Gap Analysis: Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines and Scouts Canada Bylaws, Policies and Procedures:
Canoeing
OPHEA Guidelines / Scouts Canada’s BP&P / Camp Opemikon Policy“Determine that all equipment is safe for use” / All equipment (canoes, PFDs, paddles, bailers, throwropes, etc) are inspected before use.
“A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible.” / 10006.1 Risk Management
v- “At least one adult/youth has First Aid training and equipment appropriate for the activity. “ / A fully stocked first aid kit is kept on the dock with the activity facilitator.
“A working communication device (e.g., cell phone) must be available for all activities/locations.” / 13007 Crisis Response Plan
“A leadership team must have… a method or plan for communication” / A working cell phone (with service) is kept on the waterfront at all times. In addtion, a landline is available in close proximity to the waterfront.
“No aluminum canoes are to be used in pools.” / N/A / N/A
“Paddles and canoes checked for cracks, splinters and leaks. One paddle per person.” / All equipment (canoes, PFDs, paddles, bailers, throwropes, etc) are inspected before use.
“One buoyant heaving line of not less than 15m (49’) (e.g., throw rope rescue bag) per canoe.” / 10006.7 Watercraft
i “Watercraft used for Scouting purposes must meet Transport Canada/Coast Guard and local Scouting regulations.” / All canoes are equipped with a throw rope rescue bag as per Transport Canada regulations.
“One bailer (bailer must be at least 750mL with an opening of 65cm2 and constructed of plastic and/or metal) per canoe.” / 10006.7 Watercraft
i “Watercraft used for Scouting purposes must meet Transport Canada/Coast Guard and local Scouting regulations.” / All canoes are equipped with a bailer as per Transport Canada regulations.
“One waterproof flashlight per canoe.” / 10006.7 Watercraft
i “Watercraft used for Scouting purposes must meet Transport Canada/Coast Guard and local Scouting regulations.” / All canoes are equipped with a flashlight as per Transport Canada regulations.
“Correct fitting and Transport Canada- approved P.F.D./lifejackets, with whistle attached, must be worn and properly secured at all times while on the water.” / 10006.7 Watercraft
iv “Youth and adults participating in small craft (6 metres or less) boating activities involving powered and non-powered boats must wear Transport Canada approved, properly fitted, personal flotation devices (PFDs) life jackets at all times.” / All participants will wear a properly fitted PFD while participating in a canoeing activity.
“Clothing and footwear appropriate to the activities and environmental conditions must be worn.
No hanging jewelry.” / Youth will be requested to wear bathing suits/appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and will not be permitted to wear hanging jewelry.
“Determine that all facilities are safe for use.” / Boating occurs in a sheltered bay, which is inspected prior to use.
“Water conditions must be appropriate for the skill level of the group.” / 10006.3 Planning and Research
v “Activity areas and weather conditions are appropriate for the activities and the level of the participants’ skills.” / Area is flatwater and in a secluded bay with no current.
“Attention must be given to:
● water conditions (e.g. temperature, currents, tides and wave conditions).
● visibility of 500 m (1640’) is required” / 10006.3 Planning and Research
v “Activity areas and weather conditions are appropriate for the activities and the level of the participants’ skills.” / Water conditions and visibility are closely monitored throughout the activity by the facilitator. If anything changes to become a hazard, the activity is cancelled and participants are brought off the water in the safest manner possible.
“Be aware of students whose medical condition (e.g., asthma, anaphylaxis, casts, previous concussion, orthopaedic device) may affect participation (see Generic Section).” / 10006.2 Leadership
ix “Leaders are aware of relevant medical and psychological histories and health needs as disclosed by parents and/or guardians of the participants.” / Camp Opemikon staff are aware of any relevant medical conditions within their group as well as the locations of puffers, epi pens, etc..
“Prior to canoeing, students must successfully complete the following swim test in its entirety:
● rolling entry (backwards or forward) into deep water at 2.75m (9’) minimum depth
● tread water for 1 minute
● swim 50m (164’) continuously any stroke”
“The components of the swim test must be completed in sequence and without any aids or stops.” / Students will perform their swim test at our camp. It will consist of a rolling entry off of our black rafts, one minute of treading water and the 50m continuous swim around our swimming area.
The test must be administered by a qualified instructor/guard (test is based on the Lifesaving Society’s Swim to SurviveTM Standard). / Camp Opemikon will hire at least three lifeguards certified with their National Lifeguard Standard, and at least one with their Assistant Water Safety Instructor and Water Safety Instructor qualifications.
“Students who do not pass the above swim test or who do not have the aforementioned certification must not canoe.” / If students are unable to pass the swim test, they will be offered an alternate activity during their canoeing period.
“The loading of a canoe with people and/or gear must not exceed the manufacturer’s load capacity rating. When loading a canoe with persons and/or gear the teacher/instructor, prior to the activity, must take the following into consideration: weather conditions, water conditions, experience of persons with canoeing skills, distance from base camp and emergency medical services.” / 10006.7 Watercraft
ii “Each small watercraft, if full of water, must be capable of remaining afloat supporting its occupants”
10006.3 Planning and Research
v “Activity areas and weather conditions are appropriate for the activities and the level of the participants’ skills.”
iii “Leaders have determined what the participants’ appropriate attitudes, skills and knowledge for the activity should be.”
10006.1 Risk Management
iv “Leaders develop an emergency action plan appropriate for their activities. The emergency action plan will include but may not be limited to: a) the Application For Membership And Appointment of Volunteers Form or Program Participant Enrolment Form b) Scouts Canada Parent/Guardian Consent Form (where required); c) site specific considerations; d) search and rescue protocols; e) Section 10000 7 September, 2014 location of, and contact information for, emergency medical facilities; f) first aid protocols; and g) notification protocols.” / All of our canoes are capable of remaining afloat while full of gear and participants. None will exceed the manufacturers load rating.
Activities occur in a secluded bay and will be cancelled under adverse weather conditions.
Activities will be based on the level of experience of participants.
Evacuation and communication plans are established prior to beginning camp. This includes having phones readily available and plans for evacuation if necessary.
Leaders additionally have all necessary forms with information.
Canoeing Skills prerequisites / 10006.3 Planning and Research
iii “Leaders have determined what the participants’ appropriate attitudes, skills and knowledge for the activity should be.” / All prerequisites are taught to youth within the sheltered bay of Camp Opemikon. At no point during their activities will participants leave this bay.
“Canoeing must be cancelled in adverse conditions.
If storm weather suddenly approaches, seek appropriate shelter immediately.” / 10006.3 Planning and Research
v “Activity areas and weather conditions are appropriate for the activities and the level of the participants’ skills.”
10006.2 Leadership
vi “Leaders have appropriate skills for observing, interpreting, and predicting basic weather patterns.” / If adverse weather approaches or conditions change suddenly, the activity will be cancelled and participants will be brought to shore in the safest manner possible.
We own most of the property surrounding our bay, so we are able to land quickly on our property if conditions such as thunder occur and participant must leave the water immediately.
“Daylight canoeing only except under emergency situations.” / Night canoeing is not permitted.
“Canoe instructors must be aware of water conditions (e.g., currents and undertows).” / 10006.3 Planning and Research
v “Activity areas and weather conditions are appropriate for the activities and the level of the participants’ skills.” / Staff are aware of water conditions at all times.
“A safety boat that is rescue-capable (provides appropriate speed and stability) must be in the water and accessible while students are canoeing.” / Our 14’ aluminum boat has a 9.9 hp engine and is kept on the water and accessible at all times in case of an emergency.
“At least one supervisor must have current first aid certification which may be:
● N.L.S. lifeguard certificate OR
● St. John Standard First Aid Certificate OR
● St. John Wilderness First Aid OR
● Can. Red Cross Standard First Aid OR
● Canadian Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid OR
● Canadian Ski Patrol First Aid Certificate
● Equivalent to any of the above.” / 10006.1 Risk Management
v “At least one adult/youth has First Aid training and equipment appropriate for the activity. The level of training required varies with the context within which the programming occurs, i.e. Emergency, Standard, Wilderness, etc. Copies of leader certifications are kept on file and must be current to be considered valid.” / All of our staff are qualified with current Standard First Aid and CPR C through a recognized agency.
“A vehicle for emergency purposes must be accessible.” / The camp truck is on site and available for transportation in addition to vehicles driven to camp by parents and teachers.
Instructor Qualifications / At least one staff member will have their necessary ORCKA qualifications or equivalent.
Supervision for Swim Test / Camp Opemikon will hire at least three lifeguards certified with their National Lifeguard Standard, and at least one with their Assistant Water Safety Instructor and Water Safety Instructor qualifications. These lifeguards will supervise the swim test.
Swim Instruction Qualifications / Camp Opemikon will hire at least three lifeguards certified with their National Lifeguard Standard, and at least one with their Assistant Water Safety Instructor and Water Safety Instructor qualifications.
ALL staff have current Standard First Aid and CPR C through a recognized agency.
Swimming
OPHEA Guidelines / Scouts Canada BP & P / Camp Opemikon Policy“A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible.” / 10006.1 Risk Management
v- “At least one adult/youth has First Aid training and equipment appropriate for the activity. “ / A fully stocked first aid kit is kept on the beach at all times.
“A working communication device (e.g., cell phone) must be accessible.” / 13007 Crisis Response Plan
“A leadership team must have… a method or plan for communication” / A working cell phone is kept on the beach at all times. In addition, a land line is kept in close proximity.
“Determine that all equipment is safe for use.” / All equipment (including rescue aids, spine board, etc) is inspected prior to a water activity commencing.
“Person in charge must have a whistle or other signalling device.” / All lifeguards will have a whistle.
“Accessibility to standard safety equipment as stated in Regulations 568:
● one or more buoyant rescue aids attached to a shoulder loop with a 6mm (0.25”) line at least 1.6m (5’3”) in length
● one or more reaching poles of 3.6m (12’) or greater in length
● one or more buoyant throwing aids attached to a 6mm (0.25”) line at least 8m (26’5”) in length
● spinal board
● paddleboard or boat, when any part of the swimming area is more than 50m meters from the shore
Blankets and pillows” / 10006.8 Swimming
v “Suitable rescue and reaching aids must be available at all times” / All lifeguards carry a torpedo-style aid (buoyant with shoulder loop)
A reaching pole is available on the beach, easily accessible by the head lifeguard.
Buoyant throwing aids with longer lines available on the beach, easily accessible by the head lifeguard.
A Spinal board is kept on the beach at all times.
A canoe (with paddles and PFDs) is kept on the waterfront at all times for use in an emergency situation.
Blankets and pillows are always available.
“Appropriate swimming attire.
No jewelry.
Appropriate footwear is required (e.g., where protruding objects may injure feet).” / Students are required to wear appropriate swimming attire before entering the water.
Footwear is not required as water is swept for hazards before use.
“Determine that all facilities are safe for use.
Swimming area must be:
● clearly defined (e.g., at camps buoyed area)
● free from hazards
● of suitable water temperature” / 10006.8 Swimming
i “Before beginning a swim period, the safety of the swim area shall be established” / The swim area is clearly defined by lane marking rope.
The swim area is swept for hazards prior to use.
Water temperature is monitored.
“No swimming in fast moving rivers or streams.
Prior to swimming, supervisor must check with local authorities to determine whether water is safe for swimming (e.g., location and water quality, away from fast-moving water).” / All swimming occurs in an approved area, and in a sheltered bay.
“Swim ability must be demonstrated in shallow water to a qualified instructor/guard prior to swimming. To be designated “a swimmer” students must be able to:
● tread water for 1 minute
● swim 50m (164’)” / Students will perform their swim test at our camp. It will consist of a rolling entry off of our black rafts, one minute of treading water and the 50m continuous swim around our swimming area.
“Non-swimmers must be identified and wear a properly fastened Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for recreational swims.” / PFDs will be available for non-swimmers (at the discretion of the teachers/principal)
“Lifeguards must be readily identifiable to all swimmers at all times.” / 10006.8 Swimming
iv “Water activity supervisors should be identified to the swimmers prior to the commencement of swimming activities, and suitable attire is to be worn by the supervisors while on duty.” / All Camp Opemikon lifeguards are identifiable by red “LIFEGUARD” pinnies.
“In an emergency situation, the lifeguard is in charge.
An emergency action plan must be in place and communicated to all supervisors” / 13007 Crisis Response Plan
“Leaders must always have an action plan to identify potential emergencies and determine the appropriate response for each, including who will take control. For example, in the event of physical injuries, the most qualified person available takes control until medical personnel arrive. “ / Lifeguards are trained to take control in an emergency situation.