Liverpool University Canoe Club

This info was copied from lucc.info April 2008

Liverpool University Canoe Club (L.U.C.C)
Code of SAFETY

Canoeing can be a dangerous sport and carries an assumed risk therefore please read and follow the information below carefully.

You are required to sign the declaration on the annual membership form to confirm you have read and will abide by the code of practice.

General
The club is affiliated to the British Canoe Union. This is the national governing body and is based at Holmepierrepoint, Nottingham.

Boat sheds.
1. The club canoe sheds are based under the Bedford Building, on Oxford Street.
2. When in the canoe sheds please locate the fire extinguishers.
3. In case of emergency please contact University Security - based on the corner of Oxford Road and Mulberry Street.
4. Any personally owned equipment left in the canoe sheds is stored entirely at the owner’s risk.
5. NB – any equipment left in the sheds should be clearly marked with the owner and contact details.

Safety
1. All members should be able to swim 50m - if not they must inform the leader of all trips and or sessions of this fact.
2. All members will be required to demonstrate their ability to get out of an upturned kayak. This will be taught / tested at the member’s first session - either in the pool or on placid water.
3. Any member with a medical condition e.g. asthma, epilepsy should declare relevant details on the member ship form and also ensure they have necessary medication with them and that the group leader is aware.
4. All members should attend a session on throwline use. These will be run during the first term.

Coaching and training
1. Informal training will be provided by experienced club members who have been nominated by the Committee.
2. Members will be encouraged to use the BCU coaching scheme to develop their skills. Qualifications such as BCU canoe safety tests, 1,2, and 3, star can be gained through assessments. Coaching will be provided by suitable qualified members, or if necessary external coaches will be sought.
3. Opportunities can be made available for experienced members to gain further BCU awards. If there is demand

Equipment
1. The club has a full range of canoeing equipment which is available for members’ use on club activities -this includes boats, paddles, spray decks, buoyancy aids and helmets. For use on non- club activity the permission of the Committee must be sought.
2. Equipment is to be checked and tested regularly by the committee, to ensure that it is in working order and meets safety guidelines.
3. Members must provide their own clothing appropriate to the weather conditions on the day. Thermals, jumpers and waterproof / windproof outer garments for cold weather - or if you posses them -wet / dry suits. Denim material should not be worn
4. Buoyancy aids must be worn by all participants and should be fitted correctly.
5. Helmets must be worn for all activities and should be fitted correctly so that they do not allow excessive movement and expose the forehead. Faceguards must be fitted to helmets used for canoe polo. Faceguards are optional on rivers - the risks and advantages will be explained to the user and they can then make there own decision
6. Spray decks should be the correct size for the canoe. All spray decks must be fitted with a secure release system.
7. Footwear, such as wet suit boots or trainers should be worn for all outdoor canoeing activities. This reduces the risk of cuts to feet and of water-borne infection.
8. Any damage to club equipment must be reported to the Committee immediately. This will enable repairs to be made for future activities.

Pool Sessions
1. When using pool facilities all members should observe the pool rules.
2. No pool session may take place unless a person holding the national pool lifeguard award is present. This person is ultimately responsible for safety during that session. The University sports centre provides this person for sessions held at the university pool.
3. Pool sessions are used to improve skills for all abilities of canoeists and also for canoe polo training.
4. Discretion will be used as to the number of canoes in the pool, depending on the activity.

First aid
1. A first aid kit is provided for club use.
2. Club members are encouraged to sit the first aid certificate, run by the university LINKS group.
3. On club trips, there must be person present with, at least, basic first aid knowledge.
4. Any injuries whether at training, during matches/events at home or away must be reported and entered in the Accident report book, held in the Athletic Union office. Also, if in the sports centre, reported to a member of staff.

Club Trips
1. Weekend trips regularly take place to a variety of locations in the UK.
2. The club’s committee organises these and ensures that a suitably qualified or suitably experienced person is present on each trip.
3. The trip leader to the best of his/her ability will make all participants aware of potentia1 hazards on the day (ranging from weather conditions to obstacles on the river).
4. If individuals choose to ignore the trip leader’s advice, the leader and the club committee will not be held responsible for the safety of those individuals.

Transportation
1. Trailers before use lights should be checked and a correct number plate fitted. Brake system, tyre condition and tyre pressure should be checked periodically.
2. Craft being transported should be adequately secured using straps or ropes. Straps or ropes showing signs of wear should be re placed.
3. Personally owned equipment is transported at your own risk.