lochs, rivers etc. should be avoided and this should be made clear to participants in the planning stage.
