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HAZARD / WHO MIGHT BE HARMED? / RISK CONTROLS / RESIDUAL RISKDrowning / All involved / 1. Supervision
a. Minimum ratio of competent instructors to participants of 1:6
plus one (i.e. 2 instructors=6 participants; 3 instructors=12
participants; 4 instructors=18 participants).
b. Maximum group size of 18.
c. Competent leaders able to demonstrate and equipped to
perform appropriate to the craft lead:
i) Good control of boat
ii) Ability to respond to emergencies on the water quickly
iii) Ability to effect T-rescue
iv) Ability to effect deep-water rescue
v) Ability to rescue an unconscious paddler
vi) Ability to rescue an entrapped paddler
vii)Ability to exercise appropriate group control
d. Clear responsibilities – allocation of lead and supporting
instructors before event commencement to a minimum of
the supervision ratios set out in part 1a.
2. Participant Briefing
Lead instructor will brief all participants. Briefing provided as an annex
to this risk assessment. Briefing conforming to POR.
Protective Equipment
a. Suitable buoyancy aids to be worn properly by all
participants and instructor in accordance with POR
b. Helmets must be worn for all kayak (as defined by the
BCU) activities. It is at the discretion of the leader in charge
as to the enforced wearing if helmets when canoeing. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT ALL PARTICIPNATS DO WEAR THEM
FOR THIS PURPOSE. These will be made available to all
participants.
c. All participants to have BA and helmet checked by a
competent instructor before commencement of water based
activity.
3. Use of Equipment
a. Spray-decks only to be worn by those determined competent
by leader in charge and have completed BCU 2 * or ‘paddle
power discover’ tests/assessment – exceptions at the
discretion of leader in charge. / MEDIUM
Capsize or immersion / All / Clear information is given prior to the session as to the clothing required and participants are visually for proper dress for weather conditions prior to start.
No bare feet.
Correctly fitting buoyancy aids and helmets worn by all participants.
Visually check all equipment prior to use.
Activity instructors will carry a knife, towing system along with a bailer when using canoes.
Equipment inspections are carried out for boats, buoyancy aids and helmets before each use.
Annual boat and buoyancy aid inspections are completed and recorded.
Thisincludes a sample floatation test for buoyancy aids. / MEDIUM
HARMED?
RISK CONTROLS RESIDUAL RISK
Striking Head / All involved / 1. On lake bottom (stones) or banks
a. Stay clear of shallows & banks where possible.
b. Adequate supervision
2. On boats
a. Adequate supervision to ensure capsizes are spotted and
participants rescued even if they don’t strike head. The use
of a buddy system should be implemented to ensure capsizes
are seen to quickly.
b. Ensure group stays together as much as is reasonably
practical.
3. On paddles
a. Warn participants about risk of paddle strike to head.
b. Adequate supervision.
Helmets must be worn for all kayak (as defined by the POR)
activities.
It is at the discretion of the leader in charge as to the enforced
wearing if helmets when canoeing. IT IS RECOMMENDED
THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS DO WEAR THEM FOR THIS
PURPOSE. These will be made available to all participants. / MEDIUM
Water-borne Disease / All involved / 1.
a. Potential risk of Weils Disease (Leptospirosis) through
infected water although risk is low as there are no known
cases from this lake.
b. Potential risk from Blue Green Algae toxins. Where algae
exist it is up to leader in charge to decide action. Paddling
does not necessarily have to be stopped. The risk of infection
is low although previous cases have been confirmed on
Corsham lake.
c. Ask about open cuts / wounds at briefing – cover with
waterproof plaster or gloves if necessary. Do not be afraid to
prevent someone participating if there is a significant risk to
themselves or others. / LOW
Slipping / All involved / All involved / 1. Supervision and help for all participants on entry to and exit
from boats.
2. Supervision on steps and ramp by the Boathouse. / LOW
Lifting / Carrying / All involved / 1. One individual to carry only one kayak at a time.
2. Two individuals can safely carry two kayaks together.
3. Minimum of two people to carry a canoe (stronger persons only
i.e. adults) canoes should not be dragged. / LOW
Tangling in Ropes / All involved / 1. Ropes should not normally be tied onto Kayaks, nor carried in the
cockpit.
2. Ropes tied onto canoes should be neatly coiled at either end and
kept away from participants.
3. All methods of securing must be able to be released in an
emergency i.e. towline quick release buckle. / LOW
Effects of Weather / All involved / 1. It is the lead-instructor’s responsibility to consider and act on the
weather at the time, including:
a. Air temperature
b. Water temperature
c. Wind
d. Visibility
e. Any storm, particularly lightning
2. All participants to wear appropriate clothing.
a. Sun cream should be worn if sunny.
b. Hot drinks available if cold. / LOW
Injury to feet / All involved / 1. All participants and instructors to wear suitable footwear. Opentoed
sandals and wellies are not acceptable. / LOW
NB:
It should be noted that a DYNAMIC RISK ASSESSMENT shall be conducted by the leader in charge at the time of any activity
In accordance with POR a first aider, first aid kit and suitable means for contacting the emergency services will be available
It is preferable to have the most qualified person as the leader in charge although this can be matched by suitable experience
Guidance can be sought from Scout HQ, the BCU either direct or though licensed coaches.
Canoeing & Kayaking
Participant Briefing Notes
Drafted Guy Livingston, 20April 2016
Review due: April 2017
TO BE READ TO ALL PARTICIPANTS AND SUPORVISORS/INSTRUCTORS BEFORE ACTIVITY COMMENCES. Nobody
shall kayak/canoe without having fully received this information.
1. Confirm instructor details
a. Lead instructor
b. Supporting instructors
c. Confirm identification of separate groups on the water if applicable.
2. Buoyancy aids
a. Must be worn and properly fitted at all times
b. Must be checked by an instructor
c. Check all buoyancy aids are safe and above 50N
3. Helmets
a. Must be worn and properly fitted at all times
b. Must be checked by an instructor
c. RISK OF HEAD INJURY Explained
4. Emergency signal
a. Usually 3 whistle-blasts
5. Slipping & Tripping Risks
a. Steps & Ramp
b. On entry to and exit from boats
6. Capsize drill (3 Adult Leaders)
a. Grab handles at end of boat
b. Do not turn boat back upright
c. 1 Leader ensures participant gets out of the Kayak
d. If applicable, everybody else who sees a capsize which is not a drill should make sure an instructor is aware of it
7. Any open cuts / wounds? From within the last week and substantial enough to be a problem?
8. Confirm appropriate clothing including footwear (no open toe shoes etc.)
9. Confirm entry/exit method for use on boats including where and when to get out in an emergency
10.Confirm all participants can swim 50m, if someone can’t do this then NON-SWIMMER REGULATIONS APPLY, subject to
the leader in charge agreeing they can go on the water. (One-on-one supervision must be maintained at all times for a
non-swimmer, requiring an additional instructor per non-swimmer).
11. Implement Buddy Pairs on the lake.
12.Advise about what to do if any participant feels unwell within the near future with flu like symptoms or diarrhoea and
goes to see a medical professional. They should advise their Doctor that they had been in CorshamLake recently.
13.Discuss where or where not allowed on the lake including distances from instructors and telling them if they wish to get
off the lake.
14.Any questions