Supervision

• 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 1:6 ratio of certified instructors to students (CanoeKayak Canada standards).
• Instructors must possess NCCP / Canoe Kayak Canada River Kayak Instructor 2 certification or equivalent.
• For all river kayaking, at least 1 staff must possess Swift Water Rescue certification.
• 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 (50 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.
• At least one Instructor must have completed the river run within the past season.

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 (use Appendix P) 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 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.
• Before advancing to the river, students should pass the CKC Passport for Paddlesports Fundamental 1-2-3 skill tests (except the roll) and demonstrate all the basic skills above and competence in the lake in:
  • Paddling forward in a straight line for 50 m
  • Maneuvering through a zig-zag obstacle course
  • Bow draw
  • Edging and holding the kayak on a tilt for 15 seconds
  • Bracing
• Before going on the river, students should have received an appropriately delivered river safety session that covers:
  • safe swimming positions
  • river rescue procedures
  • river hazards
  • safety signals using paddles and/or whistle signals for “stop, go, left, right and help”

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.
• An appropriate paddling helmet must be worn on 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.
• River kayaking includes Grade I and II rivers. Travel on rivers should be limited to a maximum of Class II rapids.
• 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