Dear Members,
We hope everyone is well at this time. I have spoken with many members over the past few days to scope thoughts and ideas on the club's response to COVID-19.
Following a statement last night from Transport NSW it was confirmed that as with land based activities, there are reasonable excuses to be on the water. These include:
- Exercise (e.g. kayaking / fishing / sailing / paddling etc);
- Fishing
- get to and from work, where work cannot be reasonably be preformed from home
- get groceries; and
- provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the persons family.
The overwhelming sediment from members was that they are likely to utilise the club boats during COVID restrictions as long as it remains permissible to do so i.e. go fishing.
The Transport for NSW statement can be found here .
We have provisioned club boats with single use wipes and disinfectant spray. We have assessed boat accessibility with our marina partners and social distancing guidelines can be maintained with no interactions with marina staff required for use of the boat. Members will receive instruction on infection control measures when making bookings.
The below infographic contains useful information on boating and social distancing. It should be noted that social distancing rules always apply. To be clear, you should only be on the boat on your own, or with no more than one other person; or with family who ordinarily live in the same house as you.
Social distancing rules do not apply to persons who ordinarily live in the same house as you.
Despite coming into the cooler months, getting out on a boat may be a activity you want to consider weighing the benefits of boating / fishing to your wellbeing against COVID risks at this time.
We will be monitoring for any change to the status of boating / fishing with regards to restrictions and the Public Health Order and communicate any changes.
Lastly, stay safe and keep in touch! I wish everyone the best during these times!
Dan