Devonport Santa Parade – Health & Safety and Participation Guidelines 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all, the Devonport Santa Parade team has put the following guidelines in place, in line with the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015. These conditions must be followed by all participants. 

General Safety 

Everyone involved must take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to themselves, other participants, or the public. Please act responsibly at all times. 

Floats and Vehicles 

All vehicles and floats must be roadworthy, registered, insured, and in good condition. Float designs must prioritise safety, with securely attached props and railings or barriers if passengers are standing. Children under 5 should not ride on floats, and any young children on board must be kept away from float edges unless properly enclosed. Floats using power must be equipped with isolating transformers and appropriate safety measures (e.g. RCDs or circuit breakers) to reduce electrical risks in wet weather. 

Driver and Documentation 

The indemnity form must be read and acknowledged by float organisers and drivers - confirmation of reading and agreeing to this is done on the float entry form prior to the parade. All drivers are also required to read and understand the contents of the indemnity form, and to hold a current full driver’s license. Please note that articulated vehicles and Hiab trucks are not permitted in the parade. Only flat deck trucks are allowed.

Supervision of Children 

Children must always be supervised by a responsible adult. Large groups must maintain a minimum adult-to-child ratio of 1:5. Supervisors should clearly communicate meeting points before the parade begins. Lost children will be taken to the Lost Person Tent beside the Santa Grotto and will not be left alone with a single adult. Photo ID will be required for anyone collecting a lost child, and Police will be contacted if there are any concerns. 

Assembly Area Safety 

The float assembly zone is busy and can be dangerous. Children must be closely supervised, and vehicles must only move with a spotter or marshal guiding them. 

Giveaways 

Items like balloons or sweets may be handed out during the parade but must not be thrown. All giveaways should be distributed from the roadside edge to avoid encouraging spectators to enter the roadway. Leaflets should not be handed out during the parade. 

Hazard Awareness & Risk Management 

All participants and marshals will be briefed before the parade begins on potential hazards, especially related to moving vehicles and crowd interactions. 

Crowd Safety 

Spectators must stay behind safety barriers where provided. Marshals and event volunteers will help enforce this for everyone's safety. Extra marshals will walk alongside the parade. 

Float Assembly & Departure 

Parade marshals will organise floats and participants at the start and guide their exit at the end. Everyone must be ready to go by 11:00am sharp. 

Incident Reporting 

If an incident or accident occurs before, during, or after the parade, please notify a marshal, or call 111. You can also contact the Event Co-ordinator directly on 0272663440. 

Emergency & First Aid 

First Responders will be on-site during the event. In case of an emergency and if no event staff are nearby, dial 111 immediately and request an ambulance. Be ready to provide your location. 

Other Entertainment & Contractors 

All contractors supplying equipment (sound, staging, electricity, etc.) must provide a valid Certificate of Compliance (COC) to the organisers ahead of the event. 

Important

By registering your float or group, you agree to comply with all of the above guidelines. Please ensure every person involved has read and understood these terms.