Safety Brief

BUOYANCY AIDS TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN ON THE RIVER

NO ALCOHOL TO BE CONSUMED ON BOATS

WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAPSIZE

Take care of people first, make sure everyone in your canoe is in a position of safety. Hang onto the paddle as they can be useful for reaching out to others. Move your canoe to shallow water using the rope at either end. Roll the water out of the canoe rather than trying to lift the canoe out.

HOW TO AVOID CAPSIZE

Stay in the middle of the river, away from trees and overhanging branches on the banks. Try to avoid getting sideways on to anything in the river. Avoid leaning to either side if you need to duck under branches.

STEERING AND PADDLING

Prior to your trip you will be shown by a member of staff how to steer left and right. Hold the paddle with one hand on the T-grip and the other hand on the shaft. The person at the back of the canoe is typically in charge of steering. To slow a canoe down everyone paddles backwards. In a 3 person boat avoid paddling all on the same side.

BRIDGES

Choose a centre opening with the least obstruction and smoothest flow of water. Do not pass between a bridge support and the river bank. Avoid debris and branches that may have accumulated against bridge supports. Avoid getting sideways on to the bridge supports.

ISLANDS AND CHOICE OF ROUTE

Prior to your trip you will be briefed by a member of staff on the section of river you will be canoeing, detailing islands and choice of route.

RETURN

Let us know when you’re back. (Report to member of staff) You need to log back in and hand over all hired kit. If you have any problems call us on 01600 890470