Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Health and Safety Checklist These check points are specific to the area of operation and are in addition to the general information located in section 1 of this file Suitable qualification and or experience: 1. Instructors must hold a minimum of a. BC Paddle Sports Instructor (Former Level 1 Coach) b. Kayaking British canoeing kayak 3 star awards or a Statement of Competence from the Technical advisor c. Canoeing British canoeing canoe 3star awards or a Statement of Competence from the Technical advisor d. SUP - British canoeing Stand up Paddleboard Support Module or a Statement of Competence from the Technical advisor e. Site-specific induction f. British Canoeing Membership g. First certificate h. In-house sign off by instructor holding a minimum of BC coach qualification (level 2). 2. When operating off site (staff training) the instructor will need a. Qualification suitable for the environment b. Approval from the Chief Instructor Instructor : Participant ratios: 1. 1:8 instructors to participants on the water 2. On the giant paddle board there is a maximum of 6 adults per board 3. On standard paddle boards there should only be one participant per board. Locations / suitable venues: 1. The larger lake located to the south of the main field. 2. The small lake can be used for Paddle Boarding. 3. Staff training can be delivered off site- on rivers and estuaries but a risk assessment and approved from the Chief Instructor is required Safety equipment that must be on all sessions: 1. First Aid Kit 2. Radio 3. Buoyancy aids/life jackets 4. Helmets if deemed necessary by the planned activities, group type or conditions. If one participant wears a helmet, all others on the session- including the instructor must also wear a helmet. 5. Suitably sized paddle for craft 6. Suitably sized craft 7. Instructors should also carry a rescue knife 8. For kayaking, a spray deck and Tow Line 9. For canoeing and paddle boarding a throw line.
10. Toys for games 11. All participants must wear securely fitting, closed toed, good soled shoes. Safety Rules 1. Appropriate shoes must be worn i.e. old trainers, wetsuit boots etc. 2. Smoking will not be allowed while wearing any Avon Tyrrell PPE 3. Buoyancy aids/life jackets must be worn by all participants and instructors on the water 4. For canoeing, kayaking & paddle boarding helmets are to be worn if deemed necessary due to the activity, group type or conditions during the session. 5. Participants and staff should follow manual handling advice while moving equipment and craft 6. No playing with or removing buoyancy aids after the supervisor has checked it Avoid crashing in to each other/ the boat house and the side 7. Areas to avoid( the for example areas around fisherman) 8. Maximum of 5 participants per pedalo. 9. Maximum of 6 participants per giant stand up paddle board. 10. No damaging Vegetation around the lake 11. For paddle boarding participant will start by either kneeing or sitting until they are minimum of two boards length away from the side of the lake. Procedures that must be carried out before session: 1. The group must provide a Completed Medical Form Including swimming ability information so the instructor is aware of the individuals in the group. 2. Routine visual inspections of the areas and equipment being used before hand 3. The boat house and boats should be unlocked prior to the session 4. The first aid kit should be accessible, but can be left in the unlocked section of the boathouse Procedures that must be carried out during each session: 5. On Land a. Will ask the group about medical and swimming capabilities. b. The instructor will cover any open wound or grazes in the group. Anything significant should be discussed with individual/group leader (and DSI if required) to determine if a wound is too great to control risks associated with waterborne infections. c. The instructor should explain and assist with the following as necessary: i. Getting the group in the suitable sized Buoyancy Aid or lifejacket ii. Give the participant a suitable sized paddle iii. Explain how to hold the paddle iv. How/where to sit in the boat/ board v. How to safely move the craft on the bank To The Waters Edge
vi. The instructor will briefly explain the capsize procedure: 1. Stay calm, buoyancy aid/life jacket will keep swimmer afloat 2. Other participants to shout out swimmer to alert all other lake users to their presence 3. Other participants to stop what they are doing and wait for instructions 4. Swimmer to hold on to boat and follow instructions given by the instructor d. The instructor will use their discretion when deciding if they need to get on the water before or after the group. Either way the instructor should set a boundary for participant to stay within for when they first get on the water and be ready to go on the water should an issue arise. e. Encourage the participants to assist each other as much as possible when moving and launching the boats/ boards. f. Instructors will check buoyancy aids/life jackets and any helmets just before going on the water 6. On the Water a. Each session will vary depending on the age, abilities and temperament of the group as well as general conditions b. Participants should be briefed on suitable boundaries for the game/activity, taking in to consideration other lake users (including avoiding people fishing), obstacles and water depth. c. For paddle boarding participants will start by either kneeing or sitting until they are minimum of two boards length away from the side of the lake. d. Some coaching of skills and games/challenges to reinforce this: i. Forwards/backwards/stopping/ turning ii. Good use of paddles (try different methods of holding the paddle to see which is most effective) iii. Turning (see how best to make it efficient, competitions against other boats) iv. Races (distances, 360, emergency stopping) v. Rafted boat games (it is recommended that helmets are worn during game below): vi. Heads/shoulders/knees and toes
7. Getting off the Water vii. Rubbing noses with bow viii. Switching places ix. Polo (it is recommended that helmets are worn) x. Team games like stuck in the mud, it, and variations of these games xi. Canoe only: Gunnel bobbing (Helmets must be worn) a. The instructor will use their discretion when deciding whether to get off the water just before or after the group have. b. Participants and/or the group leader should assist with stabilisation of boats for each other c. For paddle boarding participants will either be kneeing or sitting when paddling back to the side of the lake to get off. 8. In an emergency on the water: a. Assume control and assess the situation, this may just involve getting everyone to stop what they are doing or getting off the water b. For a struggling swimmer, keep them calm and tow them back to land. Ensure their group leader is aware of the situation c. Depending on the severity of the emergency, first aid can be administered and the session can continue if appropriate d. First aid must not be administered unless the rest of the group are safe. e. First aid can also be obtained by sending the casualty to Reception with a group leader for further medical treatment, or summoning the DSI. f. For an unconscious or seriously injured casualty, remove them from the lake using acceptable towing methods, as soon as possible. Checks for breathing can be done on the water. Once on land, CPR and other first aid can begin. Follow EAP and use radios to call in Code Red and arrange emergency services g. Ensure any incident, accident, or RIDDOR forms are complete 9. Participants should not be actively encouraged to enter the water- although it is a possibility with novice paddlers and taking part some games/challenges. This is to reduce risks associated with waterborne illnesses. All participants should be encouraged to wash their hands and faces following the session and shower when
possible. This is particularly key if the participant entered the water. Procedures that must be carried out after each session: 1. All resources must be taken off the water at the end of each session (excluding Buoys) 2. At the end of the session (where there is not another session directly after), all the boats, boards and the boat house should be secured before leaving the lake, and equipment/ppe returned to the boat house. Instructor BA's to be stored in the drying room. 3. The activity base must be left in a tidy state at the end of session. Environmental points: 1. The lake session will be stopped in high winds. 2. After a lightning flash all sessions need to be stopped. Sessions can continue following a 20 minute period free from lightning flashes 3. When observing a lightning flash, send out a general call to all instructors and DSI informing every one of the situation 4. Sessions can be stopped by the instructor for any environmental condition (rain, wind, snow), that has the potential to cause harm (e.g. hypothermia) 5. The activity base must be left in a tidy state at the end of session. 6. Participants should be made aware of the risks of leptospirosis. Instructors should be vigilant to activity (such as seeing rats) that may be linked to the disease and report to the CI to pass on to the Maintenance Supervisor. Other points: 7. All paddle sports equipment including boats, boards, pedalos and raft building equipment is inspected on a 1-2 month basis, also a visual inspection is completed before each session. 8. The drying room door must be locked if there is no instructors in the boathouse. 9. Instructor BA's with knifes in them must be stored securely in drying room. 10. In the time between sessions at the lake, the instructors are encouraged to either a. Squeegee the floor in the toilets. If the instructor notes a significant mess in the boat house facilities, they should inform the lead housekeeper in that day. b. Safety check PPE.
11. Anyone who is not confident in/on the water (either has a cross, a letter C or a blank box in the can swim 50M in a buoyancy aid on the medical form or says to the instructor that they are not confident) will need careful instruction and monitoring to ensure they have a positive experience. a. Life jackets are available if required; instructors are to use their discretion to make this choice. b. It is our intention to make this activity accessible to all and not to single people out. The participant may prefer to use a sit on top in a kayak session or rafted canoes or join in the instructor s canoe. This decision will be made between the participant, instructor and group leader, and also take in to consideration the availability of the various craft types. c. Challenge by choice gives the participant the option to select how much they participate in, and could get off the water at any time. Working with people with Disabilities: 1. Rafted canoes can be built using planks and rope (raft building equipment) to provide a very stable canoe for those who require it 2. Adapted seats and bean bags are available to provide additional support where necessary 3. Sit on tops, tandem sit on tops and open cockpit kayaks are available to make entry and exit from the kayak even easier and paddling more stable 4. A wider variety of lighter weight paddles are available to make paddling even easier 5. The lake hoist can be used to improve entry to the lake; instructors should only use this once they have been trained 6. The jetty can change shape and its buoyancy to aid the group, this must first be discussed with the CI before its configuration is changed 7. There are two giant paddle boards which are more stable that the standard boards.
Water Sports Risk Assessment Activity: Canoes, Kayaking, Pedalos, Raft building & Paddle Boards What are the hazards? The water, Unauthorized use of equipment Hypothermia Other water users (anglers), including getting hooked by fishing lines Glass, sharp objects underwater and on the ground around the activity base. Dropping equipment and being hit by equipment Infection from cuts including Weil s disease. Unable to return to the bank due to fatigue or lack of skill Manual handling Who is at risk? Staff, participants and members of the public. What are the risks? Existing safety measures/controls Likelihood Risk Rating Hypothermia most likely caused by falling into cold water Drowning from capsize/overboard (on session) Non-swimmers using equipment outside sessions Good instructor awareness understanding of water temperatures and seasonal closure of certain activities. Cag tops and wet suits available if necessary. Survival blanket available Buoyancy aids or life jackets worn on every session Qualified instructors (BCU level 1 or above coaches) trained in rescues on every session. Swimming ability section on medical form to be completed for all participants. A radio and first aid kit available at the activity base for all sessions. Emergency action plans in place including access to Oxygen and Defibrillator. On raft building and pedalo sessions an Overboard briefing given to all participants On canoe and kayak sessions a capsize briefing given to all participants First Aid trained instructors on each session. Life rings positioned around the lake. Danger signs erected. MEDIUM
All equipment is secured when not in use Boat house unlocked during session. Warm showers in boat house Participants not encouraged to enter the water. Getting hooked or tangled in fishing lines Cuts in particular injuries to feet. Potential later infection including Weil s disease. Twisted ankles and broken bones from trips slips and falls and from carrying or dropping equipment. Sprained muscles. Cuts and Bruises Good instructor briefings and awareness All anglers given lake rules prior to fishing. Designated fishing and lake sports areas. No over casting allowed. Lake induction given to all new instructors. Instructors carry knives on sessions. Regular patrols by maintenance staff to clear anglers lines and rubbish. Footwear on all lake sessions is compulsory. Securely fitting, closed toed. Good instructor briefing and instructor awareness. All instructors are first aid trained. All cuts cleaned and covered and first aid kit at activity base. Participants warned of possible symptoms. Participants advised to wash immediately after sessions, particularly if they have been in water. Participants not encouraged to enter the water. Good instructor awareness and briefing. No running around the activity base. Participants shown how to carry and hold equipment correctly. Encourage teamwork. Group leaders to assist in-group control. Participants are shown how to get into and out of boats properly and have their boats stabilized by a group member, leader or instructor if required Group leader to assist in seal launching participant s kayaks if required Seal launch procedures organised (i.e. one at a time and spaced out) Instructor afloat before participants when appropriate. All participants given a paddle and
explained what to do if they capsize. Entrapment, being stuck under raft or boat. Being hit by paddles when playing games Rafts tested for integrity and poor designs adjusted before being allowed on the water. Instructors aware of poor designs rafts and will help in a rebuild/improve if necessary. First Aid qualified staff on session. Good instructor briefing and awareness. Instructors to carry rescue knives on the water. All group members advised of the safe methods to carry equipment, and when moving rafts all team members should help. Good instructor awareness and briefing. In event of capsize participants asked not to swim under boat. Capsize/overboard brief given to all participants before going on the water. Only appropriate games for the group s age and ability levels will be played. The instructor will supervise games. Helmets are issued if there is a high potential for head injury. If one participant wears a helmet, everyone, including the instructor will also wear a helmet. Good instructor briefing and monitoring MEDIUM Vehicle related injuries from nearby drive. Co-operation in-group control by group leaders. Speed restrictions signs posted Limited vehicle access Good instructor awareness of group and environment
Human error groups not listening to briefings and not taking in vital information. Full co-operation from leaders in group control and discipline. Instructor will ensure group understanding Injury due to poor manual handling Language barriers with non-english speaking groups. Participant will not be involved in getting the pedalos off the water Removing the Pedalos off the water will be supervised by a senior member of staff and use a vehicle to help Staff receive annual update on manual handling All instructors trained in rescue techniques with British Canoeing- Foundation Safety and Rescue award Air bags/ blocks in Kayaks and Canoes to limit water/weight. Group encouraged to help each other, and use the group leader where appropriate. Translators required and to be provided by group for non-english or limited English speakers. This is checked with group leaders before sessions along with general information / medical checks. MEDIUM Injuries from faulty equipment Weils disease, Leptospirosis, biological contaminants Due to the infrequency of use the pedalos will be inspected prior to use by a lake qualified person All equipment visually inspected before issuing out. Regular safety checks of other equipment and PPE recorded and monitored on Papertrail. All cuts and abrasions have waterproof plasters prior to the session commencing. Any significant wound/opening to the body to be discussed with individual/group leader (senior staff to support if needed) to determine whether the risk of infection is acceptable. Groups told to wash hands and faces after the session and/or before eating/drinking. Group encouraged to shower following sessions especially if entered the water. Instructors to encourage staying on the boat/craft rather than entering the water. Information available on signs and
symptoms. Instructors to be vigilant for signs of disease spreading (e.g. seeing rats) and report this to the CI to inform the Maintenance Supervisor. Reference to other manuals: British Canoeing Guidelines UK Youth Health and Safety policy When was the assessment reviewed and by whom? June 2018 Chief Instructor Date of next review and to be done by whom? November 2018 Chief Instructor