Pre-Trip
1. Post the event to the Lambton Outdoor Club (LOC) calendar on the website. Ensure the posting includes:
a. Date, time duration
b. Location, parking options
c. Expected water conditions and anticipated risks
d. Paddling difficulty level and skill level required
e. Any prerequisite experience required
f. Conditions that may cause the event to be cancelled
g. Responsibilities of participants
h. Your contact information
i. Special items which participants should bring (hiking shoes, food, water)
2. Have a working knowledge of the location of the event.
3. Be available to answer specific questions of potential participants.
4. Cancel the event using the 'cancel event' function on the event listing if it cannot go ahead as planned. This will send a cancellation notification to participants by email.
5. Provide special instructions as needed.
On the Trip
Use the LOC paddling introduction and instruction card card as a reminder to introduce yourself and help members feel welcome, especially new members - we are not just paddlers - we are a club; we are welcoming and supportive.
If a risk hazard is deemed unacceptable due to weather, water or other conditions or cause, change or cancel the planned event.
Discuss the route, weather forecast, expected time, pace, safety equipment, buddy system etc.
Remind participants that they are responsible for their own safety and comfort and for complying with the law as per Transport Canada requirements.
Carry a list of participants, and know how to access their emergency contact information. This will usually be either in their PFD pocket or on line from the LOC website.
Disallow participation (if there is no viable alternative) to anyone if you have reason to believe that participation by individual may cause a risk during the event. Explain your reasons to the participant. Share this information with the Paddling Chairperson following the event.
Ensure that spare paddles are available in a number suitable for the event.
Ask for a sweep to help with keeping the group together and ensuring no one is left behind.
Lead the paddle or assign someone else to lead
Manage safety concerns or other issues that may arise during the event.
a. Evaluate the situation
b. Coordinate a suitable response to the incident
c. Engage the assistance and skills of others to help if needed
d. Follow the LOC Emergency Management procedure for emergencies. Fill out the incident report form and communicate it to the LOC President
Have a general awareness of where participants are during the event.
After the trip
Record attendance following the event.
Report any incidents or accidents of concern.