Health & Safety Policy Statement

Last updated: 11/02/2026

Moira Lakes is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all participants, visitors, staff and contractors. As an outdoor activity centre operating water-based and land-based activities, health and safety is central to our daily operations.

1. Statement of Commitment

Hoy & Dorman Ltd, trading as Moira Lakes, accepts its responsibilities under health and safety legislation in Northern Ireland and is committed to:
  • Providing and maintaining a safe environment for all activities.
  • Preventing accidents and work-related ill health so far as is reasonably practicable.
  • Ensuring appropriate supervision and qualified instruction.
  • Maintaining equipment to appropriate safety standards.
  • Reviewing and improving health and safety practices on an ongoing basis.

2. Responsibility

Overall responsibility for Health & Safety rests with: Martin Hoy – Director, Moira LakesDay-to-day operational responsibility rests with: Mark Gillespie – Manager, Moira LakesAll staff, instructors and volunteers share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment and must follow established procedures.

3. Risk Assessments and Operating Procedures

Moira Lakes maintains written risk assessments covering activities, equipment, facilities, and site-specific hazards.We operate documented:
  • Normal Operating Procedures (NOPs)
  • Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
  • Activity-specific safety briefings
Risk assessments and procedures are reviewed periodically and updated where necessary.

4. Qualified Staff and Standards

Moira Lakes ensures that instructors and safety staff hold relevant qualifications and training appropriate to the activities being delivered.
  • Staff may hold qualifications in open water lifeguarding, paddlesport leadership, rescue training or other relevant outdoor activity disciplines.
  • Sessions are supervised by appropriately trained personnel based on the nature of the activity and associated risk.
  • Staff receive site-specific training and are familiar with our Normal Operating Procedures (NOPs) and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
We allocate suitably trained personnel to activities according to risk assessment and operational requirements.

5. Equipment and Facilities

All activity equipment is inspected and maintained. Equipment used for water-based and land-based activities is checked prior to sessions.Facilities, jetties, piers and access routes are monitored and maintained to reduce risk so far as reasonably practicable.

6. Emergency Procedures

Moira Lakes operates an overarching Emergency Action Plan (EAP) covering incidents including medical emergencies, water rescues, severe weather and site evacuation.Emergency equipment is available on site and staff are trained in emergency response and first aid.

7. Accident and Incident Reporting

Accidents, incidents and near misses are recorded in accordance with our internal reporting procedures.Where required, incidents will be reported to relevant authorities in line with Northern Ireland regulations.

8. Participant Responsibilities

Participants and visitors are expected to:
  • Follow all safety instructions and briefings.
  • Wear required safety equipment (e.g. buoyancy aids, tow floats).
  • Inform staff of relevant medical conditions.
  • Act responsibly and not endanger themselves or others.

9. Continuous Improvement

Health and safety practices at Moira Lakes are subject to ongoing review. Feedback, incident learning and changes in legislation or governing body guidance are incorporated into operational procedures.