Canoe Use SOP

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Supervisor Responsibilities

Training

Equipment

Risk Assessment

Overview

Safety takes priority in all college activities. Risk management is a dynamic process which responds to ever-changing circumstances in order to ensure the highest safety standard for everyone involved. The  Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on this page outline practices for assessing and minimizing risks associated with canoe use. All faculty, staff, and students wishing to use a canoe during authorized college field trips or research outings must review this guide prior to the trip. All trip participants are responsible for safety awareness and risk management.  At least one trip supervisor must always be present inside the canoe whenever the canoe is in the water.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Overall safety responsibility resides with the Trip Supervisor. These responsibilities include:
  • Training — Completing all required training prior to the trip
  • Assessment — Conducting activity risk assessments prior to the trip
  • Documentation — Completing all required documentation, including a trip itinerary and Canoe Safety Checklist
  • Inspection — Conducting inspections of all equipment before and after every trip and reporting any issues to the department chair and the Safety & Risk Management Coordinator
  • Reviews — Reviewing first aid and emergency procedures with all participants prior to launching the canoe
  • Reports — Reporting any accidents/incidents as soon as possible in accordance with SF Safety guidelines

Trip Itinerary

The Trip Supervisor must leave a detailed itinerary with the department chair including all of the following information:

  • Emergency contact information for all trip participants
  • Time and place of departure and estimated return time
  • Activity location (including contact numbers) and launch point
  • Details of all vehicles involved, including make and registration

Students and Minors

The Trip Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all college travel rules as described in  College Rule 7.34 and the SF Travel Manual are followed with regard to students and minors participating in the trip.

Maximum Participants

The maximum number of participants (the most people allowed in one canoe at one time) is determined by the canoe manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum weight. Keep in mind that all equipment that will be carried on the canoe must be taken into account when calculating the total weight. Do not exceed the maximum number of participants. At least one Trip Supervisor must always be present inside the canoe whenever the canoe is in the water.

Training

Trip Supervisors must be adequately trained for each activity associated with canoe use and competent to instruct participants on the use of all equipment. The Department of Natural Sciences must provide Trip Supervisors and participants with all the necessary equipment. All participants must be capable of wearing/using the equipment according to manufacturer guidelines. 

Required Training

Trip Supervisors are required to complete the following training prior to the trip. The department will retain documentation of completed training for at least three (3) years.

Recommended but not required: 

Additional Training

All trip participants are encouraged to review the following safety information.

Medical Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY and notify the SFPD as soon as possible.

Equipment

The Trip Supervisor must have ready access to the following at all times while in the canoe:

  • Mobile Phone with Waterproof Case
  • Emergency Phone Numbers
  • Paddles (Including Extra Paddle)
  • Emergency Whistle
  • Paddler Medical Kit
  • Brightly Colored Rope
  • Canoe Repair Kit
  • Duct Tape
  • River Knife
  • Throw Bag

The American Canoe Association recommends the following supplies in addition to the above:

  • GPS Locator
  • Compass and Map
  • Light Source
  • Bilge Pump or Bailer
  • Paddle Float
  • Sling
  • Tow Rope
  • Sunscreen
  • UV Eye Protection
  • Drinking Water and Snacks
  • Drybag with Extra Clothing

Equipment Maintenance

All canoes, equipment, and gear must be in good repair and optimal working condition at all times. Preventative Maintenance Logs must be kept for all equipment. Follow all manufacturer guidelines and safety regulations.

Life-Saving Equipment

All individuals must put on a life jacket while still on dry land, before approaching the dock or entering the canoe. Life jackets must be worn at all times while in the canoe and must not be removed until back on dry land.

Risk Assessment

All supervisors must be aware of their responsibilities and familiar with the location and activities of the trip before the trip begins. This includes awareness of possible dangers including weather, wildlife, and various emergency situations. Activity risk assessment involves three components:

  1. Pre-Activity Analysis
  2. Activity-Related Guidelines
  3. Post-Activity Guidelines

Pre-Activity Analysis

It is essential to consider the experience level of the group and all possible hazards (natural and manmade), including but not limited to:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Capsizing and tip-over
  • Entrapment under water
  • Strong currents, rip-currents
  • Cold water temperature
  • Heat exposure (sunburn, sunstroke, dehydration)
  • Unexpected weather conditions
  • Wildlife (alligators, snakes, insects)
  • Inadequate/dangerous clothing or shoes

General Risk Assessment Table

Hazard

Preventative Measures

Working Alone

not allowed

Slips/Trips/Falls

  • Requirement of proper footwear
  • Situational awareness

Handling Canoe and Equipment

  • Training on safe canoe handling and proper procedures for lifting canoe and equipment
  • Requirement of 2 persons to move the canoe

Capsizing

  • Stay low in canoe, walk across center line only
  • Review canoe flip training materials

 Heat Exposure

  • Proper clothing and sunscreen use
  • Proper hydration
  • Review heatstroke training

 Weather

  • Check weather forecast prior to trip
  • Closely monitor weather conditions
  • Thunder, lightning, or heavy rain requires all participants to leave the water immediately and seek shelter

 Wildlife

  • Situational awareness and knowledge of the area
  • No feeding or interacting with any wildlife

Activity-Related Guidelines (Safety Brief)

A safety brief must be given to all participants before launching the canoe. The list below includes some general activity-related guidelines that should be included in the brief. Remember to take into consideration the specific circumstances of the trip, the location/area, and the participants involved.

  1. Introduction — provide name of trip supervisor and details of their experience
  2. Background — give a short background of the activity, including the plan for the day
  3. Area — describe the trip location, including maps and routes, and highlighting any possible dangers
  4. Equipment — examine, check, and explain all equipment; ensure each participant has all required equipment and that all life-saving equipment is properly fitted
  5. Safety — explain proper procedures for transporting, off-loading, boarding, launching, paddling, and landing the canoe, as well as all other canoe safety guidelines
  6. Review emergency procedures, including heat stress and first aid

Post-Activity Guidelines

  • Report any accidents or incidents to the Coordinator of Safety and Risk Management immediately after returning from the trip.
  • Promptly clean, inspect, and store the canoe and all equipment/gear according to the manufacturer guidelines and Department of Natural Sciences procedures.
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