King Edward VI School
Southampton
Canoeing and Kayaking
Generic Risk Assessment
January 2012
Reviewed & updated by ECW
Kayaking & Canoeing: Generic Risk Assessment
Hazards arising from
Outdoor Kayaking &
Canoeing
Water
Drowning , unable to swim
Trapped in upturned boat due
to
1. Incorrectly adjusted
footrests.
2. Unable to remove
spraydeck.
3. Unable to otherwise exit.
Control measure(s) in place to reduce risk
from each hazard
Arrangements to ensure the
control measure(s) continue to be
effectively implemented
All those canoeing must be water confident and
where appropriate have completed a swimming
test over 25m in light clothing.
Instruction by experienced and qualified
UKCC/BCU Level 2 Coach or above. A
L1 Coach may assist.
All wear approved buoyancy aids, which are
checked on issue.
Float testing of buoyancy aids carried
out every year.
Clear briefing from Coach making sure that
Update in light of experience gained.
1. Footrests are adjusted so that feet DO NOT
go beyond the footrest.
2. Spraydeck fitted to cockpit with release handle
outermost.
3. Clear briefing and demo given on how to
swiftly exit an upturned boat.
Drowning , unable to swim
Unconscious due to a medical
condition
Head Injury.
1. Capsizing in shallow water.
2. Hitting submerged object
whilst capsizing.
3. Obstacles in water.
4. Struck by paddle blade.
Medical conditions indicated on B15, cross
checked with school medical records by HEE
Update in light of experience gained.
Asthma inhaler carried by student and spare by
the Coach.
Review practicalities of students
participating
Students advised to notify instructor immediately
symptoms develop.
Review practicalities of students
participating.
Epi-pens carried by student.
Students advised to notify Coach immediately
symptoms are developing.
Review practicalities of students
participating.
Students who suffer blackouts excluded from
activity.
Update in light of experience gained.
Helmets will be worn for all kayaking sessions.
Helmets will be worn for canoeing sessions if the
session includes moving water or if the nature of
the session dictates.
Regular inspections to ensure helmets
remain in full working order.
Clear briefing given on how to form up and break
up a “raft”. First aid kit, mobile phone carried by
Coach.
Update in light of experience gained.
Hypothermia
All wear water/windproof cagoule and dress
appropriate to conditions. Extra clothing carried
by Coach.
Update in light of experience gained.
Warm drinks carried by Coach on journeys.
Identify early signs and deal with it before the
conditions become prohibitive to the activity.
Tow line carried to tow student(s) back to
shelter.
Bothy, survival bag, rations and spare dry clothes
carried by Coach on journeys.
Mobile phone carried by Coach.
Back Injury
Lifting
From lifting: clear briefing and guidance from
Coach on manual handling.
Training of staff on manual handling
issues.
At least two students per kayak. Numbers per
canoe dependant on the size of the canoe and
students but not less than two.
Demonstration given on how to lift and carry as
a pair working together and solo.
Rescues
All kayaks and open canoes fitted with buoyancy
bags to reduce back strain during rescues.
Waterborne illness
Clear briefing about Weills disease. Advise
students of its “flu” like symptoms.
Monitor information about the disease
and water quality information at the
activity sites.
Bird Flu
Briefing about finding groups of dead fowl.
Check DEFRA website for updated
information.
DO NOT touch.
Make note of position, numbers of birds, type of
birds and contact the Senior Coach who will
contact DEFRA.
Hazards arising from
Indoor Kayaking: Pool
Control measure(s) in place to reduce risk
from each hazard
Arrangements to ensure the
control measure(s) continue to be
effectively implemented
Water
Drowning , unable to swim
All those canoeing must be water confident and
where appropriate have completed a swimming
test over 25m in light clothing.
Instruction by experienced and qualified
UKCC/BCU Level 2 Coach or above. A
Level 1 Coach may assist.
Pool lifeguards are always present
Float testing of buoyancy aids carried
out every 4-5 months.
Trapped in upturned boat due
to
1. Incorrectly adjusted
footrests.
2. Unable to remove
spraydeck.
3. Unable to otherwise exit.
Clear briefing from Coach making sure that
Unconsciousness due to
medical condition.
3. Clear briefing and demo given on how to
swiftly exit an upturned boat.
Unconscious due to a medical
condition
Pool lifeguards are always present
Head Injury.
1. Slips & falls
2. Cuts
Update in light of experience gained.
1. Footrests are adjusted so that feet DO NOT
go beyond the footrest.
2. Spraydeck fitted to cockpit with release handle
outermost.
Medical conditions indicated on B15, cross
checked with school medical records by HEE
Update in light of experience gained.
Asthma inhaler carried by student and spare by
the Coach.
Review practicalities of students
participating
Students advised to notify instructor immediately
symptoms develop.
Review practicalities of students
participating.
Epipens carried by student.
Students advised to notify Coach immediately
symptoms are developing.
Review practicalities of students
participating.
Students who suffer blackouts excluded from
activity.
Update in light of experience gained.
Pool rules explained at the start of the session.
Students reminded of the need to take care and
walk carefully on poolside.
Coach familiar with accident procedure and the
location of the first aid kit.
Update in light of experience gained.
Mobile phone at poolside
Head injury
1. Struck by paddle blade.
2. Injury from collision
3. Dental injury
No glass to be taken into pool area.
Appropriate briefing and supervision. Maximum
of six kayaks in the pool at any one time.
Clear briefing on the use of paddles in close
proximity of others.
Clear briefing about being alert and thoughtful
when swimming or kayaking in order to avoid
head collisions with bow/stern of kayak.
Clear briefing and guidance from Coach. At least
two students per kayak. Kayak fitted with
additional flotation.
Update in light of experience gained.
Pool environment
1. Chemical burns
2. Fume inhalation
3. Skin irritation
4. Eye irritation
Liaise with pool staff regarding chemical checks
Shower before and after use of the pool
Advised to use swimming goggles & use nose clip,
particularly if sensitive chlorine.
Update in light of experience gained.