Canoeing currently takes place on our lake
OPERATIONAL Procedures
Location: The Centre’s Paddle Sport activities are located on the Environmental Agency’s Reservoir adjacent to Bibbys Farm Scout Campsite and Activity Centre. OS Map Sheet 109 or OS Pathfinder Series Sheet SD61/71 or Explorer Series 287 Grid Reference 604168
The Guidelines
All instructors, whether Centre Personnel or Visitors using the Centre’s Paddle Sport facilities shall follow the Centre’s guidelines.
Kayaks, canoes and related equipment should be appropriate for its usage and in good condition. Helmets should be within manufacturers recommended retirement dates.
Supervisory arrangements will vary depending on the ability and needs of the group, but should not exceed permit authorisation numbers..
Prior to collecting equipment the Duty Warden will ensure that the Leader in charge of the Activity has
- a) Read and signed the Kayaking Requisition Form.
- b) Checked the equipment as being in good and serviceable condition
- c) Been made aware of the location of First Aid Equipment / Emergency telephone etc.
NOTE: The Qualifications of the Leader in Charge of the Activity must be checked at the time of booking.
Attire of Instructors, Supervisors and Participants
Helmets must be worn by Instructors and participants for Kayaking and by all participants under the age of 16 for Canoeing.
When dressing for Kayaking or Canoeing old clothing that is acceptable for getting wet, damaged or dirty should be worn. The carrying of items in pockets should be avoided.
A strong pair of shoes or trainers must be worn, wellington boots or open toe sandals are not suitable..
Suitable buoyancy aids must be used by all participants.
NOTE: The Qualifications of the Leader in Charge of the Activity must be checked at the time of booking.
Operational Procedures
- Emergency kit consisting of a Throw line and a First Aid kit must be available at all times and their location should be made known to all participants.
- A tow line must be carried at all times,
- A Safety Briefing shall be provided by the Instructor to all participants. All participants need to be briefed properly regarding manual handling skills whilst moving boats on land and / or from / to the water.
- At least two people are required to lift boats to avoid slips and strains.
- Under no circumstances should participants be allowed to move or empty single handedly boats that have water in them. This should always be done with assistance of at least one other adult
- Groups should be warned about uneven or slippery surfaces and instructed to be careful where they walk.
- Horseplay of any kind should be discouraged on or off the water, with particular emphasis being given to deliberate capsizing of craft.
- Capsize drills must be explained fully to all participants.
- Activity instructors must take account of the weather conditions when planning a session, e.g., wind strength and temperature.
- Participants should warm up before commencing the activity.
- Group members and instructors must wear their buoyancy aids and suitable footwear at all times both on and off the water.
- Equipment must be checked that it is the correct size for the paddlers and adjusted accordingly.
- All paths must be kept clear of equipment.
- Any mess should be cleared from the launching area before starting the session.
- Launch the group carefully and beware of participants slipping whilst getting into or out of boats.
- Instructors must be able to go into the water at anytime, with or without his / her boat if the need arises.
17, Instructors must be aware of their responsibility for the whole group at all times and not allow themselves to be distracted. Any distracting behavioural problems must be referred to the group’s own leader.
- Efforts should be made to keep the group dry until the later part of the session to avoid cold.
- Instructors must respect individual preferences as not every group member may wish to get immersed.
- The whole group must be kept active with a mix of skills and games to prevent boredom and misbehaviour.
- It is the responsibility of the activity instructor to ensure that all equipment is stored correctly at the end of the session.
