Sea Canoeing/Kayaking Safety and Information.
The following information comes from 'Discover Sea Canoeing & Kayaking Safely' a free publication issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Canoeing and kayaking at sea are challenging, exhilarating and fun. They also present obvious dangers. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, in liaison with the British Canoe Union, have compiled the following simple guidelines to make sure you, and your canoe/kayak, are safer on the water. The following arrangements should apply whenever you make a coastal journey.
The following information comes from 'Discover Sea Canoeing & Kayaking Safely' a free publication issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Canoeing and kayaking at sea are challenging, exhilarating and fun. They also present obvious dangers. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, in liaison with the British Canoe Union, have compiled the following simple guidelines to make sure you, and your canoe/kayak, are safer on the water. The following arrangements should apply whenever you make a coastal journey.
You and Your Canoe and Kayak.
Canoe and Kayak Safety Registration Scheme.
Register your canoe/kayak with the local coastguard. The forms are available from the Coastguard and include a safety form which should duals involved, however, as much information as possible should be provided - the contact numbers of the key personnel are most important. Where clubs are regularly involved in sea touring, the club's programme should be lodged with the local Coastguard Rescue Centre and updated as necessary.
Canoe and Kayak Safety Registration Scheme.
Register your canoe/kayak with the local coastguard. The forms are available from the Coastguard and include a safety form which should duals involved, however, as much information as possible should be provided - the contact numbers of the key personnel are most important. Where clubs are regularly involved in sea touring, the club's programme should be lodged with the local Coastguard Rescue Centre and updated as necessary.
Is your canoe/kayak fit to paddle?
Your canoe/kayak should have a maximum buoyancy at each end - either sealed, watertight compartments or securely fixed buoyancy blocks. It sho a recognised club.
Get competent advice and instruction - learn an awareness of the marine environment. The advice contained here is for the minimum arrangements which should be adopted by individuals, clubs, outdoor education/activity centres and other organisations. Further guidance can be obtained from the British Canoe Union.
Your canoe/kayak should have a maximum buoyancy at each end - either sealed, watertight compartments or securely fixed buoyancy blocks. It sho a recognised club.
Get competent advice and instruction - learn an awareness of the marine environment. The advice contained here is for the minimum arrangements which should be adopted by individuals, clubs, outdoor education/activity centres and other organisations. Further guidance can be obtained from the British Canoe Union.
Marking of canoes/kayaks.
The telephone number for emergency contact should be marked in a prominent position inside each canoe/kayak, together with a clear indication of the organisation's/individual's identity.
The telephone number for emergency contact should be marked in a prominent position inside each canoe/kayak, together with a clear indication of the organisation's/individual's identity.
Before you leave.
For other than very localised activities, the nearest Coastguard Rescue Centre should be contacted, preferably by telephone, giving the following information:
Number of persons going afloat
Name of centre/organisation
Number of canoes/kayaks on water and type (double/single, etc.)
General area of operation
Name, address and phone number of shore contact
If a journey is planned, give start and finish points with estimated time of departure (ETD) and estimated time of arrival (ETA).
If the itinerary changes - notify the Coastguard upon completion of the activity, the Coastguard rescue centre should be advised either by telephone or radio.
The Coastguard will not automatically search for you if you fail to report a safe arrival. It is the responsibility of the shore contact to raise the alarm with the Coastguard if they are concerned for your safety.
For other than very localised activities, the nearest Coastguard Rescue Centre should be contacted, preferably by telephone, giving the following information:
Number of persons going afloat
Name of centre/organisation
Number of canoes/kayaks on water and type (double/single, etc.)
General area of operation
Name, address and phone number of shore contact
If a journey is planned, give start and finish points with estimated time of departure (ETD) and estimated time of arrival (ETA).
If the itinerary changes - notify the Coastguard upon completion of the activity, the Coastguard rescue centre should be advised either by telephone or radio.
The Coastguard will not automatically search for you if you fail to report a safe arrival. It is the responsibility of the shore contact to raise the alarm with the Coastguard if they are concerned for your safety.
Seeking advice.
HM Coastguard will provide safety information and other relevant advice and should not be expected to comment about a particular activity. Decisions about the viability or otherwise of a particular activity is the responsibility of the canoe/kayak group leader. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency accepts no legal liability for the advice offered.
HM Coastguard will provide safety information and other relevant advice and should not be expected to comment about a particular activity. Decisions about the viability or otherwise of a particular activity is the responsibility of the canoe/kayak group leader. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency accepts no legal liability for the advice offered.
Shore Contact.
It is vitally important that you have a nominated Shore Contact. A responsible person ashore (family/friend) must be made aware of your plans - start and finish points, time of departure/arrival, the number of people in the party and any changes to this information. It is the Shore Contact's responsibility to notify the Coastguard if they become concerned for your safety. Coastguard themselves cannot act as Shore Contact, their primary role is to co-ordinate maritime search and rescue.
It is vitally important that you have a nominated Shore Contact. A responsible person ashore (family/friend) must be made aware of your plans - start and finish points, time of departure/arrival, the number of people in the party and any changes to this information. It is the Shore Contact's responsibility to notify the Coastguard if they become concerned for your safety. Coastguard themselves cannot act as Shore Contact, their primary role is to co-ordinate maritime search and rescue.
Don't take risks.
Know your own ability and limitations. Know the ability/limitations of the people for whom you are responsible. Remember the risks you take not only place you in danger but also those who have to come to your rescue.
Know your own ability and limitations. Know the ability/limitations of the people for whom you are responsible. Remember the risks you take not only place you in danger but also those who have to come to your rescue.
Go equipped.
Always ensure you and your canoe/kayak are properly equipped. As a minimum you should always have:
Suitable paddles and spares
Spray cover (fitted with an efficient release strap)
Clothing to suit prevailing weather conditions (and adequate spare clothing)
Buoyancy aid or life jacket to current BCU recommendation standards.
Accurate compass and appropriate up to date chart.
Distress flares (in date)
Repair kit
First aid kit
Torch
Waterproof kit bags or containers to carry all necessary equipment
Canoe safety helmet and woolly hat to prevent heat loss
Other items for a day's trip would include: emergency food, means of providing a hot drink and an exposure bag (min 6' x 3').
Always ensure you and your canoe/kayak are properly equipped. As a minimum you should always have:
Suitable paddles and spares
Spray cover (fitted with an efficient release strap)
Clothing to suit prevailing weather conditions (and adequate spare clothing)
Buoyancy aid or life jacket to current BCU recommendation standards.
Accurate compass and appropriate up to date chart.
Distress flares (in date)
Repair kit
First aid kit
Torch
Waterproof kit bags or containers to carry all necessary equipment
Canoe safety helmet and woolly hat to prevent heat loss
Other items for a day's trip would include: emergency food, means of providing a hot drink and an exposure bag (min 6' x 3').
Know what to expect.
Be aware of local hazards, the weather, tides and currents. Plan your outing with these natural elements in mind and know how to use them to your advantage, avoiding their adverse effects. Get advice from local paddlers or from the local Coastguard. The Coastguard can also provide weather information.
Be aware of local hazards, the weather, tides and currents. Plan your outing with these natural elements in mind and know how to use them to your advantage, avoiding their adverse effects. Get advice from local paddlers or from the local Coastguard. The Coastguard can also provide weather information.
Once on the water.
Keep to the plan of activities which you have told your shore contact
Don't go out alone - three is the recommended minimum
If in difficulty, stay with your craft, it will provide you with extra buoyancy. A larger target is easier for rescuers to find.
A portable VHF Radio enables you to talk directly to Coastguard - a mobile phone is not designed for this use - you may be cut off or you may be in an area where the signal is weak.
Use a combination of safety equipment rather than relying on one method.
In an emergency use VHF Channel 16 and call the Coastguard.
Flares.
Check distress flares are in date. Recommended minimum for four star stage proficiency standard journeys is: each group member - one hand held red flare, the leader - two red parachute rockets and two hand held flares. Solo paddlers or leaders may carry more.
EPIRBs.
The use of Emergency Positioning Indicating Beacons (EPIRBs) may be useful for open crossings. The response times can be considerable and may be longer than required in a canoe/kayak emergency. In distress activate your EPIRB, DO NOT switch it off. If the EPIRB is accidentally activated, INFORM THE COASTGUARD before switching it off. Stow the EPIRB in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Always ensure your EPIRB registration is up to date.
Keep to the plan of activities which you have told your shore contact
Don't go out alone - three is the recommended minimum
If in difficulty, stay with your craft, it will provide you with extra buoyancy. A larger target is easier for rescuers to find.
A portable VHF Radio enables you to talk directly to Coastguard - a mobile phone is not designed for this use - you may be cut off or you may be in an area where the signal is weak.
Use a combination of safety equipment rather than relying on one method.
In an emergency use VHF Channel 16 and call the Coastguard.
Flares.
Check distress flares are in date. Recommended minimum for four star stage proficiency standard journeys is: each group member - one hand held red flare, the leader - two red parachute rockets and two hand held flares. Solo paddlers or leaders may carry more.
EPIRBs.
The use of Emergency Positioning Indicating Beacons (EPIRBs) may be useful for open crossings. The response times can be considerable and may be longer than required in a canoe/kayak emergency. In distress activate your EPIRB, DO NOT switch it off. If the EPIRB is accidentally activated, INFORM THE COASTGUARD before switching it off. Stow the EPIRB in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Always ensure your EPIRB registration is up to date.
If the worst comes to the worst.
You should always wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket of a BCU approved design. Secure your clothing to minimise direct water contact with your skin.
If you are in cold water get your breath back - the 'cold shock' response can cause over breathing, make you inhale water and dramatically limit your swimming ability.
Take stock of your situation - you may easily overestimate your ability to swim to safety. Swimming will exhaust you and increase your body's heat loss. If you have headgear, wear it and try to keep your hands as warm as possible.
Take every opportunity to get as much of your body out of the water as possible and remain determined to survive.
When you are rescued you will be advised to remain lying down for at least the first hour. Re-warming too rapidly can lead to collapse, if you become unwell during the first few days after rescue, seek medical advice immediately.
You should always wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket of a BCU approved design. Secure your clothing to minimise direct water contact with your skin.
If you are in cold water get your breath back - the 'cold shock' response can cause over breathing, make you inhale water and dramatically limit your swimming ability.
Take stock of your situation - you may easily overestimate your ability to swim to safety. Swimming will exhaust you and increase your body's heat loss. If you have headgear, wear it and try to keep your hands as warm as possible.
Take every opportunity to get as much of your body out of the water as possible and remain determined to survive.
When you are rescued you will be advised to remain lying down for at least the first hour. Re-warming too rapidly can lead to collapse, if you become unwell during the first few days after rescue, seek medical advice immediately.
Check List:
Flares
Life Jacket/Buoyancy Aid
Torch
Spare Paddle
Towline
Compass
First Aid
Spare Clothing
Have you:
Contacted the Coastguard? Maritime and Coastguard Agencytelephone: 028 9147 5300
Bregenz House Quay Street, Bangor BT20 5ED
Organised your Shore Contact?
Flares
Life Jacket/Buoyancy Aid
Torch
Spare Paddle
Towline
Compass
First Aid
Spare Clothing
Have you:
Contacted the Coastguard? Maritime and Coastguard Agencytelephone: 028 9147 5300
Bregenz House Quay Street, Bangor BT20 5ED
Organised your Shore Contact?
This page is only a guide to safetyand not exhaustive .
Safety is the responsibility of the individual.
Care should be taken whenever you take to the water.
Don’t spoil a great day out by forgetting to take the necessary safety precautions.
Safety is the responsibility of the individual.
Care should be taken whenever you take to the water.
Don’t spoil a great day out by forgetting to take the necessary safety precautions.