Supervision

Pool

• On-site qualified supervision is required at all times on or around the water following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• Constant visual supervision by a certified NLS Lifeguard is required.
• Constant visual supervision by a certified Kayak Instructor is required.
• Note that the Kayak Instructor and the Pool Lifeguard on duty work together as a 2 person team responsible for overseeing in-water activities at all times.
• Suggested maximum 1:15 ratio of certified Kayak Instructors to students (CanoeKayak Canada standards).
• Instructors must possess NCCP / CanoeKayak Canada Lake Kayak Instructor certification, Waterfront Kayak Instructor (Paddle Canada), Flatwater River Kayak Instructor (Paddle Canada), NCCP CanoeKids (community coach), or equivalent.
• Kayak instructor must be in-water supervising students at all times. In-water supervision can be from a boat or standing in the shallow end of the pool.
• Pool Lifeguard must be on deck supervising students at all times.

Lake

• On-site qualified supervision is required at all times on or around the water following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• Constant visual supervision by a certified Kayak Instructor is required.
• Suggested maximum 1:10 ratio of certified Kayak Instructors to students or less (CanoeKayak Canada standards) depending on the presence of wind or waves and the maturity of students.
• NCCP / CanoeKayak Canada Lake Kayak Instructor certification, Waterfront Kayak Instructor (Paddle Canada), Flatwater River Kayak Instructor (Paddle Canada), NCCP CanoeKids (community coach), or equivalent.
• Kayak Instructor must be in-water supervising students at all times from their kayak and all students must be within visual and auditory range at all times (100 m or less).
• Emergency Action Plan should be carried by the instructor and a copy left with the school containing the trip plan, emergency communication plan, emergency contacts, evacuation routes and an emergency warming plan.

Instructional Considerations

• Prior to in-water instruction, all students should be briefed on procedures for the safe and fun use of the kayak equipment.
• Prior to participating in boating activities, students should demonstrate the three skills of the Swim to Survive Standard while wearing a properly fitted lifejacket/PFD.
• Without a spray skirt attached to their boat, students will demonstrate wet exits before leaving direct control of instructor.
• Instructor must ensure students can attach spray skirt to the kayak by themselves when introducing this piece of equipment.
• Students wishing to wear a spray skirt will demonstrate a wet exit with a spray skirt before leaving direct control of instructor.
• The Kayak Instructor will determine when the student is ready for the next skill level.
• It is recommended to start kayaking in a pool or controlled environment before progressing to open water.
• Students must be of good general health on the day of the activity to be able to participate in the water.
• Teacher / instructor and in-charge person should be informed of students with medical problems that may affect their safety in the water.
• Supervisors require awareness of conditions contributing to and treatment of hypothermia and hyperthermia.
• Before open water kayaking, students should pass the CKC Passport for Paddlesports Fundamental 1 skill test and demonstrate basic competence in:
  • Getting in and out of a kayak
  • Launching kayak
  • Wet exits without and then with a sprayskirt
  • Emptying the kayak (pool deck and shore)
  • Forward stroke
  • Forward and reverse sweep
  • Stopping and reverse strokes
  • Draw stroke
  • Bracing

Equipment/Facilities

• Kayak should have adequate flotation to ensure buoyancy when capsized.
• All boats should meet Transport Canada Regulation standards, e.g., bailing device, 15 m of buoyant rope in each kayak when on open water (not required in the pool).
• When on open water a correctly fitting and Transport Canada-approved PFD / life jacket, with whistle attached, must be worn properly and done up at all times.
• Sun protection should be applied when paddling outside prior to going on the water and insect repellent should be available.
• For kayaking outside the pool students should wear appropriate clothing for the weather and for the water temperature.
• Outside of the pool, students must wear closed footwear that is securely attached and is able to get wet.
• Wetsuits or drysuits are recommended in Alberta for all rivers.
• A knife should be carried by the leader and be accessible at all times in the event of rope entanglement by one of the students.
• Waterproof first aid kit should be stocked and accessible.
• Pool kayaking involves paddling in a swimming pool or an enclosed area with a lifeguard.
•  Lake kayaking involves paddling on a lake, canal or pond where there is no current.
• All teachers should be familiar with Transport Canada Regulations http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/marinesafety/TP-511e.pdf
• Teacher/supervisors should be aware of the weather forecast, especially wind conditions for lake kayaking and possible storm activity.
• The type of kayak being used should be appropriate for the water conditions and the skill level of the group.
• Instructors should be aware of river flow conditions and any changes in flows that may affect river difficulty.
• Kayaking must be cancelled in adverse weather or water conditions.

Teachers can obtain lesson plans, additional resources and videos at https://www.albertawhitewater.ca/teachers-and-schools