Detailed Risk Assessment for teaching yoga at the beach for the council covering the identification of risk of different types of injuries, precautionary measures and solutions

March 2, 2025

1- Risk Identification

a) Environmental Risks

Exposure to the Sun: Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation may cause sunburn, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. These may result in a wide range of symptoms, from lightheadedness to severe burns and, in the most severe instances, loss of consciousness.
Injuries Caused by Sand. The uneven surface of the sand might cause people to fall or have unstable footing, which could lead to sprains, strains, or fractures. Sand may get into the eyes, which can cause discomfort if it does.
Water Dangers. There is a chance of participants drowning if they swim in the ocean, particularly if the currents are strong or if the participants need to be better swimmers. This risk is increased when participants are not strong swimmers.
Changes in the Weather. Sudden shifts in the weather, such as rain, wind, or temperature reductions, might put participants at risk for hypothermia or make them uncomfortable.
Marine Life. An injury can be sustained due to contact with marine life, such as being stung by a jellyfish or cutting oneself on jagged shells.

b) Dangers to People’s Bodies and Health

Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids due to the effects of physical activity. When combined with hot weather, there is an increased danger of dehydration, which may bring on symptoms such as dizziness, disorientation, and unconsciousness in the worst situations.
Physical injuries. Injuries to the Muscles, Joints, and Ligaments The risk of muscle pulls, joint injuries, ligament tears, and other soft tissue injuries is increased while engaging in physical activity, particularly in an environment that may be unstable.
Pre-existing Medical Condition. People with pre-existing medical illnesses, such as heart disease, asthma, or other chronic ailments, risk experiencing a severe health crisis while participating in a yoga session, especially if the room is very warm.

2- Risk Evaluation

It is important to analyze each identified risk, considering the chance it will materialize and its possible consequences. Figuring out the likely frequency and severity of the risk and the appropriateness of the control mechanisms already in place is part of this process.

3- Methods for reducing risk

a) Environmental Risks

Sun Exposure: Strongly recommend UV-protective clothes, helmets, and sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Classes should be held either very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Make sure there are shady spots accessible for people to relax and recuperate.
Sand Injuries: Before class, level the surface and remove sharp items from the vicinity. To provide participants with more stability and comfort, encourage the usage of thick yoga mats. Inform the participants to avoid touching their eyes and wash their hands often.
Dangers Presented by Water: Defined Boundaries Should Be Kept Away From the Water. Give a quick rundown on the risks of swimming in the ocean. During the time that the lesson is in session, there should either be a lifeguard on duty or another person present capable of performing lifesaving techniques.
Changes in the Weather: Keep a careful eye on the weather predictions. If the weather is unfavourable, you should establish a backup plan with a different indoor venue for the sessions.
Marine animals: Conduct routine checks of the shore to look for potentially hazardous marine animals. Include in your briefing some recommendations for what participants should do if they encounter any possible maritime risks.

b) Dangers to People’s Bodies and Health

Dehydration. Participants should be encouraged to drink water before, during, and after the class to prevent dehydration. Establish water stations as necessary. Reminding participants to take breaks regularly is important, particularly when the weather is hot.
Physical Injuries: Certified yoga teachers should conduct lessons and be able to alter postures for students of all ability levels. Yoga may be beneficial for people of all fitness levels. Participants must be encouraged to appropriately warm up and cool down before and after the activity.
Pre-existing Medical Condition. Require a health statement from participants before they may participate in the class if they have a pre-existing medical condition. There should be access to first aid supplies, and a strategy should be in place for dealing with medical emergencies.

4- The Monitoring and Evaluation of Risk

Continuous risk management entails performing routine monitoring and analysis of hazards and evaluating the efficacy of control methods. Reevaluate the dangers after every occurrence, and adjust your risk management strategy appropriately.

5- Risk Reporting

Any discovered events or hazards should be reported straight away to the council by the instructors. Additionally, they need to adequately communicate with the participants about the dangers and safety measures taken.

a) Incident Reporting

The council must receive fast and comprehensive reports about any and all events. The date and time of the occurrence, the persons involved, a description of what transpired, any injuries or damage, any immediate action taken, and pictures or other proof, if available, should all be included in the report.

b) Reporting of Potential Dangers

If teachers become aware of any new dangers while teaching a class, they must record and report them to the council as soon as possible. Changes in the environment, such as an increase in the activity of marine life or the degradation of the beach, and new health hazards, such as an epidemic of a communicable illness among participants, are included in this category.

6- Risk Communications.

a) To Participants

Before beginning the lesson, instructors need to make sure that participants are aware of any and all possible dangers and safety precautions. This may be done orally at the beginning of each session, and it can also be done in writing when participants sign up.

b) To the Council

The council should be kept up to date on a regular basis by the instructors about the implementation of safety measures, any events that take place, and any adjustments that are made to the risk assessment.

7- A plan for dealing with emergencies

There should be a strategy for dealing with potential medical emergencies such as physical injuries, drowning, severe allergic responses, and health crises caused by pre-existing disorders. The plan has to include how to provide first aid, who to call in an emergency, how to safely evacuate the area, and how to go to the hospital that is closest to you.

The council will guarantee that beach yoga sessions are as risk-free as possible for all participants if they carry out this risk assessment and put the preventive measures described earlier into practice. It is essential to conduct frequent reviews and keep this risk assessment up to date, particularly to account for occurrences of new hazards or changes in the environment or the composition of the participants