Is Coasteering safe?
Coasteering with a professional company with qualified guides is safe. This needs to be balanced against the element of “adventure” and operating in a totally natural marine environment – not a controlled theme park.
There are always elements of risk. A professional coasteering company will manage this risk and operate within the National Coasteering Charter guidelines.
A professional coasteering company will start a session with a thorough safety briefing. This will then be followed by coaching and practicing how to enter and exit the water safely – all from low level. As the session progresses, so will the challenges.
How to enter the water, especially from height, is a key skill of coasteering and safety.
As the confidence and skills of the group grow, so will the challenges. This should always be “challenge by choice”. If a member of the group is uncomfortable, there should always be an optional way to move forward that avoids whatever is making them uncomfortable.
Having the right equipment is also key to safe coasteering. The coasteering company should provide you with:
Equipment:
- A robust and warm wetsuit
- Wetsuit / neoprene gloves
- Buoyancy aid
- A helmet
- Neoprene water boots with a grippy firm sole
- And of course, a qualified and experienced instructor/s
The coasteering guide and company should have a detailed knowledge of the coastal area to be explored including; tides, water depths, any submerged hazards, access, wildlife and any seasonal restrictions.
