Health & Safety Policy

Ocean Therapy

A trading name of Surf Therapy CIC

Last updated: March 2026

1. Statement of Intent

Ocean Therapy is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all participants, volunteers, staff and members of the public involved in our activities.

We recognise that ocean-based sessions involve inherent risks and we are committed to managing those risks responsibly, professionally and proactively.

This policy is guided by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and relevant UK and Welsh health and safety legislation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

Ocean-based wellbeing and surf sessions
Beach-based activities
Volunteers and facilitators
Participants (including children and adults at risk)
Contractors acting on behalf of Ocean Therapy

3. Responsibilities

Ocean Therapy Will:

Conduct appropriate risk assessments for all activities
Monitor weather, tide and sea conditions
Provide suitable safety briefings
Maintain appropriate insurance cover
Ensure equipment is fit for purpose
Provide trained facilitators
Maintain first aid provision

Staff & Volunteers Must:

Follow safety procedures and instructions
Raise concerns immediately
Act within their competence
Support participant safety at all times

Participants Must:

Follow instructions given by facilitators
Disclose relevant medical information
Inform staff if feeling unwell or unsafe
Behave responsibly and respectfully

4. Risk Assessment

Ocean Therapy conducts risk assessments for:

Sea conditions (waves, tides, currents)
Weather conditions
Equipment use
Participant capabilities
Safeguarding considerations
Environmental hazards (rocks, marine life, debris)

Sessions may be cancelled or modified where conditions are unsafe.

5. Ocean & Environmental Safety

Due to the dynamic nature of the sea:

Conditions are assessed prior to each session
Safe entry and exit points are identified
Participant-to-facilitator ratios are controlled
Boundaries within the water are clearly defined
Appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., wetsuits, buoyancy aids where necessary) is used

No participant will be required to enter water beyond their ability or comfort level.

6. First Aid & Emergency Procedures

Ocean Therapy will:

Ensure at least one trained first aider is present
Carry appropriate first aid equipment
Have clear emergency response procedures
Contact emergency services where necessary

In the event of serious injury or risk:

Emergency services (999) will be contacted
Swansea local services will be engaged where appropriate

7. Medical Information

Participants must disclose:

Relevant medical conditions
Medication affecting participation
Allergies or physical limitations

Ocean Therapy reserves the right to decline participation where safety cannot be reasonably assured.

8. Equipment Safety

All equipment:

Is checked prior to sessions
Is maintained appropriately
Is used only for its intended purpose
Is withdrawn from use if unsafe

Participants must not use equipment without instruction.

9. Safeguarding & Vulnerable Individuals

Ocean Therapy recognises that physical safety and safeguarding are closely linked.

All sessions operate under:

The Safeguarding Policy
Clear supervision procedures
Appropriate volunteer vetting where required

10. Incident Reporting

All accidents, near misses or safety concerns must be reported immediately.

Ocean Therapy will:

Record incidents
Review procedures where necessary
Take corrective action if required

11. Lone Working

Where lone working may occur:

Risk assessments will be conducted
Check-in procedures will be in place
Volunteers will not supervise vulnerable participants alone

12. Review & Monitoring

This Health & Safety Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

An incident occurs
Legislation changes
Operational procedures change

Contact Us

For any cookie-related enquiries, please contact:

info@oceantherapy.uk
07900 578386