Liverpool University Canoe Club

This Document was copied from lucc.info April 2008

Document For Risk Assessment; Canoeing

To clarify the meanings of some of the terms used below and what constitutes as a club trip: -.

A club trip: A club trip that has been advertised on the notice board in the Guild. A trip where a group of several of the club members meet up and go out for a recreational paddle will not be classed as a club trip, even if club kit is used.

River leader: The person who is to make the final decisions about situations on the day, i.e. The trip, if the trip is viable for that group or if an alternative trip would be more suitable. The person who co-ordinates complex rescues where and when they occur.

1. Please describe the nature of your club/society’s activities.

Whitewater paddling on natural and man-made rivers ranging from grade 1 through to grade V+ (Grade V upwards, will only be paddled by experienced paddlers in the group competent at paddling rapids of that grade.)

2. Please outline any personal risks associated with these activities.

Drowning, head and spinal injuries, cuts/grazes, bruises, sprains, broken bones and dislocations, hypothermia, heat stroke, sunburn and risks associated with travel to and from destinations.

3. Please could you identify any potential risks to the safe maintenance of your equipment associated with these activities.

Abrasions by rocks to boats can cause wear but are inspected by the club/committee, for any possible signs of equipment failure. If boats are holed then if repairable will be repaired by the club/committee, or if too severe will be taken out of service and deemed unsafe. Descending any moving water can result in boats getting pinned on rocks, bridges, trees and other water obstacles which could result in the boats folding. If this occurs, then the damage will be assessed and the necessary measures taken to either a) repair the damage, or b) to deem the boat unsafe and taken out of service.

Paddles can be broken or shafts bent on the river and if this occurs they will either be repaired or deemed unsafe and thrown away.

Buoyancy aids , helmets etc. can become damaged through day to day usage and this will be reported to the club/committee. The item will then be temporarily taken out of service and repaired and returned, or deemed unsafe and taken out of service permanently. Buoyancy aids will be checked yearly to test for floatation by club/committee. All kit is checked every term i.e. Buoyancy aids, paddles, spraydecks, boats and helmets, are checked every term for general wear and tear and any anomalies in the equipment corrected.

4. Could you please explain the preventative measures your Club/Society will take to minimise the risks to your members and any equipment that is used.

Full basic training in boat handling and escape measures in the event of a capsize provided to everyone before they attend any moving water trips, including a swimming test of 50m.

Each paddler to be allotted a full white-water spec boat in accordance with their level of paddling.

All equipment to be checked by equipment officers on a regular basis, and any fault/repair necessary brought to their attention.

Good group support on river trips by a good ratio of one river leader or competent paddlers (see above for details), at that grade of water to four group participants being used.

A briefing at the beginning of any trip to the group outlining risks and self preservation techniques in event of a capsize (the correct swimming technique when descending white water to minimise injury and how to make your way to the side).

All members of the group to wear helmets at all times when around or on the river, to reduce the risk of head injuries.

All members to wear buoyancy aids when on or around the river at all times to minimise risk of drowning and to provide padding for thoracic and spinal regions.

The use of suitable clothing to provide warmth even when wet. (The club only has very limited supplies of such equipment, participants will be issued kit on a first come first served basis, but all will be encouraged to supply their own personal clothing.)

Everyone using throwlines or fixed lines to be encouraged to carry a knife, and people intending to become more involved in a whitewater environment will be encouraged to carry one as well.

Have at least one of the leaders up to date with current river rescue techniques,(by either attending a course or by reading up current rescue techniques) and to have reasonable knowledge of the river (either by having personal knowledge of river or a thorough understanding of an up to date guide book will be sufficient).

The leader on the day should be aware of recent past, current and future weather conditions, and to have taken action accordingly.

5. Please outline what methods you will use to explain to your members the inherent risk of any of your activities.

We have a Safety Guidelines publication that is issued to all members on joining the club, and is also available on the web and club noticeboard. See attached

Also please note that canoeing is a high-risk activity and canoeing at the top end of the river grading system (grade IV+ and above) is classed as an extreme outdoor adventure activity.

Although all people involved with trips will do everything possible to ensure safe descent of the group down the river, neither the club nor any individual member shall accept liability for any personal injury sustained by any member or participant on any trip what so ever.