Drumchapel & Clydebank Kayaking ClubStandard Operating Procedures: for risk management

Committee Approved: Feb 2016

INDEX

1. Introduction

2. Insurance

3. Definition & Scope of Activities

4. Context

5. Risk Control

6. Members6.1 Adults6.2 Juniors

7. Environmental Considerations

8. Seasonal Constraints8.1 Activities8.2 Weather

9. First Aid

10. Incident / Accident Recording

11. Group Ratio

12. Roles12.1 Coaches & Group Leaders12.2 Assistants

13. Paddle-sport13.1 Club Activities13.2 Peer Paddling

14. Equipment14.1 Personal Equipment14.2 Club Equipment14.3 Group Safety Equipment

15. Trailer

1. Introduction

1.1 The aim of Drumchapel & Clydebank Kayaking Club’s (DCKC) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is to uphold member safety and promote best practice. They do not replace dynamic risk assessment whilst the activity is taking place.

1.2 SOP are DCKC’s approved Health and Safety management framework which is aligned to the DCKC Health & Safety Policy. This framework operationalizes DCKC’s Rules and Guidelines as procedures and best practice – SOP outlines “what we do” for club activities. SOP governs both indoor and outdoor paddle-sport activities for members only.

1.3 Where activities include members of the public a specific risk assessment must be completed and submitted to the Committee for approval; in compliance with insurance requirements as expressed by British Canoe Union (BCU) and Scottish Canoe Association (SCA), the National Governing Body.

1.4 SOP should be published on the club’s website for all members to easily access.

2. Insurance

2.1 The club operation is protected by third party Liability Insurance provided by SCA. DCKC has also secured separate boat insurance (currently under review). For more detailed information on policy conditions refer to www.ps-bcu-insurance.com/faqs/faqs-for-clubs and www.ps-bcu-insurance.com/clubs

2.3 Coaches/ Trip Leaders who are SCA (accredited) members or are members of an SCA affiliated club (such as DCKC) and all other club members who are on DCKC club activities are covered by DCKC’s Liability Insurance.

2.4 Coaches/Trip Leaders and other participants who are individual SCA members are insured as part of their individual membership for non-club trips.

3. Definition and Scope of Activities

3.1 Activities associated with paddle-sports which use a range of equipment to enable participation on swimming pools; rivers; lochs; estuaries; or on open sea.

3.2 Locations are water based and accessed via poolside; jetties; slipways; riverbanks; or shores. Specific sites are noted below and individual SOP are noted for these sites:

Pool (Appendix 2) Pinkston (Appendix 3) Loch Lomond – Duncan Mill Slipway & River Leven (Appendix 4)

3.3 Main activities covered are:

Sea kayaking Touring (inland lochs) White Water kayaking Pool coaching Open Boating/Canoeing Other canoeing activities which may include but not limited to play-boating, surfing, and canoe polo.

3.4 Additional club activities may also include ceilidhs, social evenings, video nights, committee meetings, and other meetings.

3.5 Club members’ safety during club associated activities is given due consideration within SOP. Where club activities are open to members of the public an additional risk review will be conducted and endorsed by the Committee to comply with SCA insurance requirements.

4. Context

4.1 BCU/SCA acknowledge the most effective coaching is self-directed and where sufficient stretch/challenge is provided to enable discovery and reflection. It is therefore difficult to set clear operating guidelines which ensure member safety in all circumstances.

4.2 SOP is not designed to remove all risks associated with activities. SOP adopts control measures to reduce the level of risk associated with paddle-sport activities to an acceptable level and provides general operating procedures.

4.3 Coach Coordinator is responsible for endorsing appropriately experienced and/or qualified individuals who will assume the role of Coach/Group Leader. An experienced Coach/Group Leader is competency based and/or in-house trained and may also be identified using a “grandparent” system.

4.4 Coach Coordinator is responsible for ensuring nominated Coach/Group Leader(s) are aware of the SOP and supported to ensure safe practices at all times (range of support documents available via DCKC website – Appendix 6).

4.5 Nominated Coach/Group Leader(s) are responsible for conducting dynamic risk assessment during any given activity. It also remains the responsibility of the Coach/ Group Leader to take into account National Governing Body requirements, aligned to level or accreditation (refer to Appendix 1 which summaries BCU/SCA information adjusted for DCKC activities, where appropriate).

5. Risk Control

5.1 Standard operating procedures should be followed to reduce risks to an acceptable level and maximise the safety of club members.

5.2 Coach/Group Leader must be experienced in relevant rescue techniques and capable of performing these under the conditions of the activity.

5.3 Consistent with DCKC’s Rules and Guidelines, and DCKC’s Health and Safety Policy, at least one member of the group should be a qualified First Aider. This does not necessarily have to be the Coach/Group Leader.

5.4 All club members are responsible for their own and others safety during the activity but a safety briefing should be provided before going on the water. Attention should be paid to hazard warnings, safety information.

5.5 The Committee will undertake an annual review of Risk Assessment and address findings. Hazards identified in Risk Assessments will be reduced to a reasonable foreseeable standard.

5.6 Coach/Group Leader will carry out ongoing Dynamic Risk Assessment during activities. Given the environment and changeable nature of kayaking and canoeing, Dynamic Risk Assessment is not normally documented.

6. Members

6.1 Adults

6.1.1 DCKC Constitution defines an Adult member as being 18yrs or over.

6.1.2 Adult members accept kayaking and canoeing are assumed risk water contact sports which can be hazardous and for which participants will be made aware of; consent is provided on DCKC Membership Form.

6.1.3 Adult members acknowledge Liability Statement (Membership Form) and agree to abide by club rules and guidelines.

6.1.4 During club activities members are responsible for their own actions, involvement, and for ensuring personal skills/experience commensurate to the environment in which they are active. Individual members are responsible for their own personal safety and condition of the equipment being used.

6.1.5 No other club member will accept liability for loss or injury to person/possessions.

6.1.6 Members are responsible for disclosure of medical conditions and/or disabilities. It is also the individual’s responsibility to make Coach/Group Leader aware of medical conditions/disabilities prior to activity. .

6.1.7 Members should be able to swim a minimum of 25 metres unaided.

6.2 Juniors

6.2.1 DCKC Constitution defines a “junior” member as being under 18yrs and recognised as a vulnerable group. However the Coach/Group Leader may exercise certain discrepancies for members aged between 17-18yrs due to the level of paddling proficiency.

6.2.2 There should be a suitably qualified coach in charge for trips/outings involving members under 16 years of age (junior members)

6.2.2 Children under 10years must be accompanied by an adult.

6.2.3 It is best practice to plan for two adults to be present when coaching junior members – one adult must be a qualified coach (refer to Child Protection Policy for further guidance).

6.2.4 Only First Aiders with a current First Aid qualification should treat junior member injuries.

6.2.5 Partnership With Parents Form replaces legacy consent forms but emergency contact details should still be obtained prior to trip.

6.2.6 Where a proposed "Peer Trip" includes juniors, a qualified coach should be in attendance to safeguard under 18s or any other members who are part of a “vulnerable group”. The attendance of a qualified coach who recognises their responsibilities for the junior member present by default means the “Peer Trip” becomes a "Club Trip".

6.2.7 In any instance where juniors attend a “Peer Trip” and it is not possible to secure a qualified coach, there should be clear communication with parents to confirm they recognise this is a peer trip and does not form part of the club activities. The club secretary must be included in this communication.

7. Environmental Considerations

7.1 DCKC has a social responsibility to ensure water quality is protected from contamination. The Coach/Group Leader should aim to ensure minimal environmental impact.

7.2 Some locations may be subject to access restrictions. Restrictions should be considered during the planning stages of a trip and national access codes of practice followed. Particular attention should be paid to Loch Lomond Marina; Cameron House; Drumkinnon Bay; River Leven; other crafts and moorings.

7.3 Coach/Group Leader should be aware of the dangers to the group associated with polluted water, caused by natural or animal waste.

8. Seasonal Constraints

8.1 Activities

8.1.1 Attention is drawn to the increased risk for Junior (under 16yrs) outdoor activities between October - March due to weather/water conditions and increased risk of hypothermia.

8.1.2 Adult outdoor paddle activities are not affected by seasonal constraints but it is the responsibility of

the Coach/Group Leader to ensure all group members are suitably equipped for weather and water conditions.

8.1.3 Coach/Group Leader is responsible for carrying relevant safety equipment, determined by environmental conditions (see 14.3).

8.2 Weather

8.2.1 Coach/Group Leader should be fully prepared and able to anticipate environmental conditions. Weather forecasts should be checked prior to activities and be relevant to both venue and activity:

Inland Water: regional forecast, temperature, water levels, and river grade

Coastal Water: regional forecast with consideration to tidal flow, tide levels, swell, wind, and temperature.

8.2.2 For Sea Trips particular attention should be paid to obtaining Marine Weather Forecasts for the relevant area and the group should carry a means of attracting attention (e.g. Flares, VHF radio, mobile phone, torch/light/laser/beacon).

9. First Aid

9.1 In line with Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations key points to address include:

Access to first aid materials Access to individuals trained in first aid support

9.2 Recognised First Aiders must hold (or have held) a nationally recognised qualification (minimum of 8hrs). It is the responsibility of the Health & Safety Officer to check individual qualifications/course attendance (see 5.3).

9.3 DCKC define club First Aiders as members as anyone who has undertaken first aid training at any point. However, there are specific stipulations for activities which involve juniors (see 6.2.4) – a two part First Aider list is published on the website (general first aiders and Junior first aiders).

9.4 DCKC encourage recognised First Aiders to attend courses, review guidance and first aid manuals, and maintain first aid kits.

10. Incident / Accident Recording

10.1 To enable continuous review and risk evaluation all risk events should be recorded and regularly reported to the Committee as and when they occur. The Committee are responsible for periodic review previously identified risks and direct appropriate action to reduce future risks.

10.2 It is the responsibility of the Coach Coordinator to ensure all Coaches/Group Leaders are aware of the importance of recording this information and actively encouraged to provide information.

10.3 Coaches/Group Leaders are responsible for applying judgement around what constitutes a risk event and the recording/reporting of that event. A risk event is defined as an incident where either an injury was sustained; or a situation occurs where the coach/group leader believes the committee should discuss to minimise the risk of future reoccurrence.

10.4 Incident/Accident should be reported on the “Injury/Incident Report” forms which are accessible via the Club website.

11. Group Ratio

11.1 The coaching and trip environment can cover a wide range of situations and the appropriate ratio will vary dependent upon situation, the make-up of the group, and the coach/trip leader/assistant in the group. Therefore whilst BCU/SCA recommendations are used as a guide the ratio may vary where there is a mix of 4/5 star standard paddlers within the group (Appendix 1 summaries BCU/SCA information adjusted for DCKC activities, where appropriate).

11.2 Members requiring increased supervision or who possess disabilities should also be considered when assessing appropriate ratios.

11.7 Level 1 Coach or Assistant may provide additional support to the designated coach but the actual experience and knowledge of the Level 1 Coach/Assistant must be taken into account, as qualified Level 1 Coaches may have limited experience and knowledge.

12. Roles

12.1 Coaches and Group Leaders

12.1.1 The aspiration is that Coach/Leader (s) hold a recognised BCU/SCA accreditation, relevant to environment and discipline, however, this is not a requirement. BCU/SCA also recognise competency based Coach/Leader who are in-house trained.

12.1.2 DCKC committee recognise the cost and time required for moderate water/advanced water qualifications which can be prohibitive for many club coaches. The moderate water/advanced water qualifications are to coach in these environments and focus on “how to coach”. An alternative to enable a coach to perform in a moderate water/advanced water environment within a club may include 4/5 star level, formal or in-house training (also referenced in 4.3)

12.1.3 Aligned to SCA guidelines, DCKC is responsible for ensuring people leading activities are competent. Accreditation of in-house Coach/Leader rests with DCKC’s Coach Coordinator.

12.1.4 A duty of care rests with nominated Coach/Leader - individuals accepting this responsibility must be comfortable with the conditions they are operating within and prepared to exercise the safety controls demanded by the environment/activity. Due to the variable nature of typical activities dynamic risk assessment will form a part of the group leader’s risk management process (also referenced in 5.6)

12.1.5 There may be occasions where circumstances prevent safe conduct or continuation of activities. This may be a result of bad weather, inadequately equipped members, faulty equipment, illness or injury. In these circumstances the designated Coach / Leader should decide upon the appropriate course of action. It is the responsibility of all group members to co-operate fully with the Coach / Leader’s decision.

12.2 Assistants

12.2.1 Assistant(s) may be deployed under the supervision of a more experienced Coach. However, the group safety remains the responsibility of the more senior Coach/Group Leader.

12.2.2 Coach / Group Leader should be aware of the assistant(s) capabilities and must ensure the situations they are placed in do not exceed this capability.

12.2.3 The Assistant(s) are responsible for following the direction provided by the senior coach and for seeking advice/guidance when required.

13. Paddle-sport

13.1 For all club activities (Club and Peer Paddling) Personal Detail Forms should be completed prior to the activity. All endeavours will be made to keep data safe as not-for-profit club it is acknowledged DCKC is exempt from the Data Protection Act 1998 (see www.mcof.org.uk/data for further details). It is suggested that during peer trips, it is good practice to arrange to have details of any medical conditions and emergency contact details recorded prior to the trip in case of an incident.

13.2 Club Activities

13.2.1 Group Leader is responsible for the planning and preparation of activities associated with Club Trips.

13.2.2 When planning a Club trip consideration should be given to group composition (age/ability), numbers, health conditions, level of fitness, extent of leader experience, environmental conditions, level of risk etc.

13.2.3 Group leader should pay particular attention to the weakest member of the group and be aware

of individual needs (i.e. medical conditions).

13.2.4 Group Leader must be aware of weather forecasts and have planned the trip for the given conditions, including get-out points and safety equipment.

13.2.5 Where appropriate Group Leader should inform Coast Guard before setting out on a trip and provide the recommended information noted on Leader Guidance – Sea (located on the club website). The only exception would be in sheltered bays and estuaries.

13.2.6 Group Leader should ensure at least one other member of the group is aware of the journey plans and get-out points, in the event the group is split or the Group Leader is injured (refer to Tide Planning Form on the club website).

13.2.7 Group Leader should ensure the group is properly briefed in advance of meeting arrangements and personal equipment.

13.2.8 Group Leader should provide an appropriate group briefing before going on water and ensure the group is clear on who is providing direction, and who can provide first aid support.

13.2.9 Group members are responsible for both their own safety and that of other group members.

13.2.10 Group Leader is responsible for ensuring the group has a suitable means of calling for assistance in a rescue situation.

13.2.11 Group Leader should ensure a member outside of the group is made aware of the journey plan and notified when the group returns, to ensure alert is raised in the event of a serious incident.

13.2.12 For trips it is recommended that a suitably experienced member lead on the group journey to read the water, direct the group, and set pace. The group leader should aim to follow CLAP principals - Communication, Line of Sight, Anticipation & Positioning.

13.2.13 Support documents will be made available to trip leaders via the Club website: -

Leader Guidance – River & Loch Leader Guidance – Sea Trip Form Graham’s Modified Version

13.3 Peer Paddling

13.3.1 Peer Paddling is defined as a peer group activity: any paddle-sport activity which is promoted by members via Social Media (i.e. Facebook, WhatsApp etc.) or other means of communication. The activity does not offer coaching or leadership on the water beyond that found within the given peer group.

13.3.2 DCKC recognises the Peer Paddling activity as being distinct from a Club Activity. Suitability of club group members for Peer Paddling is the responsibility of the individual arranging the activity, and any other participants in the planned Peer Paddle.

13.3.3 SCA advises the most senior/qualified paddler by default becomes group leader.

13.3.4 To assist members to act in accordance with good practice documents listed below have been adopted by DCKC and placed on the DCKC website for reference/use. The Coach Co-ordinator will undertake to regularly draw members’ attention to the existence of these documents.

Club Rules and Guidelines Guidance for Sea trips, Open Water Canoeing and Kayaking, and River trips Club Risk Assessment Sea kayaking Trips - Guidance Notes Loch, River Kayak and Open Canoe - Guidance Notes

13.3.5 Responsibility for safety equipment rests with the “Peer Paddling” group.

13.3.6 It is suggested that any near misses/incidents/accidents should be brought to the committee’s attention, using the Incident Form located on the DCKC website, so that the club may learn from these incidents.

14 Equipment

14.1 Personal Equipment

14.1.1 Members participating in any water based activity must have all the required personal equipment to participate in the activity safely. For further guidance refer to New Members Information Sheet on DCKC website.

14.1.2 Members must be adequately equipped for both the activity and the environmental conditions; this is an individual responsibility. This includes brining spare dry clothing and refreshments in a dry bag.

14.1.3 In bright sunshine sunglasses, sun cream, and water is advisable:- in cold/wet conditions a hat, thermals, and gloves are advisable.

14.1.4 Responsibility rests with the Coach/Group Leader to ensure less experienced members are aware of the personal equipment requirements.

14.1.4 Coach/Group Leader is responsible for ensuring the group, as a whole, is prepared for every reasonable eventuality.

14.1.5 Personal equipment is the responsibility of individual members but the Coach/Leader must be satisfied that any equipment used is in safe condition and appropriate for the activity. The Coach/Group leader reserves the right to decline participation if they believe safety is compromised.

14.2 Club Equipment

14.2.1 The Equipment Coordinator is responsible for ensuring equipment is regularly checked and fit for purpose.

14.2.2 Coach/Group Leader issuing Club equipment must ensure it is suitable for use, fitted correctly, and appropriate for the activity being undertaken.

14.2.3 When using Club equipment the Coach/Leader must ensure that:

Equipment is checked before departing and on return, to ensure it remains in working order

If repairs are required relevant process is followed Club equipment is correctly sized/fitted and used appropriately Guidance is given on appropriate lifting & carrying techniques

14.2.4 Coach/Group Leader must ensure crafts used on moving or deep water have adequate buoyancy to remain floating in the event of capsize and/or be capable of being towed.

14.2.5 Club equipment should not be used on rivers exceeding Grade 5.

14.2.5 The club will provide access to the following equipment:

Wetsuit Cag Buoyancy aid Paddle Boat Helmet

14.2.6 Discretion lies with the Coach/Group Leader but it is recommended helmets are worn on Rivers, White Water Courses, at Rock Gardens, when paddling close to cliffs, or in exposed/difficult shore landings.

14.3 Group Safety Equipment

14.3.1 Coach/Group Leader is responsible for ensuring they carry additional equipment to ensure the group’s safety for a risk event.

14.3.2 Coach/Group Leader will have access to Club equipment but it is the Coach/Group Leader’s responsibility to ensure the equipment is in good working order before use.

Consideration should be given to the following equipment:

Throw line/ Tow line Watch Map/Compass Torch Means of communication First Aid supplies Hot drink (or means of making one) Group Shelter Knife Repair kit Spare Paddle Sling / Karabiner VHF Radio

*not all of the above equipment is available through Club supplies

15 Trailer

15.1 It is the responsibility of driver to drive the vehicle towing the trailer in a responsible manner, showing due caution and courtesy to other road users.

15.2 The driver is responsible for ensuring the security of load on each occasion the trailer is used.

15.3 It is the Committee’s responsibility to ensure regular safety checks are conducted on all trailers and to ensure road worthiness.

15.4 The driver is responsible for making transport arrangements and ensuring these can be adapted in an emergency.

15.5 Where private cars are used to tow Club trailers, the driver must ensure adequate insurance arrangements are in place, and loading guidelines are followed.

APPENDIX 1

Item BCU Terms of Reference RatiosBCU Level 1 Coach Run sessions in pool or in very sheltered water. Supervised by

experienced coach or operating within structure of club.

BCU Level 2 Coach Run sessions in pool; very sheltered or sheltered water; can also obtain moderate or advanced water endorsement to increase remit.

BCU 4* Leader - Sea /Canoe/White Water

Lead competent 3* standard paddlers on short journeys in moderate water (see moderate water definitions below)

BCU 5* Leader - Sea /Canoe/White Water

Lead group in advanced water conditions (see advanced water definitions below)

INLAND WATER OCVery Sheltered Water

Quiet canals with easy bankside access and egress; small lakes, which are not large enough, and do not have difficult landing areas for problems to occur it there is a sudden change in conditions; specified sites on gentle, slow moving rivers. The definition implies weather conditions which are not in themselves likely to cause problems. Care must be exercised when water temperatures are low.

BCU L1 OR UKCC L1 plus site speific training1:8 (1:6 Solo OC1:12 Tandem)No leadership award identified 4 star leader will normally exceed L1 in terms of knowledge and experience

Sheltered Inland Water

Flat water rivers, faster flowing, but not involving the shooting of, or playing on weirs or running rapids. Discretion and common sense must apply when considering the use of lakes/lochs. To operate further than 200 metres from shore on a large lake can be a serious undertaking. To paddle in offshore breezes on large lakes requires the same degree of caution as for the sea. Water temperature (especially in Scottish lochs) must always be a consideration. Suitable lagoons or sections of sheltered bays of larger lakes can sometimes be designated “Sheltered” or even “Very Sheltered" water by careful and sensible selection. The definition implies normal conditions. Care must be exercised when water temperatures are low

BCU L2 ORUKCC L1 plus site speific training1:8 (1:6 Solo OC1:12 Tandem)No leadership award identified 4 star leader more than meets needs

Moderate Water Inland

Moderate Inland Water Large areas of open water which exceed the sheltered water definition, that are no more than 500m off shore and in wind strengths that do not exceed force 4.Moderate White Water (descents up to grade 2, and equivalent weirs)

MWE OC OR BCU L31:5 Solo / 1:10 tandem4 star 1:4 Competent solo or 1:6 competent tandem padders

Advanced Water- Inland

Advanced Inland Water Large areas of open water which exceed moderate water and have winds in excess of force 4.Advanced White Water (grade 3)

AWE OC1:4 Solo or Tandem5 Star 1:4 solo or tandem

SEASheltered Tidal Water and Sea

Small enclosed bays, where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore; enclosed harbours, where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore; defined beaches (a short section of beach with easy landing throughout, no tide races or overfalls beyond the beach), in conditions in which swimmers and beach craft could be happily operating winds not above force 3 (force 2 if offshore when greatest of caution must be exercised); the upper reaches of some suitable, slow moving estuaries during Neap tides. In all cases the wind and weather conditions must be favourable.

UKCC L1 plus site specific training OR UKCCL2 ORBCU L21:8 (1:6 OC Solo0/ 1:12 Tandem)No leadership award identified 4 star more than meets needs

Moderate Water Tidal Water/Sea

The definition involves: A stretch of coastline or estuary in close proximity to the shore, with easy landing, not involving fast tidal streams, tidal races, or overfalls, winds not above force 4 (force 2 if offshore when greatest of caution must be exercised); the upper reaches of some estuaries; launching and landing through moderate surf

BCU UKCC MWE ORBCU L3 Sea(1:6 students)4 Star (1:4 competent Paddlers)

Advanced Water Tidal Water/Sea -

Any journey on the sea where tidal races, overfalls or open crossings may be encountered, which cannot be avoided; Sections of coastline where landings may not be possible or difficult; difficult sea states and /or stronger winds (force 4 or above), launching and landing through moderate surf.

BCU L4 OR BCU UKCC AWE (1:4 students)5 Star (1:4 paddlers)

WHITE WATERModerate Water White Water

Grade 2 white water or equivalent weirs. (This is extended to Grade 2(3) when using whitewater spec Kayaks).

BCU L3 OR MWE (1:6)4 Star WW (1:4 competent paddlers)

Advanced Water -White Water

Grade 3 white water for canoe. Grade 3 to 4(5) for kayak. BCU L4 OR AWE (1:4)5 Star WW (1:4)

Glossary of Additional Terms

Updated – All coaches once qualified remain qualified for life. The SCA introduced a term “updated” to ensure a coach had a valid First Aid certificate* and undertaken recent CPD (Continuous Professional Development). DCKC do not use the term updated with respect to their coaches.

*In SCA terms a valid first aid certificate also assesses how long the first aid course was (e.g. 4 hours, 8 hours or 16 hours and what they feel is approriate for the coaching award it is associated with).

APPENDIX 2

Pool – Standard Operating Procedure

1. Pool Safety

1.1 No person apart from those coaching or participating in an organised activity will swim in the pool whilst the activity is taking place

1.2 Supervision must be maintained at all times when using the pool – there must be at least one person acting as coach whilst members are using the pool.

1.3 No seal launching into the pool.

1.4 When boats are being brought into and out of the pool, all care should be taken at the emergency doors to avoid accidently activating the fire alarm. It may be appropriate to have someone standing beside the alarm as boats are being moved.

2. Discipline

2.1 Committee members at pool session have the final say in matters of discipline.

3. Environment

3.1 Care should be taken at all times to ensure cleanliness of equipment used in the pool.

3.2 Activities are organised to prevent any possible damage to the pool.

APPENDIX 3

Pinkston – Standard Operating Procedure

1. Pinkston Safety

1.1 The Group Leader should establish a rota and personnel for observing inlet and spectator control. It is suggested spectator - briefing is 3 foot from edge unless actively communicating with paddlers.

1.2 An operator must be stationed to view the pump inlet to talk/guide individual(s) away from the inlet;

they may in exceptional circumstances apply the emergency stop.

1.3 At the start of the session open selected changing rooms, walk the course for hazards, and provide a safety briefing.

Safety briefing checklist includes:

Ropes and slings not on body or boat Swimming - defensive on course, aggressive to reach eddy with or without boat, and exiting course Outlet and inlet safety Helmets and buoyancy aids Group support and checking (other boat hazards, queue etiquette, upstream verses downstream

priority) Empty channel hazards Emergency stop Fire procedures and emergency procedures Nominated safety observer on pump inlet Incident reports need to be reported – club form is available on website

1.4 At the end of the session check and lock changing rooms, walk the course, and lock the gate.

1.5 Establish on course river format – buddy system, no solo paddling

2. Pinkston Ratios

2.1 The long course can cater for up to 25 paddlers providing the Site Operating Officer (nominated coach) is comfortable with the skill level and river skills to ensure group members will look after each other.

2.2 Coach is entitled to choose a lower number on the course or ask group members to act as additional supervisory paddlers/observers when required based upon group skill levels.

2.3 Where group numbers exceed 25 paddlers the coach can establish a 1-on / 1-off procedure. The bottom of the course is considered “off/in the basin”.

3. Pinkston Flat/Moving Water Basin

3.1 Numbers in the flat/moving water basin can be controlled by the nominated coach. Example – one coach could cover 3 polo teams.

4. Under 18s

4.1 When under 18s are present a qualified coach should be in charge of those individuals (as per DCKC Standard Operating Procedures). This may mean the coach being bank based or on the water with their group (under 18s and adults), whilst also acting as sub-group of overall DCKC attendees.

5. Non Club Members

5.1 DCKC are unable to allow the general public/non-club members to participate as they will not be insured as part of our activity.

5.2 Individuals who are current SCA members are able to attend and will be covered under their personal insurance. The Group Leader should establish the individual is capable of paddling at Pinkston and cover the items in the briefing (noted above).

5.3 Individuals and groups who are members of SCA affiliated clubs may also attend and will be covered under their own club’s insurance. The Group Leader should establish the individual is capable of paddling at Pinkston and cover the items in the briefing (noted above).

5.4 The use of DCKC’s Pinkston session by other club members and the role of their own club’s insurance covering the activity shall be highlighted on our materials (posters, website, and emails), highlighting the option to be covered by individual or “home” club insurance.

5.4 In line with DCKC Rules and Guidelines, potential club members may attend a single session without qualifying as a member of the public. Potential members need to pay the normal charge and must join for any future sessions.

APPENDIX 4

Loch Lomond – Standard Operating Procedure

1. Access 1.1 Loch Lomond operates a wild camping restriction during March to October – paddlers are unable to camp on the islands during this time.

1.2 Right to Roam permits access to inland water ways and public slipways, however, all courtesy should be paid to National Park representatives and their wishes honoured.

1.3 Many parts of Loch Lomond shores and islands are conservation areas and as such it’s important you leave the area as you find it and take litter away with you.

1.4 Paddlers should aim to minimise disturbance to others and wild life.

1.5 Particular courtesy should be shown to anglers and their needs respected – fishing tackle should be avoided.

2. Launch & Landing2.1 If the craft is too heavy for one person to carry group members should work in pairs to take craft from the trailer to the access point (and vice-versa).

2.2 Care should be taken during launch and landings to ensure skeg is in the upright position to avoid damage to kayak and opperating difficulties when on the water.

2.3 Paddlers should check that seat and foot rests are adjusted to their personal needs before going on the water.

2.4 Paddlers should check hatches are sealed and bungs closed before going on water.

2.5 Care should be taken to ensure the spay deck is secured and that the grab loop is both on the outside, and can be easily grabbed in the event of a capsize.

3. Car Parking3.1 DCKC recongnise that whilst there is convienient and accessible access to the “Trailer” carpark near the Maid Of The Loch, this is at the discression of the National Park and every effort should be made to meet the wishes of National Park representatives.

3.2 It is important to minimse the impact to other visitors due to excessive parking, particularly during popular club activites. Membes should therefore aim to car share whenever possible or park in the overflow carpark once the boats have been unloaded.

3.3 DCKC recognise excessive car parking my make it difficult for emergency vehicles to access the launch site, in the event of an emergency.

3.4 To maintain a good relationship DCKC should provide the National Park with a point of contact / liason person, with whom representatives can raise any queries or concerns.

4. Damage4.1 Any damage to third parties should be reported immediately to the Coach/Group Leader , who in turn will complete an incident form and escalate to the Club Secretary.

5. New Container

5.1 Access to the 30 foot container is shared between DCKC and the Triathlon Club. DCKC members should ensure no damage occurs to the Triathlon Club’s equipment.

5.2 Care should be taken when opening and securing the Container doors to prevent damage to cars or people.

5.3 As boats are carried across the carpark, roads, slipway, and Maid of the Loch turning circle the movement of boats and equipment should be carried out quickly. Equipment should be quickly moved to the launch point or the grassy area beside the carpark and members should avoid leaving equipment/boats on the road surface.

5.4 The container should be locked once equipment for the activity has been removed/replaced.

6. Other Water Users 6.1 Paddlers will be sharing the rive/loch with other water users and therefore should show awareness/consideration to those around them.

6.2 In theory motor craft should give way to sail/human powered craft. However given the size and risk of injury giving way to larger craft is often prudent. Where craft are moving with the river/loch channels their abililty to change direction is limited. Canoe/kayaks should move to shallower water at the edge of the channel. Additionally rowing boats will normally have priority as they look backwards and are relatively unmanoeverable.

6.3 The Group Leader/Coach must ensure the proper briefing and supervision is provided so that no damage to other crafts can occur.

8. Bouys

8.1 Red and Green buoys mark the outter edge of a channel. A red buoy notes the channel is to the left (port), indicating boats will move upstream with the buoy to their left. A green buoy notes the channel is to the right (startboard) therefore boats will move upstream with the buoy to their right. Paddlers should be aware of these meanings to be able to predict large craft movement.

8.2 A yellow buoy is a warning noting possible danger. It’s used to indicate possible underwater pipes, dredge lines, sea plane area. If there is a yellow buoy stay away from this area.

9. Sea Plane 9.1 When the sea plane is on approach to land on the loch it is recommended the paddle group cluster together at the earlies opportunity, to be more visable to the pilot. Activity can then be resumed once the plane has plane has passed over or landed (info@lochlomondseaplanes.com / 01436 675030).

APPENDIX 5

Position and Responsibilities

Role Relevent Sections

Comments

DCKC Committee 1.32.15.56.2.79.110.115.3

Coaching Coordinator 4.34.49.310.212.1.3

Health and Safety Officer 9.2Coach/Group Leader 4.5

5.25.66.2.26.2.67.17.38.1.28.1.38.2.19.310.312.1.412.1.612.21314.1.414.214.3

Equipment Officer 14.2.1First Aider 5.3

9.29.4

Assistant 12.2.3Driver (Trailer) 15

APPENDIX 6

Related Club Documents

DCKC Constitution 01.09.15 – Top level cub document.

DCKC Club Code of Conduct 01.09.15 DCKC Club Equity Statement 01.09.15 DCKC Rules and Guidelines 01.09.15 DCKC Health and Safety Policy 01.09.15 Incident Report Form

DCKC child protection policy 01.09.15 Top level cub document.

DCKC Child Protection guidelines 01.09.15 Partnership with Parents Form Significant Incident Form

DCKC Standard Operating Procedures Top level cub document.

Trip Form – Graham’s modified version Leader Guidance River and Loch Leader Guidance Sea Sea Kayak Trip – example planning form DCKC Equipment Hire Policy Dec 2013 Keyholder’s Guidance Notes

Membership Forms

DCKC-Membership-Form-Oct-2013-Version PDF Document DCKC-Membership-Form-Oct-2013-Version Word Document New Members Information Sheet

*Links to all of the documents listed above can be found at http://dckc.co.uk/members-pages/club-documents