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Connecticut Water Trails
Program
Paddling Basics
Planning A Paddling Trip
General
Planning:
Paddling
Safety Guidelines
 Paddling
Safety
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The most
important rule to follow when organizing a paddling group outing is
to stick together.
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You are not
only responsible for yourself out on the water, but also the other
paddlers under your guidance.
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You must
have all other paddlers within communication range to increase the
overall safety of any group.
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You must
never let any of the paddlers break from the main group, you are to
keep the group together from start to finish.
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If you have
a problem with a paddler on your trip then they should be talked to
and reminded that you are leading the trip and they are under your
guidance.
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Before
heading out you should cover the basic rules and guidelines you will
be following while out on the water.
Paddling Trip
- Individual Jobs
As with any
trip there are specific jobs which should be assigned and all the
paddlers should be made aware of on a paddling trip.
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The
Leader
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Navigator
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When
you are paddling in a large group, choose a front (point) boat
to set a reasonable pace throughout the day.
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This
person should also be aware of where the group is heading as
well as keeping track of the time.
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The
Sweepers
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To make
sure no one gets discouraged, assign a strong paddling team to
bring up the rear as well.
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This
"sweeper" team can encourage stragglers and slow the front boat
down when necessary to keep everyone together.
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You
co-trip leader should be part of the sweeper team.
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Rotate
The Jobs
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To keep
everyone involved, rotate the duties of the point boat, sweepers
and navigator (when possible) throughout the trip.
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Just
make sure that the navigator has the experience necessary to
make important safety decisions.
Communications
When skies are
clear and the water is calm, feel free to spread out a little from other
boats, staying within whistle or hand-signal range for safety's sake.
But if conditions take a turn for the worse, tighten up and stay within
voice contact as much as possible.
Since voice
communication can get difficult in high winds (or rough seas), take some
time before your trip begins to agree upon a few simple hand or whistle
signals that everyone can use to communicate basic messages.
If everyone is
carrying a whistle, for example, you might decide that one blast means
"attention", two blasts means "gather together", and three blasts means
"emergency". If hand signals are easier for the group, decide on signals
for the same kinds of messages.
Help your
fellow paddlers stay safe by keeping them informed.
Keep your eyes open and make sure the navigator is doing the same - for
obstacles (like fallen or submerged trees, rocks, rapids), and point
them out to the rest your group as soon as you spot them.
Safety
Skills
Like basic
paddling skills, safety skills should be learned and practiced well
before any paddling trip begins.
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Basic Safety
Guidelines
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Wear
your PFD at all times while paddling. Make sure it's zipped up
and cinched tight.
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Know
where your safety and rescue equipment is at all times during
your trip.
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Make
sure you know how to use that equipment correctly.
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If any
of the paddlers in your group have an existing medical condition
that requires medication, make sure they have taken the
medication before they leave home and you know about it.
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Can all
of your paddlers swim?
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There are a lot of people who cannot swim – but go out
paddling – make sure you know who can and cannot swim.
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This information is important if a situation should arise
where the paddler falls in and begins to panic
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There is a specific rescue protocol for pulling out a
non-swimmer who is panicking
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Make
sure that everyone in your group knows what to do in case of an
emergency.
Group Response
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When
breakdowns, capsizes or other troubles occur, the two closest boats
should respond to the paddler(s) in trouble. Other boats should
gather loosely, in case more equipment or assistance is needed.
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Those who
are not involved in the actual rescue, should stay at least a few
boat lengths away so they don't inadvertently interfere.
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After any
capsize, hypothermia can be a serious risk. Assess the situation
carefully, and head to shore if necessary so that the wet paddler(s)
can change into dry clothing and warm up.
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Keep in
mind that even severely hypothermic people often say they feel fine.
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It’s
important not only to know the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia
– you should also be aware of the water and air temperature of the
area you will be paddling in.
Weather
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When bad
weather threatens, be extremely cautious about paddling.
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If possible
carry a radio which broadcasts the NOAA channels
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Be aware of
the next safe landing area along your route, and how long it will
take to make it there safely.
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If
lightning occurs nearby, leave the water immediately.
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If it's not
possible to do so (because of water conditions or the shape of the
shoreline), protect yourself by positioning your boat within the
"umbrella of protection" provided by trees on shore (if you can).
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This
protection zone extends outward from the tops of the trees at
roughly a 45-degree angle.
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Staying
slightly offshore (while still within this protection zone) is often
safer than paddling directly underneath shore trees.
Trip Checklist
Give your
paddling program participants of basic required gear which they will
need before the trip
Include
required – clothing, safety gear etc
Trip Agenda
Put together
and handout to participants a Float Plan / Agenda along with a copy of
the map of the area you will be paddling.
Pre-Trip Meeting
You should try
to have a pre-trip meeting before the trip so that you can
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Meet with
the paddlers
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Assess
their paddling abilities
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Go over the
agenda for the trip
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Review
safety procedures
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Answer any
questions they may have
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Get waivers
filled out beforehand
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Have a gear
shakedown
Personal
Preparedness And Responsibility
Paddling
Safety And Rescue Gear
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