The University of the West of England Canoe Club aims to cater for people new to paddling as well as experienced canoeists. People new to canoeing shall be introduced to this fun and exciting water sport, whilst those that are experienced will be able to improve their skills and share their experience with those new to the sport. The club aims to be a social and active sports club and welcomes new members, regardless of their ability. Canoeing is an enjoyable and fun activity, but like all sports especially adventure/outdoor sports, there is an inherent element of risk involved. The club aims to minimise these risks by taking all reasonable safety precautions and appropriate risk assessments.

Due to the inherent nature of the sport, while you will never intentionally be put in a hazardous situation, your absolute safety can never be guaranteed whilst undertaking certain activities

ABOUT US

As a well established club within the students union of U.W.E, the club has a lot to offer its members. Club activities include one indoor pool session a week (at the Bristol Uni swimming pool), river trips and canoe surfing trips on some weekends. We also train for canoe polo every two weeks at the Bristol University pool. We compete in the South West polo League. Our first trip of the year is a weekend trip taking us to Symonds Yat, a beautiful part of the river Wye in the Forest of Dean, which we paddle on the Saturday (an excellent river to introduce people to canoeing) and on the Sunday the club heads to Porthcawl on the Welsh coast for some canoe surfing. Over the course of the year the rivers that are paddled increase gradually in difficulty (you progress at your own pace and a river to your ability will be found), this is backed up by the training provided in the Bristol Uni swimming pool. By December the aim is to have people progressed enough to do the loop on the river Dart. This is a grade three river that is a great deal of fun and very exhilarating. Club members that have not participated in the trips on grade two rivers prior to the Dart trip will not be allowed to run the river. Our aim is for people to advance at their own rate, for them to build confidence in themselves and above all to have a great time. The highlight of the year is a two-week trip to the French Alps, organized by the committee with river leading provided by old club members (the old boys, without them the club would cease to run).

Off of the water we are a very social group with outings ice skating, cinemas etc. A good way to get to know every one. Party's and birthday's are always good nights out and we frequent nightclubs in town regularly. Overall we are an active club providing many opportunities for novices and experienced paddlers alike.

When and Where

We meet on Sundays at 5.30 at the Bristol Uni swimming pool (call any member of the committee for directions). This is followed by social at the Hogshead on Gloucester Road near the arches. This is a good place to catch the committee if you have any ideas or questions. We will be happy to help out, also if you have not joined it is never too late and the pub is ideal for getting peoples opinion about the club. The best way to find out about trips, social events and general juicy gossip is to go on to our message board. There is a link from our website.

Coaching and Instruction

There are many experienced paddlers in the club who, with years of canoeing experience are always on hand to provide help and advice. Part of the sunday pool session is dedicated to improving paddling skills whilst the remining session is for canoe polo practice/games (no matter your ability come along and join in a fun team game). Some club members are BCU qualified coaches and we will be teaching the strokes as set out by the BCU star system. If there is enough interest in taking star tests we will try to book an instructor to take the tests. Many members have not got star tests but have the relevant experience to teach the basic strokes all you have to do is ask some one to demonstrate a move and help you learn it. Members of the club attend courses such as white water safety and leadership and pass on this invaluable knowledge. This allows the club to be run in the best possible way for safety and financial viability. These courses are funded by the SASU and are in conjunction with their policy of making sure clubs to be run as safely as possible. When national governing body qualifications are not available, the club will be lead by experience. Members need to be clear of this to ensure that they are content with this method of coaching/ organising. It is always the individual's own decision to paddle and they can always say no.

The Committee

The canoe club will be run each year by a committee as follows:

• President: Over sees the general running of the club and communicates with the SASU team in the university and other organisations.
• Trips organiser: Organises trips and the transport to get there..
• Secretary/ social secretary: Takes notes at meetings, organises nights out and fun stuff.
• Treasurer: makes sure the club accounts are in order.
• Equipment Officer: Ensures equipment is stored safely and is well maintained.
• Safety officer: provides risk assessment for trips and over sees the trips organiser and the equipment officer and fills in accident reports (should one occur).
• Student within U.W.E. must fill these roles.
• Polo Captain: Organises polo training and competition fixtures. Does not have to be filled by a U.W.E student.

Club Responsibilities 

When undertaking club activities UWE Canoe Club will:

• Provide an adequate briefing for each activity.
• Provide suitable training and instruction for each activity.
• Carry out a risk assessment.
• Prevent any member from taking part who has not signed and confirmed their acknowledgement and acceptance of the risk involved.
• Prevent any member from taking part who is jeopardising the health, safety or enjoyment of the activity for other club members.
• Provide adequate club transport to and from the place at which the activity will be carried out.
• Make sure that there is always a first aider present at club events.
• Make sure that there is easy access to the first aid box in case of accidents and emergencies.
• Make sure that all incidents or accidents are reported to SASU.
• Do all that is reasonably possible to ensure the continued safety and well being of participants.
• Do not bring the University of the West of England's name into disrepute.

Equipment 

With respect to equipment the club shall:

• Provide each club member, if required, with equipment conforming to and maintained to British Canoe Union guidelines (where possible exceeding).

This equipment shall be as follows:

• A buoyancy aid of correct size and capacity for the paddler.
• A helmet which fits securely with adequate fastening.
• A spray deck of sufficient size and fit for the boat being paddled. The spray deck shall be waterproof with release loop in good condition.
• A kayak of suitable size and maintenance. The kayak shall be suitable not only for the river grade being paddled, but also the club members stature.
• Paddles of sufficient maintenance and design for the activity in which they will be used.
• Sufficient safety equipment will also be provided as follows:
• First Aid Kit (fully stocked).
• Survival Bag/ Emergency shelter.
• Spare Paddles.
• Emergency Food.
• River knife.
• Throw lines of suitable length and number for the activity.

The equipment shall be stored as follows:

• All equipment shall be stored and maintained correctly at the garage, in a way as to maximise the life of the kit.
• It is the responsibility of the equipment officer to check that all equipment has be stored in a tidy and safe manner.
• General maintenance of the club equipment is the responsibility of the Equipment Officer. to be reviewed by the safety officer.
• Any faults to the equipment noted by the user shall be reported to the equipment officer for repair or removal from use.
• Written records shall be kept detailing the extent of club equipment, where it is stored and the condition that it is in.
• All equipment shall be inspected on an annual basis and a report formed and this is to be stored in the file help within the students union.

NOTE - Any personal equipment used is used at the owners knowledge that they should ensure that it conforms to the necessary standards for the activity being undertaken. The trip leader or a committee may however prevent an item of equipment being used if they feel that is unsuitable for the activity to be undertaken.

The club assumes no responsibility in any way what so ever for any personal equipment used and any personal kit left at the garage is done so at the owners responsibility and risk.

Normal Operating Procedures

Pool Sessions -Sunday Evenings

The club committee shall:

At the pool:

• Make sure all members have done a swim test as specified by the SASU, before getting in a boat, even returning members must do this.
• New members will not be allowed to enter a boat until a competent paddler can teach them a capsize drill (covering the correct way to exit a boat and procedure in the water). The competent paddler must be sure that the new member is able to satisfactorily complete a capsize drill. A capsize drill with a spray deck must also be taught before new members are allowed to use a spray deck. This capsize drill must cover the importance of and use of the release loop.
• These exercises will be followed in training in further kayaking skills as appropriate.
• Paddlers are only allowed to enter the water when competent/qualified paddler/lifeguards are present at the poolside.
• There is no swimming in the pool when people are paddling for safety reasons, unless a designated swimming area has been established.

These additional procedures should also be followed when using the pool for canoe polo:

• New members will be instructed in the basic rules of the game before competing, as well as being briefed on which equipment to wear and use.

The following points should also be noted:

• In beginners games no pushing is allowed.
• Beginners shall be reminded to bang on the bottom of their boats and wait for rescue.
• For beginners games non players will line the side of the pool ready to perform rescues if required.
• Games will be played in accordance to the current BCU canoe polo rules.
• Helmets with face guards and buoyancy aids shall be worn at all times, with both secured correctly.
• In the event of an accident all paddlers shall obey the instructions of the lifeguards on duty and club instructors.

River Trips 

The organisation and running of a river trip shall be as follows:

Before

• Book bus two weeks in advance.
• Two weeks before the trip is to take place start a trips list, Paddlers are required to fill in their full name, emergency contact number, their own number and their SASU number. Failure to do so will result in the paddler being prevented from participating in the trip.
• Identify key safety paddlers, trip leaders and first aiders.
• On the day of trip, prior to collecting bus, fill in a bus booking form with all necessary information and details of two drivers in case of injury.
• Inform theSASU of the trip. Read, adjust as necessary and sign the relevant Risk Assessment.
• Fill in the trip registration form.
• There will be a minimum of three people on the river trip or group whilst running the river which will include at least one relevantly qualified/ experienced paddler.
• The club will not take people of unsuitable experience/ qualification on trips above their paddling ability.

On the Day

• Check the weather forecast and river level for any reports that could pose a threat to the safety of the paddlers.
• Make sure that all paddlers are carrying correct personal kit, to include suitable clothing for the river and a change of warm clothes.
• When picking up equipment from the garage make sure that each paddler has sufficient equipment as specified under equipment.
• Before leaving ensure that all boats are secured in the correct way to the trailer/roof rack being used.
• The trip/ group leader will make a continual risk assessment to ensure that the activity remains suitable for the participants on the day.
• Having confirmed the suitability of the river and changed into paddling kit ensure that dry kit is in the vehicle to be dropped off at the getting out point.
• Before getting on the river, brief all paddlers and if necessary sort into groups. The ratio of novices relative to the river and experienced/ qualified paddlers is up to the discretion of the trip leader on the day but will be of a suitable level to ensure as far as is reasonably possible the continued safety and well being of all paddlers. We aim for a ratio of 1:4 on river trips (BCU guidelines 1:8).
• Each group leader shall ensure that safety kit appropriate to prevailing conditions is carried on the water in suitable container.
• The trip leader will ensure that escape routes/get out points are identified for the trip.
• Make sure that all paddlers are aware of any signals that may be used.
• No boat, club or otherwise will be taken on the river without correct safety fittings maintained to a satisfactory standard, including buoyancy.
• Before paddlers get on to the river, the trip/ group leader shall check that each paddler has a spray deck, correctly fitting buoyancy aid and helmet, paddles and a boat.
• No novice/ inexperienced paddler shall get on and start to descend a river before a trip or group leader instructs them to do so, and shall follow the trip/ group leaders instructions at all times.
• The trip/ group leaders and experienced paddlers will do all that is reasonably possible to ensure the continued safety and well being of participants and will lead the trip as dictated by conditions on the day.
• On reaching the get out point novices will leave the river first and remove equipment from the waters edge to ensure that it is out of the way of other paddlers leaving the water and will not fall back in to the water.
• After getting off the river and ensuring that all group members are accounted for, a final equipment check shall be made and boats racked up securely as before, and the equipment returned to the garage.

In the event of an accident all paddlers shall obey the instructions of the trip/group leaders and the qualified first aiders dealing with the situation. In the event of a serious incident or emergency, the emergency procedure as outlined herein by SASU shall be followed.

Surfing

Before

• Book bus two weks in advance.
• Start a trips list two weeks before. Paddlers are required to fill in their full name, emergency contact number , their own number and their SASU number. Failure to do so will result in the paddler being prevented from participating in the trip.
• Identify key safety paddlers, trip leaders and first aiders.
• On the day of trip, prior to collecting bus, fill in a bus booking form with all necessary information and details of two drivers in case of injury.
• Inform the SASU of the trip, read, adjust as necessary and sign the relevant Risk Assessment (see appendix).
• Fill in the trip registration form.
• There will be a minimum of three people on the surf trip or group whilst surfing which will include at least one releavantly qualified/ experienced paddler.
• The club will not take people of unsuitable experience/ qualification on trips above their paddling ability.

On the day

• Check the weather forecast and tide times for any reports that could pose a threat to the safety of the paddlers.
• Make sure that all paddlers are carrying the correct personal kit to include suitable clothing for the surf and warm clothes for afterwards.
• When picking up equipment from the garage ensure that each paddler has sufficient equipment as specified under Equipment.
• Before leaving make sure that all boats are secured correctly to the trailer/roof rack being used
• Check that the surf is of a suitable level for all paddlers abilities. If not alter the times and destinations accordingly.
• Before anyone enters the surf, at least two people will discuss the safety zone and rip tides that may present a problem or possible danger.
• The safety zone will be identified and pointed out to all paddlers. At least one person will remain on land to generally overview the situation and as a point of reference for possible threats to safety.
• before going in to the surf brief all paddlers of any signals that may be used and emergency plans, if necessary sort into groups. The ratio of novices to experienced/ qualified paddlers is up to the discretion of the trip leader but will be of a suitable level to ensure as far as is reasonably possible the continued safety and well being of all paddlers. We aim for a ration of 1:4 (BCU 1:8).
• Each group leader shall ensure that appropriate safety equipment is carried by the group.
• No boat club or otherwise will be taken into the surf without sufficient buoyancy.
• Before getting on the water the trip/ group leader will check that each paddler has a spray deck, correctly fitting buoyancy aid and helmet, paddle and boat.
• No novice paddler shall enter the water until instructed to do so by the trip/ group leader and shall follow the group/ trip leaders instructions at all times whilst on the water.
• Whilst in the surf, the trip/ group leaders will do all that is reasonable to ensure the safety and well being of participants as dictated by condition on the day.
• paddling in and out lanes will be identified and the trip/ group leaders will position themselves in the position of maximum effectiveness, dependant on conditions on the day.
• After getting off the surf and ensuring that all group members are accounted for, a final equipment check shall be made and boats racked up securely as before, and the equipment returned to the garage.

In the event of an accident all paddlers shall obey the instructions of the trip/ group leaders and the qualified first aiders dealing with the situation. In the event of a serious incident or emergency, the emergency procedure as outlined herein by SASU will be followed.

Personal responsibility 

Whilst the club aims to cover the majority of safety aspects for the members, responsibility for personal behaviour ultimately rests with individual club members.

These responsibilities are:

• Complete and sign a membership form and keep the club up to date with any changes to this information.
• Declare on the membership form any medical conditions or allergies.
• To have completed the swim test as set out by the SASU.
• Always pay attention to and adhere to the advice and instructions of the club member leading the activity.
• Inform the trip/ group leader of any medical conditions or injuries that could prove problematic during the course of the activity.
• Always carry an inhaler or other personal medication that may be required that is not kept in the first aid kit.
• Not jeopardise the safety of others during club activities.
• The Club and University will take no responsibility for members or their actions if they are found to be in any way intoxicated whilst on a trip.
• The decision to paddle always rests ultimately with the individual.

On trips the club member shall

• Will have completed the swim test as set out by the SASU.
• Have attended a minimum of one pool session.
• Demonstrated their ability to exit the kayak safely.
• Complete all categories on the membership form before they are allowed to take part in the trip.
• Ensure that they wear a correctly fitting buoyancy aid and helmet as provided by the club. When on the waters edge or paddling.
• If the individual provides their own equipment it shall conform to all necessary standards but must seek their own insurance as Union insurance does not cover their own equipment.
• Bring adequate changes of warm, dry clothing and suitable have clothing for the river.
• Always follow the instructions of the trip/ group leaders.
• Inform the trip/ group leader if they have any doubts about their ability/ desire to participate further in the club activity.
• Will raise and discuss any safety concerns that they may have.
• Will only get on the water when instructed to do so.

Whilst taking part in club activities in the swimming pool the club member shall:

• Will abide with the individual rules and safety regulations of the swimming pool.
• Whilst playing canoe polo will wear a correctly fitting buoyancy aid and helmet with face guard as provided by the club.
• While canoe polo is being played spectators will remain out of the pool and out of the way of the referee and lifeguard.
• Will abide by the decision/ ruling of the referee during the canoe polo game.
• Carry out correct rescue procedure towards a capsized paddler.

Emergency Procedure

In the event of a serious incident or emergency the following procedure shall be adhered to as directed by SASU:

Procedure to be taken at the incident site:

a) Assess the duties which apply to the situation

• Delegate responsible helpers.
• Contact emergency services.
• Gatehouse

b) Contain the incident

• Account for every member of the group.
• Impose communications restrictions.restrictions (The reasons for this are, Emergency procedures need to be effectively carried out it prevents false reports being conveyed by emotionally upset persons and unnecessary panic can be spread to parents, friends and the media).

c) Inform the SASU stating:

• Time and location of incident.
• Nature of incident.
• Number of people involved and condition and where they were taken.
• Names of casualties.

d) Maintain an incident log

• keep a record of all events as they occur.

First Aid Contents of First Aid Kit

• Advice sheet.
• Life aid resuscitator.
• Wet wipes.
• Latex Gloves.
• Eye Pad.
• Waterproof adhesive plasters.
• Small and large bandages.
• Ice pack.
• Safety pins.
• Micropore tape.
• Small and large gauze swabs.
• Stitches - large and small.
• Hazard waste bag

It is club policy that:

• At least two first aiders will attend each club trip.
• The club, each year, will send willing people on first aid courses.
• Any use of first aid equipment must be reported via a SASU accident report form, which should be returned to the SASU within 24 hours of the incident

Following any accident.

• In the event of an accident or injury it must be reported according to SASU policy.
• In the event of a serious injury or incident counselling will be offered to those involved or affected by the events.

Committee

Additional Information
UWE Students' Union  0117 32 82577   www.uwesu.org
British Canoe Union   0115 982 1100   www.bcu.org.uk