Safety

Australian Canoeing Safety Code

The general rule is 'you got yourself into this: you get yourself out of it.' Safety is risk management and knowing your limitations and working within them. The Australian Canoeing Safety Guidelines will give you an outline on what you should do (or not do).

Australian Canoeing Recommends that all canoeists (canoe, kayak and sit-on-top paddlers) read the Australian Canoeing Safety Guidelines.

This Safety Code is for any current or prospective paddler written by Australian Canoeing Inc.

Purchasers of Kayaks, Sit On Tops or Canoes

• paddle in lakes and lagoons
• paddle in the sea
• paddle in white water
• buy a craft for your children

The Paddler

1. Be able to swim confidently and be confident in water, even with the clothing you will wear paddling.
2. Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (either Type 2 or 3).
3. Be honest with yourself about your ability. Paddling a canoe on quiet water doesn''t qualify you for more difficult trips or conditions.
4. The waters of rivers, lakes and oceans are all very different They demand knowledge and skill. Develop your paddling incrementally, preferably with people more skilled than yourself. Clubs are wonderful.
5. Beware of cold water and weather extremes. Swimming ability and PFD's cannot counteract for long the effects of very cold water. Wetsuits may sometimes be essential for safety.
6. Be equipped for the conditions that could occur. Secure your spectacles, have appropriate footwear, allow for protection against the sun, wind, and rain.
7. Learn how to capsize, to rescue yourself and others and learn first aid, so that you are prepared for an emergency.
8. Seek training. We recommend the AC Basic Skills Award as a minimum. AC Instructors are available through many canoeing clubs and other bodies.
9. Before accepting an invitation to undertake a trip, enquire about:

• the group organising it
• the leader
• the trip itself
• If you accept, give the leader a frank assessment of your skill and experience and your full cooperation.

Equipment

1. Make certain you have the right craft for the trip!
2. Test new and unfamiliar equipment before undertaking hazardous assignments. This includes alterations to gear.
3. The craft must be in good condition before starting a trip.
4. If sea canoeing, carry a spare paddle in a position where you can get at it quickly.
5. The craft, when filled with water, must be able to support its crew and sodden gear in deep water. Use expanded plastics or buoyancy bags or sealed air tight compartments.
6. Use spray covers whenever there is any possibility that water may come into the craft in quantity. The cover release must be immediate and function perfectly.
7. Carry appropriate repair equipment, torch, map, compass and survival kit on wilderness trips Leave a plan of your trip with a responsible person and an expected time of arrival at your destination.
   

The Leader

1. The leader should describe the conditions that could be experienced to prospective participants, prior to acceptance of invitations.
2. The leader should not allow persons to participate beyond their proven ability, nor allow inappropriate craft to start.
3. The leader must know the range of weather conditions which may occur and their influence on the water conditions
4. Before starting and at any appropriate time, the leader should make it clear that his or her decisions in the interest of safety are final.
5. The leader nominates the functions of other group members and the formation on the water.
6. By example the leader should impart knowledge, skill and confidence. 

On Rivers

1. Each participant should be aware of group plans, formations, the general nature of the river ahead, the location of any special gear and the signals to be used.
2. The lead boat crew scouts all doubtful parts of the river, sets the course, and is never passed.
3. The rear boat is equipped and trained for rescue.
4. Each craft has a responsibility to the craft behind. It should not lose visual contact. It passes on signals, points out obstacles and tries to prevent its own errors being repeated.
5. The party needs to be compact. Large formations should sub-divided into independent groups with an overall plan.

On Lakes or the Sea

1. Do not travel beyond a returnable distance from shore under the worst conditions possible.
2. Know the weather range. Have a current forecast. Conditions can change within minutes. Beware of off-shore winds
3. Have a sound knowledge of the effects of tides.
4. Formation positions should be nominated to prevent craft from being dangerously dispersed.
5. Kayak paddlers, prior to an ocean expedition, should practise rolling and all canoeists should perfect team rescue drill so that a capsized craft can be righted, emptied and the crew re-embark. 

In the Event of a Capsize

1. Keep calm but very much alert.
2. Stay on the upstream side of your craft.
3. Be aware of your responsibility to assist your partner (in the case of pairs).
4. Follow your rescuers'' instructions.
5. Leave your craft only if this improves your safety. If rescue is not close at hand and the water is dangerously cold or worse rapids follow, then swim in the appropriate direction for the nearest point of personal safety. The loss of the finest craft is not worth even the risk of personal safety.
6. If swept into a rapid, then swim feet first on your back. Keep your head clear of the water for good visibility

As a Rescuer

Go after the crew. The craft can wait until the crew and you are safe .
The Australian Canoeing Education and Safety Technical Committee (2004) (revised)