A novel strategy for ensuring safety in the digital realm
In a bid to maintain its reputation for excellence and modernise its operations, the Royal Lymington Yacht Club has implemented a digital approach to safety management and maintenance. This transformation, spearheaded by Training Manager Richard Mills, has streamlined processes, improved accessibility, and boosted efficiency.
The club now uses Cognito across its training activities, including medical consent, daily risk assessments, staff/volunteer inductions, accidents/near misses, and maintenance. Cognito offers a flexible form builder that allows the collection of consistent data and provides direct access to relevant supporting documents.
One of the key benefits of this digital shift is the streamlined process and accessibility it offers. The use of Cognito forms simplifies the process of reporting and managing safety-related incidents. The forms are accessible through the club's website and via QR codes posted around the site, making it easier for members to submit reports from anywhere.
The data collected from these forms can be analyzed in spreadsheets, allowing the club to monitor activities, identify trends, and take necessary actions. This improves the overall safety management by providing insights into recurring issues.
Consistency and clarity have also been enhanced with the digital approach. It ensures that all necessary information is collected and organized consistently, reducing errors and improving the efficiency of response mechanisms.
Increased transparency and confidence are also by-products of this transformation. By making these forms accessible to everyone, the club promotes transparency and confidence among members and potential customers, particularly for parents seeking safe learning environments for their children.
The Cognito forms also aid in maintenance by allowing the club to track progress on reported issues. This includes colour-coding the status of repairs, providing a clear timeline for completion, and ensuring that all club boats and trailers are properly maintained.
The Royal Lymington Yacht Club, located in the New Forest and an RYA Recognised Training Centre, is open 364 days a year with a staff team supported by members and volunteers. The club offers a variety of courses, racing, and cruising activities including dinghy, keelboat, and powerboat.
Training Manager Richard Mills joined the club in April 2024 and replaced the paperwork for accidents/near misses with an online Cognito form. He advises other clubs to start implementing digital forms one step at a time, focusing on specific areas like accidents or maintenance.
The club is considering expanding its 'digital first' approach to areas such as racing and running events. They have found Dynamic QR codes and waterproof vinyl stickers useful for various purposes. The QR codes have a tracking feature and allow link updating, while the stickers have an outdoor life of about 3 years.
An example of this is the issue of people picking up splinters from the pontoons, which has been addressed by introducing mats during peak activity. This digital-first approach not only enhances the club's professional image but also contributes to a safer and more reliable environment for members.
- The Royal Lymington Yacht Club, in its pursuit of excellence and modernization, has integrated technology not only in safety management, but also in sports, using Cognito forms for reporting incidents and tracking maintenance progress in racing and cruising activities.
- By making safety-related forms accessible through the club's website and QR codes, members can easily submit reports from anywhere, thereby bringing transparency and efficiency to sports events and contributing to a safer sports environment.
