We want every child to have an enjoyable experience at UKSA. If your child has additional needs, health conditions, or allergies, we will work with the school to ensure they receive the necessary support or equipment. We can also provide fridges to store medication.
Everything you need to know about your child's visit
Safety is our top priority. On the water, everyone wears a buoyancy aid that keeps you afloat, regardless of swimming ability. You’ll also wear a wetsuit to stay warm, even in the summer, and a helmet for protection. We provide all the necessary safety gear.
With over 35 years of experience hosting young people, we’re proud of our excellent safety record. We have robust safety systems in place both on and off the water and are accredited by external bodies, including the Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority and the RYA.
Our goal is simple: for young people to have fun and stay safe.
Don’t worry! Everyone wears a buoyancy aid during all water activities, which keeps them afloat regardless of swimming ability. We start each trip with a water confidence session to help everyone get comfortable in the water.
Students are fully supervised throughout the residential trip, and there’s always something fun to do! Evening activities include crabbing, discos, knot-tying workshops, archery or a home cinema night. These activities end at 8:30pm, after which teachers will decide on bedtime and lights-out times.
All meals are freshly prepared on-site with an emphasis on healthy eating. Breakfast includes a cooked option, cereals, yoghurt, and fruit – students can help themselves to as much as they like! Lunch is a packed lunch, and evening meals always include fresh vegetables, a salad bar, with main course options – including vegetarian and vegan choices. We’re happy to accommodate all preferences, so if your child would prefer something simpler, just let us know!
Yes, we can accommodate students with food allergies, cultural, or dietary requirements, provided we know in advance. This information is collected during the medical consent process with the school. We conduct risk assessments for allergies and regularly cater for a variety of dietary needs.
Accommodation consists of dorm rooms with bunk beds, sleeping between 4 and 8 people. Rooms either have ensuite facilities or shared washrooms. Boys, girls, and adults have separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Each group has its own dedicated accommodation.
Yes. Each bed comes with a duvet and pillow (hollow fibre, not feather), plus a sheet, duvet cover, and pillowcase. All bedding is professionally laundered at 80 degrees and ironed at over 100 degrees between visits.
Everything is provided at UKSA, so your child won’t need pocket money for the trip. However, your school will let you know if it’s necessary to bring money for optional items like an ice cream.
UKSA is bustling every week with up to five schools or groups, alongside older career students. Each school follows its own activity programme, has designated mealtimes, and separate accommodation – there’s no mixing between groups. All adults wear lanyards and ID cards, and the reception and main gate are staffed 24/7.
We understand that being away from home and trying new activities can be daunting. Your child will be with friends and familiar teachers. Our welfare team is on hand to provide support, and we have a safe space called the ‘Mermaid Cave’ for when things become overwhelming. Our instructors never force participation, but often, seeing friends enjoy an activity is enough to encourage even the most hesitant people get involved.
No need to worry. We have a ‘red box’ which contains everything they might need. Your child can ask a teacher, one of the watersports instructors, or someone at reception. Any friendly face at UKSA will be happy to help.
Your school or group will have its own policy regarding mobile phones and other devices. We discourage bringing expensive items as they can easily get lost or damaged. Phones are not allowed on the water or during activities.
We provide wetsuits, safety helmets, and buoyancy aids for all water activities. Participants should bring:
- Clothing that can get wet (swimsuit, shorts, t-shirt, or rash vest to wear under the wetsuit)
- Wetsuit shoes or old trainers for wearing in the water
- Labelled clothing to avoid mix-ups
If you don’t wish to wear an old pair of trainers, wetsuit boots or neoprene shoes can be purchased online for around £10, or from various supermarkets during the summer. Choose a snug fit to prevent them from slipping off.
- Two towels (one for watersports, one for showering)
- A plastic bag or dry bag for wet clothes
- A reusable water bottle
- A lidded mug for tea and coffee
Watersports aren’t glamorous, so please encourage your child to leave jewellery at home and choose practical hairstyles that fit under a helmet. False nails are likely to get damaged.