RISK ASSESSMENT Kayaking/Canoeing

HAZARD / WHO MIGHT BE HARMED ? / IS THE RISK ADEQUATELY CONTROLLED OR IS MORE NEEDED? / REVIEW AND REVISION
Paddlesports / Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers
Network Members
Leaders
Adult Helpers /
  • Pre-Brief to be undertaken before any session takes place.
  • Kayaking & Paddlesports will be undertaken with the support from the Activity Permit Holders in line with the relevant permit restrictions.
  • At least two of the adults present will have an up to date first aid certificate.
  • In Touch Information available and non participating contact in place

Water Classification / All involved /
  • Ensure Water Classification is Considered.
  • Correct Permit Holders to be utilised in line with Conditions & Restrictions as recommended by NDOW
/ Utilise National Directory of Waters for guidance.
Slips trips and falls on Walkways – / All involved /
  • Group control
  • Discourage messing around
  • Keep launch area tidy
  • Supervision at entry and exit from water.
  • Strict “no running” rule on Walkways.
  • Bouyancy Aids compulsory when on Walkways, especially when involved with Boating Activities

Injured feet due to sharp objects around HQ & Sailing Club area and in water / All involved /
  • Clear Hazards where possible
  • Pumps / wet boots to be worn at all times (no bare feet)

Manual Handling injuries while moving boats / All involved /
  • Keep manual handling to a minimum – 2 scouts minimum to lift Kayaks
  • Minimise un-necessary boat movement
  • Supervision – ensure that there are sufficient people for the task in hand
  • Supervision – Ensure recommended lifting techniques are used

Drowning / All involved /
  • Check swimming ability before activity
  • Buoyancy aids to be worn at all times on the water and on the walkways.
  • Paddlesport Leaders to be competent to Self Rescue / Deep Water rescue paddlesport participants

Entrapment under capsized kayak - Drowning / All Involved /
  • Buoyancy aids to be worn at all times.
  • BCU recommended capsize drill taught to all scouts before they go paddling(drop out into the water, hold on to the kayak and wait for rescue / leader,)
  • Spray Decks. Only Scouts with a BCU One Star allowed to wear a Kayak Spray deck.

Hypothermia / All Involved /
  • Scouts not allowed on water without adequate clothing for conditions
  • All sessions supervised by a leader with a first aid certificate who can recognise symptoms.
  • First aid equipment in Leaders / Supervisors Kayak to allow rapid treatment.

Sunburn / Heatstroke / All involved /
  • Scouts not allowed on water without adequate clothing for conditions (including sun hat and sunblock)
  • All sessions supervised by a leader with a first aid certificate who can recognise symptoms
  • Drinking water available in Headquarters to prevent / treat de-hydration.

Waterborne Diseases and infections / All involved /
  • All parents have been given Waterborne Diseases letter.
  • Open cuts to be covered before sailing.
  • Scouts with large open blisters which cannot be covered to be restricted from Boating

Manual Lifting / All involved /
  • Consideration to be taken when Manual Lifting of any Kayaking Kit.
  • Maximum weight for One Adult to lift 25Kg.
  • Best Practise Lifting techniques to be used at all times. Training to be provided when requested

Weirs / All involved /
  • If any weir is undertaken. Leaders to ensure correct Permit Holder coverage is provided
  • Helmets / Spray Decks Complusory
  • Only Scouts with BCU One Star and above allowed to run Weirs.

Kayak Seal Launch / All Involved in Set Up /
  • Only Adult Leaders to Set up Seal Launch for Scout Activities.
  • Two Ground Stakes to be Utilised to secure ramp to prevent movement.
  • Consideration to be made when lifting Seal Launch in to place.
  • Helmets are Compulsory when using Seal Launch

Other Craft / All involved /
  • Leaders to be watchful for other craft
  • Where necessary instruct all Kayaker’s to paddle to River Banks to avoid collisions.