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Safety

Your safety and the safety of your fellow paddlers on the water remain at the heart of our club ethos.

Everyone paddling does so at their own risk.  Even when you are on a club paddle, the primary responsibility for your safety is yours.  However, on club paddles we will do our reasonable best to keep you, and the rest of the group, safe.

If the leader in charge of an SCC paddle gives instructions – especially that involve personal or group safety -  you must follow them.  
If you think something needs to be drawn to the attention of the paddle leader, then please do so.  But once the paddle leader has the relevant information, please do not argue with the leader during a paddle even if you do not agree with their decision.  The time to discuss why decisions have been made is after the paddle is finished.

Our coaches and paddle leaders undertake rigorous training and are certified by the governing authorities. They have devoted a great deal of their time to ensure that you are safe, learn and most of all have fun out on the water.

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Safety and courtesy rules

  • Follow the instructions of the paddle leader(s) and listen carefully to the safety briefing

  • Do not get on the water until the paddle leader tells you to

  • Keep to the right while paddling on the river

  • You must always stay with the group unless you have the express authorisation of the group leader

  • Kayak spray decks are not allowed until you have satisfied the club coaches you can safely
    perform a wet exit 

  • No one should run the weirs until the leader of the paddle has assessed it is safe

  • Helmets are mandatory for running weirs 

  • Be aware of sculls (fast rowing boats) and call them out, they paddle backwards and can't see you

  • Watch out for anglers and give their lines a wide berth

  • Be aware that this river belongs to the wildlife

  • Always be courteous to other paddlers, they might end up joining the club!

 

The club recognises that members may choose to paddle outside of club activities.  If you paddle on your own, you are doing so outside the club structure.  It is recommended that you paddle in a group. Paddling on your own significantly increases the risks when compared to paddling in a group. The collective capability of the group acts to provide a safety net if things go wrong. If you choose to paddle alone you should have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to do so.

 

Risk assessments

​On all club paddles, a dynamic risk assessment is made by the paddle leader before and during paddling the river and they will be continuously assessing the risks.
Should there be a feature too risky for some members of the group to paddle, appropriate action will be taken to reduce this risk. This may include splitting into smaller groups, or portaging the feature i.e. weirs.
The river can change quickly from week to week and understanding this can help you enjoy the water in all weathers throughout the year.  Sometimes the paddle leader may need to modify or cancel a paddle on the day if the conditions are not safe; please don’t pressurise the leader if they have made that decision. â€‹

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Bacterial waterborne infections

Rivers are inherently dirty and there is always a risk of bacterial waterborne infections.

The following will help you mitigate some of these risks:

  • Cover any pre-existing cuts and abrasions, including blisters, with waterproof dressings

  • In the unlikely event that you injure yourself on the water, seek help immediately 

  • Avoid swallowing river water and keep your water bottle clean and dry

  • Check the weather, poor water quality is more likely after heavy rain

  • Always wash your hands before eating or drinking

  • Shower soon after being on the river

  • If you become sick, consult your GP and mention you have been in the river

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