Supervision

• On-site qualified supervision (teacher or qualified assistant) is required at all times on or around the water. This supervision is in addition to the certified instructor.
• All teachers should be aware of and follow all Transport Canada Small Vessel for Pleasure Craft  and   Guided Excursions  regulations.
• Supervisor with appropriate first aid certification as per Outdoor Education Activities should be present.

Instructor Qualifications: Lake

• Instructor Certification: Paddle Canada Lake Tandem Instructor certification 
• For small ponds, a Paddle Canada Waterfront Instructor may be adequate (for clarification of appropriate certification, see Paddle Canada Paddle Canada Lake Program).
• Suggested maximum ratio of 1:10 certified instructors to students
• For groups less than 10, a qualified adult should assist the instructor with supervision.

Instructor Qualifications: Moving Water

• Suggested maximum ratio of 1:8 certified instructors to students. 
• For group sizes under 8, a qualified adult should assist the instructor with supervision.
• Instructors must possess: 
  • Class I Moving Water: Paddle Canada Intro Moving Water Instructor Certification
  • Class II Moving Water Paddle Canada Intermediate Moving Water Instructor Certification

Description of Moving Water classification may be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_scale_of_river_difficulty

Instructional Considerations

Teachers / Supervisors must be familiar with and ensure: 

• All Transport Canada Small Vessels for Pleasure Craft and Guided Excursions Regulations are followed.
• Standards, ratios, and programs meet  Paddle Canada  requirements.
• Supervisors are familiar with all above mentioned regulations.
• Qualified supervision of students at all times when on or off the water.
• School Risk Management Procedures and Policies are followed prior to the activity. (Route Cards, Parent forms filled out: Assumption of Risk, First Aid, Emergency Contacts, etc.)
• Lead teacher carries all student medical forms and an Emergency Contact List during the trip.
• Lead teacher or supervisor(s) possess appropriate first aid certification as per Outdoor Education Activities.
• Outside (contracted) Instructors have the appropriate first aid certification as per Outdoor Education Activity.
• Teachers / Supervisors must be familiar with and ensure: 
• Instructors will present their program material based on their certifications they hold and the time given by the needs of the group. For more information on the curriculum of the various programs, see Paddle Canada.

Equipment/Facilities

Teachers must ensure the following:

• Waterproof first aid kit should be stocked and accessible.
• Correctly fitting and Transport Canada-approved PFD / life jacket, must be worn, zippers and clasps done up properly,  at all times while on the water. 
• Properly fitting helmets must be worn for Class II Moving Water.
• Students must be prepared with appropriate clothing suitable to the water and weather conditions. 
• Students must wear closed footwear that is securely attached to the foot and is able to get wet.
• For moving water programs above Class I, river guides should be trained in Swift Water Rescue and have appropriate rescue equipment available.