General Sailing Center Information and Policies*
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) must be worn at all times while on the dock and at all times while on the water.
- A simple swim test is required by all participants on the first day of class.
- No running or horseplay allowed on the premises, including docks or in boats.
- In the event of windy conditions, helmets will be provided to prevent head injuries.
- Motorboats are for the exclusive use of the URI Sailing Center Staff.
- Report all accidents, injury, or damage to the Instructors immediately.
- Hitting, bullying, disruptive or harmful behavior is not allowed. We reserve the right to remove an individual from class if this occurs.
- Treat all boats and equipment properly.
*All rules and policies are subject to change.
Swim Test
A swim test will be conducted to ensure everyone is comfortable being in the water (if they land in the water either intentionally or unintentionally).
What to Bring When You Sail
Life Jacket
Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) are provided. If you choose to bring your own, it must be a USCG approved Type III jacket. It must always be worn on the water or on the dock.
Water
Bring a reusable/refillable plastic water bottle. To avoid dehydration on hot days, sailors must drink plenty of water.
Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen before leaving home. Sailors should have it with them at the lake as well. We will do our best to remind everyone to reapply sunscreen as needed.
Clothing
Check weather conditions before leaving home and dress appropriately. We recommend quick-drying clothing with UV protective properties. Long-sleeve swim shirts, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats all help to prevent sunburn. A complete change of dry clothes and a beach towel is recommended every day.
Footwear
Closed-toed shoes are required and must be worn at all times. Feet will get wet so a rubber water shoe is recommenced over sneakers. Flip-flops or open-toed shoes are not allowed.
Personal Possessions
All items should be labeled and kept in an enclosed bag and stored in the designated spot. Put the sailor’s name and a phone number on each item, including a backpack or bag. Do not bring valuables to the URI Sailing Center.
Full Day Camp Procedures
For full day camps, please bring extra drink and food for lunch. Lunches should be kept in an insulated lunch box/cooler.
Arrival & Departures
Arrive on Time: It is important that everyone gets to class on time. Participants should arrive no earlier 5-10 minutes prior to the start of class. Being late may mean the class has left to go out on the water and there is no provision to return and pick up tardy students at the dock.
Drop-Off
Check-in will occur inside the URI Sailing Center. An Instructor will be waiting to meet the participant/ child, at which time, the authorized guardian will be required to sign-in every day.
Departure
Children/Participants must be picked up inside the URI Sailing Center promptly at the end of each class.
Pick-up Authorization Form
All participants/children must be accompanied by their authorized guardian when leaving the URI Sailing Center. The authorized guardian must sign-out your child and present a valid, photo ID each day, to the Instructor. Your child’s well-being is very important to us; therefore, URI Sailing Center staff will not release a participant/child to someone not on the pick-up authorization form and to someone without proper photo ID (i.e. driver’s license).
Notification
If your child/participant will not be attending class on any given day, please call the URI Sailing Center phone at 401-783-0797 and leave a message.
Weather
All classes are held in all weather conditions. Land drills may be used in inclement weather. On rainy days, we will try to sail.
Supporting our Participants
Sometimes sailing can be intimidating, especially for beginners. Our goal is to empower each participant with the skills they need to overcome their fears and show them how fun sailing can be. We will support every participant on land and on water, but if you become aware that someone is struggling, let us know, and we can talk about how to best help them.
Behavior Policy
We expect participants to follow certain rules that promote the emotional and physical safety of all. Bullying and/or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Parents will be notified of persistent behavioral behavior problems.
Transfers
Class transfers must be made no later than one week prior to the scheduled start date; provided space availability by emailing the Coordinator of Sailing.
Cancellations / Refund Policy
- No refund will be provided for Sailing and Kayak Memberships, one week after day of purchase.
- All cancellations requests must be made by submitting a Campus Recreation Refund Request form for each participant. A $25 Administration fee will be accrued for each program cancellation if made at least two weeks prior to the program start date. A 30% administration fee will be accrued if cancellation is made within two weeks of the scheduled start date.