Rutland Canoe Club

• Members must observe any instructions from the person in charge.
• Members must tag on and off the water and must sign in group log sheet to register with Rutland Water sports (AW).
• Paddlers on the main body must be accompanied by a main body leader or L3 coach and conform to the BCU guidelines for supervision ratios.
• Paddlers on the creek must be accompanied by a L2 coach, creek leader or main body leader and conform to the BCU guidelines for supervision ratios. Paddlers may paddle on the creek as long as there are minimum of 2 x 2* paddlers. Solo paddling on the creek is only allowed when safety cover has been arranged with Rutland Water Sports.
• Paddlers must not leave the shore without a correctly fitted buoyancy aid or lifejacket.
• Paddling members must have a whistle.
• Paddlers must be appropriately dressed for the weather conditions.
• If you bring a visitor to the Club, you must ensure that club Visitors Book has been filled out and the visitor also books on the water at Rutland water sports and pays appropriate launch fee prior to getting on the water.
• Members have a responsibility to point out any unsafe practices to the Creek or Main Body Leader and to the Safety Officer.

• Members should normally paddle when Rutland Water sports is open. If it is intended to paddle at other times Rutland Water sports must be advised a month in advance.
• Members must inform Rutland Water sports of their intention to paddle.
• Paddlers must conform to Club Rules at all times.
• Paddlers must inform the Rutland Water sports when they are safely off the water.
• Members are only allowed onto the Main Body with a Main Body Leader. (The minimum group size must be 3 paddlers at all times)

• Members must comply with the instructions of the Paddle Leader. Members will be responsible for:
  • Ensuring that they are appropriately dressed and equipped.
  • For wearing a buoyancy aid or lifejacket at all times when on the water.
  • For advising the paddle leader of any medical or other condition which may be relevant to the safety and enjoyment of the trip.
• The Paddle Leader will be responsible for:
  • Checking the access situation with the LAO (Local Access Officer)Advising the coastguard if necessary
  • Ensuring that members have the necessary skill to cope with the condition.
  • Ensuring that helmets are worn when necessary (it is Club Policy that all junior paddlers should wear helmets on Grade II+ moving water).
  • Ensuring that party is adequately equipped for the prevailing condition.
  • Ensure that they have guardian's permission for those under 18 years old.

• All Club Main Body Leaders have been trained in First Aid and basic incident management, they will be your first line of assistance.
• If there is an incident that you are unable to sort out yourself, seek help immediately. If incident is obviously severe (e.g. heart attack, drowning, severe hypothermia, multiple casualties) call Rutland Watersports (01780-460154 or VHF radio channel M2), who will launch a boat and call the emergency services. As soon as you sight the boat, fire a smoke or red flare (as appropriate for the weather conditions at the time) to direct the boat to the incident.
• If the centre is closed and you need more help, call the emergency services (999 or 112) and move casualty to the nearest shore. If possible have in mind access by the emergency services in selecting which shore.
• If there is any problem with communications fire a parachute or mini flare, make for nearest shore and raise alarm.
• Once the incident is sorted out, record details in the Club Logbook while details are fresh in your mind.
• Inform the Safety Officer as soon as possible.

• Sort out incident using resources of the group if possible. If outside assistance is needed, do not hesitate, seek emergency help using any appropriate means e.g.:
  • Telephone
  • VHF Radio Ch16
  • Flares
  • Signal mirror etc.

• Remember, if in any doubt about your ability to resolve the situation within the group, do not hesitate, seek urgent assistance.

Any enquiries please email us at info@rutlandcanoeclub.org.uk