Canoeing/Kayaking - Activity

Student skills

Canoeing should begin with an assessment of students’ current knowledge, skills and experience and an activity briefing given by the instructional staff.

A basic introductory briefing will generally include:

• the response of students in the event of a capsize
• principles of self-rescue
• river communication signals
• float position if in the water.

To paddle in moving water or whitewater, students should be taught how to:

• identify river features including the area of main current flow, eddies and eddy lines and safe eddies
• break in and out of the current
• ferry glide across the current
• float in the safety position
• receive a throw bag
• swim into a safe eddy
• empty a capsized craft
• manoeuvre a capsized craft to shore
• identify and avoid river hazards such as strainers, sieves and stoppers.

This will often occur in a moving water environment where the supervising staff are able to provide close supervision.

Equipment

Equipment must be in safe condition and suitable for the activity.

Canoes/kayaks

Structural strength needs to be sufficient to withstand the intended use and to minimise the likelihood of entrapment.

Cockpits must be clear of attachments and smooth on the edges to enable the student to exit quickly.

Carrying points at the stern and bow need to be permanent and of sufficient strength to be used in rescues and boat retrievals. Painters are not recommended due to the danger of rope entanglement in the event of a capsize.

All craft must contain sufficient fixed permanent upthrust to prevent the canoe from sinking if capsized. Kayaks need buoyancy fitted to bulkheads fore and aft. Craft should be matched to the activity undertaken.

Repair methods and equipment will vary according to the construction materials of the craft. Temporary repairs may be undertaken as long as the structural integrity of the craft is maintained. Temporary repairs are to be replaced with more permanent repairs as soon as possible.

Helmets

Helmets may be provided to students participating in a canoeing activity at the discretion of the instructor after consideration of students’ canoeing experience and skill level.

Students must wear helmets specifically designed for water activities when participating in a canoeing activity on moving water.

Helmets specifically designed for water activities must comply with the following safety characteristics of lightweight protective helmets:

• holes to allow for water drainage
• adjustable chin strap
• hard outer shell
• firm fit, either by use of an adjustable harness securely attached to the helmet or a fixed helmet in a range of sizes
• either foam padded or constructed with a suspension harness
• capacity to float.

Paddles

Paddles should be in good working order, be buoyant, appropriate to the activity and the correct length for the paddler. Spare paddles must be carried on all river trips.

Personal flotation devices

In all waters, staff and students must wear a securely fitted Australian Standard Type 2 personal flotation device as required by Marine Safety Victoria. 

Exemptions from the Marine Safety Victoria regulations for the wearing of PFD’s have been granted for certain situations. Exemption categories can be found at Yachting Victoria - safety. 

First aid kits

First aid kits appropriate to the location and level of training must be carried.

Rescue equipment

Rescue equipment that is suitable for the location or trip and category of water conditions must be in good condition and readily accessible. Staff must be proficient in its use.

Spray decks

Spray decks must be fitted with release tapes or toggles and may be used in all categories of water conditions. Students must only use spray decks after direct tuition, practice and close supervision of their capacity to exit the craft.

Clothing

Clothing is the individual’s primary protection against severe and variable weather conditions. Clothing lists need to be appropriate for the activity, the environment and the season.

Participants must dress in a manner that will not hinder flotation. For example, heavy boots or bulky clothing must not be worn, nor a waterproof jacket over the top of a personal flotation device. Participants must wear footwear suitable both for in the craft and for use in the event of a capsize or a walkout.

Glasses should be secured in some way and no loose jewellery worn. Wearing rings is not advised unless they are taped. A complete change of clothing should be available at the location and carried on overnight touring trips in waterproof containers.

To protect against sunburn use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen on all exposed parts of the body, applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Identification

Staff and students must be easily identifiable.

Staff must determine the most suitable system/s of identification, based on the assessment of the environment, students’ skills, the type of activities to be undertaken and the age and number of students.

Touring

All touring parties must carry with them appropriate safety and rescue equipment including:

• quick-release towing system
• throw bag
• rescue knife
• repair kit.

Ensure all essential dry equipment (eg. food, clothing, sleeping gear, stoves, camping equipment, communication equipment) is evenly distributed amongst the craft and carefully stored in robust and waterproof containers or dry bags. Drums that have been used to store chemicals should not be used. All contents should be secured within the craft in a manner that ensures they will not impede the handling of the craft or become a hazard in the event of capsize.