Safety Matters
A Powerpoint presentation on Dragon Boat Safety
has been added. Click DB Safety Powerpoint to view.
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Safety Matters - to us ALL
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Safety is everyone’s responsibility, all the time
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It is not just the captain’s job.
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If in doubt, don’t go out.
FRESHET - Click CURRENT SPEED to see predicted flow.
Do not power under the bridge as that is where hidden debris hangs
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INCIDENT REPORT
In the event of ANY incident - be it collision, injury, damage, etc - please complete this simple report and pass to an Exec member as soon as possible. Download Incident Report
SAFETY BOAT AND MOTOR INSTRUCTIONS
-retrieve the gas tank marked FLCC from the gas cage storage box, making sure to relock the storage box and cage behind you
-unlock boat from vertical house timber and pull out through the door leaving enough room on the dock to install motor
-unlock rust coloured motor and relock the cable to the black motor
-install motor onto transom before putting the boat in water
-place the gas tank in the boat before launch. ¼ tank showing on gauge is good for about 2 hours of low speed operation. Rust coloured motor uses regular unleaded gasoline.
-never run the motor out of the water as it will overheat. Motor should always discharge a small stream of water from the base, if not do not continue to operate.
-motor choke should only be used for as long as it takes to start and run for a few seconds
-SAFETY NOTE: when performing rescue from water shut motor OFF until person is safely in the boat
-when returning lock the motor into beach position before dragging boat onto the dock. Remove the motor only after the boat is up on the dock
- make sure that the motor is locked, that the boat is locked to the vertical house timber, and that the gas tank is properly stowed as per the ToL and Fire regulations.
-position the safety boat diagonally across the kayak aisle so that Voyageur canoe can be moved in and out of the boathouse unimpeded.
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AVADEPTH to see predicted water conditions.
Hypothermia - first aid for a patient
Cold Water Bootcamp - 10 minute film explaining the effects of cold water immersion
Surviving in Cold Water - CKC advice
Boating Safety the latest guidance from Transport Canada.
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Learn to Become a Steersperson
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Guidelines on Canoe Dock Safety have been added, specifically for all DBers. But the good advice pertains to all disciplines
Click Canoe Dock Safety to read
Your PFD needs to fit properly and be approved by Transport Canada – check the label – IT WORKS WHEN YOU WEAR IT.
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File a float plan. Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
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Check the boat EVERY time it goes out. Bailers? Plugs? Lashings?
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Check local weather conditions - wind speed and direction, air/water temperature, tides, currents, fog? What is the forecast?
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Attach a pealess whistle to your PFD.
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Know which members of the crew cannot swim – the rest of the team needs to know and have a plan.
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Hypothermia can occur from rain, wind, splashing water, not just hulis. Be prepared. Take a small dry bag with a jacket and hat, even in the summer.
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Glare off the water can damage eyes as well as skin – wear shades, have a light long sleeved shirt with you in the summer – use a ball cap.
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Review your capsize/huli drill regularly – who does what? Buddy count?
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Inform your coach, steersperson/captain of any health issues or medications that may affect your attention or performance.
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Cold water saps your body’s core heat much faster than air. If you can’t get out of the water use the Heat Escape Lessening Position: With PFD on, cross arms tightly, draw knees up close to chest, remain calm and still. If more than one person, all huddle and hold on to each other.
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If you see a dark line on the horizon – it’s wind and/or tide – be aware of it, head back if necessary – the darker the line, the stronger the wind.
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According to Kanu Culture magazine, the Number One cause of hulis/capsizes is lack of communication.
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Recreational boats, including canoes and kayaks, account for more than 50% of Search and Rescue Incidents.
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Not having an APPROVED PFD that is an appropriate fit and in good condition, in most provinces, could cost you $200 for each violation.
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Stupid Risk and Smart Risk. Recognize the difference. Stupid Risk is not taking/wearing PFD’s, not looking over your shoulder before you turn, paddling under the influence or hung over, not learning how to read a chart or recongize Aids to Navigation – for a few.
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Putting a PFD on while you’re in the water is almost impossible. Put your PFD on before entering the water or have a buddy help you if you are already in the water.
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Two big waves can swamp a canoe! If you are paddling in big or unpredictable waters, make sure you are using a spraydeck, and make sure it is in good shape.