Safety Guidelines and Generic Risk Assessment for Canoeing And Kayaking

Introduction The outdoor sports, which are taught at Peak Discovery Limited, have an inherent element of risk. Although skilled and experienced staff will manage this risk it can never be eliminated. It is, in fact, often this element of risk or perceived risk, which attracts participants to these sports in the first instance. It is the job of the Companys instructional staff to manage this risk so that it is at an acceptable level. In many cases if all risk were removed then the activity would have no purpose, value or meaning to the participants. While this document attempts to identify common risk areas associated with aspects of the Companys programme, these can never be presumed to be finite lists. The nature of adventure sports is such that they can never be totally predictable. In any of the activities risk may be experienced from some source, which has not previously been associated with risk. It is the job of each instructor to have an awareness of risk either as or before it is experienced. This risk awareness can never be replaced by an attempt at documentation. General Conduct The over-riding principles for the safe practice of paddlesport are as follows: Risk Assessment The Group is led by a suitably qualified British Canoe Union (BCU) Coach, appropriate to the nature of the water. All activities are run within the remit of the BCU Coach All Coaching will be conducted within the teaching of the BCU Coaching Scheme. Instructor:Student ratios General sheltered water conditions 1:8 All Others 1:6

Equipment All canoe and kayak equipment is to meet the BS or CE standards

Safety Guidelines and Generic Risk Assessment for Canoeing And Kayaking

Risk Assessment Hazard Drowning People Harmed All Participants Risk Control Participants must wear appropriate buoyancy aids throughout the activity, including near waters edge. Further Action Buoyancy aids checked by staff prior to session beginning. Continual checks throughout session to ensure buoyancy aids are correctly fitted.

Hypothermia

All Participants

In event of all in scenario, staff to ensure all participants are accounted for and safe Staff to ensure that the clothing is appropriate to the Staff to carry spare clothing throughout prevailing weather conditions the activity Participants to be issued windproof layer for all watersport activities. Staff to carry group shelter and survival bag in safety kit Staff to be made aware of nearest phone and encouraged to carry mobile phone Ensure that group are informed of dangers of wielding a paddle in confined spaces When participating in splash sessions, strict rules regarding distances between boats and those in the same boat to be made known. Rafted canoes are reminded of potential to strike another person with both ends of the paddle.

Hit by paddle blade

All participants

Ongoing vigilance throughout the session

Safety Guidelines and Generic Risk Assessment for Canoeing And Kayaking

Falling from boat onto hard surface

All Participants

Correct sized paddles used. Participants to wear helmets for any aspect of programme where a potential head injury mat arise Participants are informed of when is safe to embark/dis-embark Participants are advised of correct manner to enter/exit boat Warning given during initial briefing Participants are reminded of danger of being caught between boat and Solid object Participants are defined a safety zone where they may paddle. A clear recall system is arranged at the initial briefing. Staff to ensure head count is continually taken Staff to Shepard group in appropriate manner Ensure participants are well aware of the dangers associated with over hanging trees. Ensure that participants are aware of how to disengage from a tree Staff to carry rescue equipment as necessary

Staff to ensure correct fitting of helmets and helmets are worn when necessary Staff manage participants getting on and off the water.

Trapped Fingers

All Participants

Staff vigilance throughout the session and reinforcement of rules

Loosing Contact

All Participants

Overhanging trees

All Participants

Staff to report any new obstacles to senior staff and appropriate bodies as neccesary

Safety Guidelines and Generic Risk Assessment for Canoeing And Kayaking

Weils Disease

All Participants

Ensure all participants are awre of waterborne disease and the general signs and symptoms of the disease Encourage all participants to wash their hands as soon as possible after the activity. Encourage participants to shower after an immersion in the water Ensure all participants are aware of the potential dangers, with the need to cover up and protect the head being of prime importance. Staff to carry spare clothing & water Participants briefed about dangers of other boats All participants are instructed on correct manual handling procedures All equipment to be checked pre and post session by staff. Any damage to be recorded and then assessed for repair Check to be recorded on equipment as per Peak Discovery Gear Check calender

Staff to carry anti bacterial wipes in suspicious areas. Participants warned to seek medical advice if they display any of the symptoms.

Hyperthermia, Sunburn & Dehydration

All Participants

Boats

All Participants

Staff to supervise/assist at all times

Equipment Failure

All Participants