Liverpool University Canoe Club

This info was copied from lucc.info April 2008 

Liverpool University Canoe Polo Risk Assessment

To clarify the meanings of some of the terms used below: -.
A canoe polo tournament: Is a tournament that the university is being represented
The team: the group of players, up to eight
The Captain: the player, which has been assigned to the position of captain by the canoe polo captain/secretary

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

Competing in an organised tournament in the game of canoe polo and training in the swimming pool

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

Drowning, head and spinal injuries, cuts/grazes, bruises, sprains, broken bones and dislocations 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.

All kit is checked every term to be up to polo specification which are stated in the Canoe Polo Hand Book i.e. Buoyancy aids, paddles - thickness and curvature, spraydecks, boats and helmets with face guards, 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 rules, 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 canoe polo spec boat in accordance with the rules.
All equipment to be checked by equipment officers on a regular basis, and any fault/repair necessary brought to their attention.
A briefing at the beginning of any tournamenton risks and tactics.
All members of the group to wear the specified equipment as under the rules of the game.

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 notice board. The rules of the game will be followed at all times and are available from the canoe polo committee.