Canoe-About
(you've heard of the famed Australian Walk - About; well, in Canada we...)
Revision October 2009
Risk Management Policy
1. All course members (candidates, participating observers, and Instructors) review and sign Canoe-About Acknowledgement of Risk – Waiver Form PRIOR to the start of the course. This is mailed to all participants at least a few days prior to the start of the course; reviewed at the start of the course; and must be signed, witnessed, and received by the course Instructor PRIOR to the actual start of the course.
2. All course participants, participating course observers, and Instructors MUST be insured. The Insuring Agency must be advised at least one working day PRIOR to the start of the course of at least the names of all course participants, participating course observers, and Instructors. Proof that this information was sent is kept on file. Insurance options include Paddle Canada , Scouting or Guiding coverage, or equivalent insurance (Board of Education, Outfitters, etc.).
3. A completed and signed Canoe-About "Float Plan" is required for all water based activities.
4. All Canoe-About courses, demonstrations, or trips must be in the constant care of at least one qualified leader / instructor AND at least one qualified and designated assistant leader / instructor.
5. Canoe–About qualified leaders shall maintain current Paddle Canada Instructor status in the appropriate discipline and a minimum of Advanced Wilderness First Aid or equivalent. Assistant Leaders / Instructors must maintain at least a current Paddle CanadaLevel 2 Canoe Trip Leader and Standard First Aid certification.
6. One Wilderness equipped first aid kit must be provided for all Canoe-About events; one ‘fanny pack’ emergency first aid kit must be provided for each canoe while on trip. All first aid kits checked for contents prior to each outing (against the contents checklist). All medications / injections must be before their expiry date. All use of the first aid kits must be logged (name, date, situation, signs, symptoms, witness).
7. All canoes / kayaks utilized on Canoe – About events will meet all Canadian Coast Guard requirements. When demonstrating canoe upsets and canoe over canoe rescues the equipment will be available in an on scene rescue vessel, but removed from the canoes involved in the upset or canoe over canoe rescue.
8. Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) will be worn at all times when on the water or maneuvering vessels near the water (within 5 meters).
9. Helmets will be worn by all participants on moving water courses or the moving water component of canoe tripping courses. Helmets will be used at the Trip Leaders discretion when negotiating rapids or swifts on trips (once through only). Helmets also required when walking, lining, or tracking the vessels in the above situations.
10. Completed medical information forms required for all Canoe-About events.
11. Completed Delegation of Authority forms required by all Canoe – About event participants, including all Course Instructors.
12. The designated Trip Leader and the Course Instructor will maintain a detailed event log for all Canoe – About events.
13. A detailed Canoe Trip Plan will be prepared for all Canoe – About Trips. Checklists will be ‘checked’ to ensure all equipment and provisions are brought on trip. Participants will be provided with personal equipment checklists, it is their responsibility to ensure they have their gear with them. Canoe-About will confirm that youth under 16 or persons with special needs have the appropriate equipment along, and that it is adequately waterproofed.
14. If a Canoe – About course participant is susceptible to major food allergies (ie: nuts), no food containing that ingredient shall be permitted on the trip (group or personal). In addition an adequate supply of antihistamines, antikits, and epipens shall be provided in addition to those the individual carries with them. All course participants shall be briefed on the situation and the precautions being taken.
15. Canoe About’s course / event priorities are:
- SAFETY
- FUN
- EDUCATION
16. Canoe – About staff will conduct daily group debriefings as to the status of the course or event. Canoe – About staff will conduct daily one on one debriefings with respect to the status of the course or event. All concerns, and related remedial actions, and well dones shall be logged by the Leader.
17. Canoe – About courses and events will be debriefed at the conclusion of the event, and records kept as to what went well, opportunities for improvement, and things never to do again.
18. Canoe – About courses will utilize the current Paddle Canada program material, and include all elements of that program. Participants will be given a copy of the program material at the beginning of the course.
19. Certifications arising from the Canoe – About Course will be registered with the sanctioning organization with 14 days of the event. Participants will be advised in writing of the outcome of the course within 14 days of the conclusion of the event.
20. Canoe – About’s refund policy shall be included in course advertising.
Eric L. Williams, Director, Canoe-About