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.