MVB INC CANOEING SAFETY PROCEDURES and PROTOCOLS

These procedures must be reviewed before every event

1. As soon as you have paid get lifejackets and make sure that they are properly fitted
2. Valuables, keys and non essential electronic gear be left behind or placed in a waterproof container attached to you or your vessel
3. Do not enter the water until the leader has revised the safety guidelines
4. The leader has the authority to rearrange the paddlers for the safety of others.
5. Beginners to be paired up with responsible, experienced paddlers.
6. Please advise the leader if there are any medical issues which may impact the canoe trip.
7. Once in the water, paddle upstream until the whole group is launched.
8. The leader will indicate when the group should set off by blasting a whistle to get group together.
9. Life jackets must be worn at all times when in the canoes
10. Stay between the front leader and the back leader while on the trip.  The party needs to be compact at all times.
11. While paddling beginners should stay away from the bank and keep to the middle until more canoeing experience is obtained
12. The person in the front of the canoe is responsible for identifying and alerting of approaching hazards.
13. Each craft has a responsibility to the craft behind. It should not lose visual contact.
14. The party needs to be compact at all times.

WHISTLE BLASTS

• 1 whistle blast – reform the group
• 2 whistle blasts - the group will pull in to the bank
• 3 whistle blasts - paddler in the water - rescue procedures occur.

RESCUE PROCEDURES

1. Rescue will occur under the leader’s direction
2. If your canoe capsizes, hold on to your canoe and wait for assistance.
3. If canoe is stuck on a log another canoe will assist you to shore.
4. Others will rescue the canoe and equipment
5. If you are in the water, float down feet first so you can push off any obstacles.

Protocols

1. Book in early,  don’t leave it to the last minute.
2. Arrive on time 5.15 so we can be ready to leave at 5.30 - text the leader if going to be delayed.
3. Have the correct money with you for the paddle and bbq
4. The group will always proceed at the pace of the slowest paddlers
5. In a recovery situation (capsize, boat stuck etc) instructions must come from the leader only.
6. If there is an incident do not leave the scene and proceed to paddle unless instructed to do so by the leader
7. Can everyone please assist with the unloading and loading of canoes so the work is not left to just a few. Two people for kayaks and four people for canadian canoes are required to safely load and unload.
8. Last of all please enjoy yourself and have a great time.