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Banbury Canoe Club Club Codes of Practice |
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This code has been prepared using the best available information from the BCU and personal experience, and has been reviewed by members of the Banbury Canoe Club committee. The code, however, is only a collection of guidelines; attempts to minimise risks should be flexible, not constrained by a rigid set of rules. Varying conditions and group goals may combine with unpredictable circumstances to require alternate procedures. On all club activities whether canoeing or social, all participants must be registered members of Banbury and District Canoe Club, and have paid their club subscription. Failure by members to comply to the following regulations under any circumstances will result in disciplinary action by BDCC. This action may result in exclusion from the club. Please refer to the BCU COACHING GUIDE SECTION 5 of the BCU Coaching Directory available in the club, which outlines the following:- Statement of physical competence Equal Opportunities Policy Duty of care; Common Law Negligence BCU Policy Statement / Code Of Ethics Child Protection Procedures In Canoeing Injury Prevention In Paddlesport Revalidation of coaching qualifications Insurance Access Canoeing And The Environment Personal
Preparedness and Responsibility It is club policy that no persons under 14 years of
age shall be at the club unless attended by a parent or guardian
and be available at all times. General guides:- The location and facilities of Banbury Canoe Club are predominately structured toward Placid Water events, consequently most experience is for safety on rivers and water up to grade 2. Any paddler who wishes to go on water above this grade must make sure they have adequate experience and training from an approved BCU qualified trainer. All persons must pay regard top the following. 1. Be a competent swimmer (50m in light clothing) 2. Wear a Buoyancy Aid, unless experienced enough in the appropriate water conditions and has the authorisation by a competent official at the event or club activity. In all white rough water conditions, a Buoyancy Aid must be used. 3. In experiences of white and rough water, a correctly fitted helmet must be worn at all times. 4. Do not paddle out of control. Your skills should be sufficient to stop or reach a shore before reaching danger. Do net enter a rapid unless you are reasonably certain that you can run it safely or swim it without injury. 5. White water rivers contain many hazards which are not always easily recognised. Particular attention should be paid to high water, wind and cold, strainers, holes and hydraulics and broaching. 6. Inform the leaders or coaches of any medical conditions that are relevant on all occasions. This information will be treated as confidential, and only divulged to medical personnel if it is necessary to do so. 7. Paddling alone is not allowed. The minimum party is three people. 8. Have knowledge of your paddling ability and don't attempt rivers or rapids that are beyond your ability. A good canoeist will develop their skills gradually. 9. Attempts to progress too quickly may have detrimental effects. The decision to paddle with suitable competency is judged by the senior member or coach, or a suitably experienced member of the committee, with regards to who is capable for a particular river. 10. Be practised in self-rescue, including escape from an overturned craft. 11. Ideally be trained in rescue skills, CPR and first aid and make sure you are able to recognise and treat hypothermia. 12. Every paddler will support one another on all occasions. However, individual persons paddling are ultimately responsible for their own safety, and must assume sole responsibility for the following decisions: i. The decision to participate on any trip. ii. The selection of appropriate equipment, including a boat design suited to their skill. There is advice available from experienced paddlers. iii. The decision to inspect any water conditions, rapids, and to run or portage according to their best judgement. The club will not force anyone to paddle anything they are unsure about. Other members of the group may offer advice. iv. Any member of the group should always voice their concerns when appropriate to the trip leader who will then take appropriate action. For all activities of Banbury Canoe Club the party responsible for the safety and welfare of all participants will be the club Team Leader or Safety Officer, or in their absence, or any suitably experienced member of the committee. The team leader may at his discretion delegate responsibility for the group. Any person delegated to be responsible must be a registered member of Banbury Canoe Club. A delegated person has the right to refuse responsibility. The most qualified person at any club activity is not assumed to be the most responsible person unless delegated specifically by the leader of the trip. It is
recognised by the BCU and appointed insurers Perkins Slade Ltd that for
third party liability insurance purposes it is not necessary for the
appointed, or presumed, leader of the canoeing venture to hold a BCU
coaching qualification. In the event of an accident where this is the
situation, should the leader be held to be inadequate in experience or
competence then clearly grounds for legal action should exist. Such qualifications are designed for people teaching BCU courses on a professional basis. Whether or not a person is sufficiently experienced and competent is obviously a difficult area to judge. In the judgement of Banbury Canoe Club, the person must capable of looking after his or herself, and retain the capability to look after others without putting themselves in any danger. They should be competent in appropriate rescue techniques and familiar with the water and also capable of reading the water conditions. Decisions as to who is competent or not should rest with the team leader, or a suitably experienced member of the committee. It is notable that in the situation of irresponsibility or careless leadership, then third party liability insurance is not valid, and in the event that the club is successfully sued then the officers of the club or members acting officially on their behalf are covered. Water conditions. RULES OF NAVIGATION. The local rivers and canals are governed by the international rules of navigation. As such it is essential all rivers and canal uses have due regard to this. One important rule is that all craft should keep to the right when passing on-coming craft. There are exceptions when meeting large vessels such as on our canal, they may be restricted by their draft and cannot take up a position on the right hand bank. Due care must be paid to this. All paddlers must also take care when in front of the narrow boats, as due to their length the helmsman cannot easily see paddlers immediately at the bow of the craft. FLOW. River's speed and power increase tremendously as the flow increases, raising the difficulty of manoeuvres, particularly near weirs and most rapids. Rescue becomes progressively harder as the water rises, adding to the danger. Floating debris and strainers make even an easy rapid quite hazardous. It is often misleading to judge the river level at the point of put in, since a small rise in a wide, shallow place will be multiplied many times where the river narrows. Use reliable local information whenever possible, and be aware that sun on snow-pack, hard rain, and dams upstream when released may greatly increase the flow. Great caution should also be paid when overtaking large craft at close quarters. They can be creating a wash and if you are riding the wash, it is possible to get sucked in to the larger craft unless you are careful. Also, on exiting the final wash, ensure you have the strength to continue onto the new water at the bow of the craft and exit cleanly. COLD. Cold drains your strength and robs you of the ability to make sound decisions on matters affecting your survival. Cold water immersion, because of the initial shock and the following rapid heat loss, is especially dangerous. Suitable thermal wear under a waterproof shell is essential. If, after prolonged exposure, a person experiences uncontrollable shaking, loss of co-ordination, or difficulty speaking, he or she is hypothermic, and needs assistance. STRAINERS. Brush, fallen trees, bridge pilings, undercut rocks Moored craft or anything else which allows river current to sweep through can pin boats and boaters against the obstacle. Water pressure on anything trapped this way can be overwhelming. Rescue is often extremely difficult. Pinning may occur in fast current, with little or no white water to warn of the danger. DAMS, WEIRS, LEDGES, REVERSALS, HOLES, AND
HYDRAULICS. Banbury
Canoe Club is a When water drops over a obstacle, it curls back on itself, capable of holding a boat or swimmer. Some holes make for excellent sport. Others are proven killers. Paddlers who cannot recognise the difference should avoid all but the smallest holes. Hydraulics around man-made dams must be treated with utmost respect regardless of their height or the level of the river. Despite their seemingly benign appearance, they can create an almost escape-proof machine. The best method of escape is to dive below the surface when the downstream current is flowing beneath the reversal. BROACHING. When a boat is pushed sideways against a rock by strong current, it may collapse and wrap. This is especially dangerous to kayak and decked canoe paddlers; these boats will collapse and the combination of indestructible hulls and tight outfitting may create a deadly trap. Even without entrapment, releasing pinned boats can be extremely time-consuming and dangerous. To avoid pinning, throw your weight downstream towards the rock. This allows the current to slide harmlessly underneath the hull. 'Violenti
non fit Injuria' The
principle in law of 'violenti non
fit injuria' means that where an adult participates voluntarily in an
activity, which involves known and obvious hazards, and he/she is injured,
they are unlikely to succeed in a claim.
Any claim for recompose against those leading the activity is
unlikely to be successful if the
injury is caused by a known or obvious danger. General Regulations for All Types of Water Under no circumstances should club members venture onto any open water in groups of less than three paddlers unless bank support is provided using suitable safety equipment i.e. throw bags and safety craft. A suitable responsible member or member of the committee should be present on all activities. The person must be deemed to be of sufficient experience and competence to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants. It is important that the following conditions are met: Each venture should include at least one person holding a Level 2 coaching qualification or have equivalent experience. There should be one member with a knowledge of rescue techniques for every three participants. No member should venture outside any harbour to sea or onto a river without first being taught capsize drills. Members should be made aware that canoeing is a sport which does possess a risk of personal injury, although the leaders must make every effort to ensure safety. Mandatory use of buoyancy aids is essential for all paddlers under 14, any paddlers below division 7 in racing, all open water sea and inland, and all white water. The mandatory use of approved helmets will also be used on hazardous waters fast following shallow rivers, white water, weirs etc. A first aid kit must be carried with the team leader. The use of a spray deck is mandatory in all moving water. Beginners should not be discouraged from using them on flat water, however capsize expertise must have been shown before a spray deck is used.. Canoes should be fitted with full and effective buoyancy. It is the responsibility of the user to make these checks. When in any doubt, a member of the committee should be consulted for advice. The team Leader's decision is final and he possesses the right to cancel activities if he feels that safety may be compromised. River Regulations All the general regulations apply. All River authority warnings must be observed and it the responsibility of the team leader to be aquainted with the local river authority warning methods and rules.. If a rapid is to be attempted then inspection should be carried out by the group leaders who should decide on a suitable course of action. Where it is deemed by the leader of the trip that a rapid should not be attempted as a group then at his/her discretion the rapid may be attempted in groups of one or two with suitable bank support. If the leader advises against shooting the rapid it should be portaged. Anyone who ignores the leader's advice does so at his/her own risk and the leader will not be responsible for their actions. When on club trips (any trip using club equipment) no one is permitted to ignore the trip leader. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action by Banbury Canoe Club. Emergency Procedures Guidelines for Rescue A first Aid kit should be carried at all times. Due to the nature of canoeing if all regulations are followed then any emergency that may occur is likely to be of a unique and unpredictable nature. Therefore, such emergencies should be treated as individual with the application of common sense to lead to a suitable solution. Guidelines for Rescue 1. Evacuate your boat immediately if there is any imminent danger of being trapped against rocks, brush, or any other kind of strainer. 2. If you swim, hold on to your boat and paddle if possible. It has much floatation and is easy for rescuers to spot. Get to the upstream (or seaward) end so that you cannot be crushed between an obstacle or rock and your craft by the force of the current. Do not try and mount your kayak as this will swamp the boat with water and hamper its recovery. 3. Release your craft if this will improve your chances of rescue, especially if the water is cold or dangerous rapids lie ahead. Actively attempt self-rescue whenever possible by swimming for safety. Be prepared to assist others who may come to your aid. When in shallow or obstructed rapids, lie on your back with feet held high and pointed downstream. Do not attempt to stand in fast moving water; if your foot wedges on the bottom, fast water will push you under and keep you there. Get to slow or very shallow water before attempting to stand or walk. Look ahead. Avoid possible pinning situations including moored craft, undercut rocks, strainers, downed trees, holes and other dangers by swimming away from them. If the rapids are deep and powerful, roll over onto your stomach and swim aggressively for shore. Watch for eddies and slack water and use them to get out of the current. Strong swimmers can effect a powerful upstream ferry and get to shore fast. If the shores are obstructed with moored craft, strainers or undercut rocks, however, it is safer to ride the rapid out until a safer escape can be found. 4. The priority of rescue is to go after a swimmer first. Boats and other equipment should be recovered after this, and only if it is safe to do so. The first duty of a rescuer is not to compound the problem by becoming another victim. 5. The use of rescue lines requires training; uninformed use may cause injury. Never tie yourself into either end of a line without a reliable quick-release system. Learn how to throw accurately, to belay effectively, and to properly handle a rope thrown to you. 6. When reviving a drowning victim, be aware that cold water may greatly extend survival time underwater. Victims of hypothermia may have depressed vital signs so they look and feel dead. Don't give up; continue CPR for as long as physically able, without compromising safety. River
Signals A set of river signals will be made clear before the start of each trip. These will be signals for stop, all clear, help/emergency and move to the right/left etc. Scale of
River Difficulty The BCU rating system is used to compare river difficulty throughout the world. This system is not exact; rivers do not always fit easily into one category. Paddlers attempting difficult runs in an unfamiliar area should act cautiously until they get a feel for the way the scale is interpreted locally. River difficulty may change frequently due to fluctuations in water level, downed trees, geological disturbances, or bad weather. As river difficulty increases, the danger to swimmers becomes more severe. As rapids become longer and more continuous, the challenge increases. There is a difference between running an occasional class III rapid and dealing with an entire river of this category. Allow an extra margin of safety between skills and river ratings when the water is cold or if the river is remote and inaccessible. Group
Preparedness and Responsibility 1. Organisation. A river trip may be regarded as a common adventure for all participants, except on instructional or commercially guided trips as defined below. Participants share the responsibility for the conduct of the trip, and each participant is individually responsible for judging his or her own capabilities and for his or her own safety as the trip progresses. Participants are encouraged (but not obligated) to offer advice and guidance for the independent consideration and judgement of others. 2. River Conditions. The group should have a reasonable knowledge of the difficulty of the run. Participants should evaluate this information and adjust their plans accordingly. If the run is exploratory or no one is familiar with the river, maps and guidebooks, if available, should be examined. 3. Group equipment should be suited to the difficulty of the river. The group should always have at least one throw-line, and a first aid kit available. The list may also include; carbines, first aid kit, folding saw, guidebooks, maps, food, extra clothing and any other rescue or survival items suggested by conditions. Each item is not required on every run and this list is not meant to be a substitute for good judgement. 4. Keep the group compact, but maintain sufficient spacing to avoid collisions. If the group is large, dividing it into smaller groups may be necessary. The "Buddy System" may also be adopted as an additional safeguard. The canoeists should be spaced closely enough to permit good communication, but not so close as to interfere with one another in rapids. The lead paddler sets the pace. When in front, do not get in over your head. Never run drops when you cannot see a clear route to the bottom or, for advanced paddlers, a sure route to the next eddy. When in doubt, stop and scout. Keep track of all group members. Each boat keeps the one behind in sight, stopping if necessary. Know how many people are in your group and take head counts regularly. No one should paddle ahead or walk out without first informing the group. Weak paddlers should stay at the centre of a group, and not allow themselves to lag behind. If the group is large and contains a wide range of abilities, a designated "Sweep Boat" should bring up the rear. Be courtesy to other river users. On heavily used rivers, do not cut in front of a boater running a drop. Always look upstream before leaving eddies to run or play. Never enter a crowded drop or eddy when no room for you exists. Passing other groups in a rapid may be hazardous, it is often safer to wait upstream until the group ahead has passed. 5. Drugs. The use of alcohol or mind-altering drugs before or during river trips is not recommended. It dulls reflexes, reduces ability to make decisions, and may interfere with important survival reflexes. Manual
Handling Procedures Kayaks are stored on racks in the boat shed. As a result they are often above head height which poses a difficulty in removing them. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you can manage on your own GET HELP. Kayaks can be heavier than expected and can cause injury when not handled correctly. They can be slid off the racks with ease by two people, - one taking the front and the other waiting for the rear of the kayak. The kayaks on the top racks may require three people to remove from the boat shed, - use of a ladder may be necessary and must be supported by a person When carrying a kayak it is best to double up with another person. When moving two kayaks it is possible , having placed the paddles in the kayaks for one person to carry the front of two kayaks and the other person should carry the back of the kayaks Transportation
of Canoes For canoes transported on car roof racks and the club trailer it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that both the canoes and the roof rack are secure. It is recommended that approved securing straps are used in all cases
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