- RCA & DCC Trip Safety Standards
(Will be modified for Kayaks following RCA publication of guidelines including Kayaks)
- Canoe trips will be of at least 3 canoes
- Canoe club will appoint a suitably experienced paddler as a Trip Leader for all club trips.
- Trip Leader Responsibilities
- Ascertain appropriate club safety equipment is present and determine who shall carry what (e.g. first aid kits, throw ropes, flare kits etc.)
- Ascertain the canoeing experience of those present, and when necessary assign paddling positions.
- Before embarking, check the safety equipment of each canoe.
- When necessary (e.g. rivers) hold a pre-trip meeting for the purpose of discussing:
- objectives of the trip
- type and any known hazards of the trip (e.g. weather, sweepers etc.)
- accident prevention, signals, emergency and rescue procedures
- etiquette and ethics
If the trip leader feels an individual does not meet the requirements necessary for the trip,
the leader then has the right to refuse to take that individual.
- Trip Participant Responsibilities
- Equip their canoe with:
- a bailer
- a spare paddle
- secured bow and stern lines which will float - painters (4 meters of 9 mm polypropylene rope is required)
- extra flotation if required (it will not prevent a capsize but it could save your boat)
- a spare set of emergency clothing in a waterproof container (a wool toque is recommended even if you are wearing a wet suit)
- Wear a Personal Flotation Device (attaching a whistle and a spare set of car keys is a good idea)
- Tie all gear and equipment so that when the canoe is upside down nothing hangs below the gunwales (otherwise it prevents canoe over canoe rescue and you may lose anything not tied down)
- All club members will inform their guests of these rules
- D.C.C. Additions for Rivers
Where indicated as "Proper river equipment required" and on grade 2 rivers and higher,
the following will be mandatory:
- wet suit or dry suite
- extra floatation
A helmet is also strongly recommended
Suggested optional equipment - throw bag and other rescue gear.
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