ALL Paddle Participants (including Paddle Organizer):
- Must be a Kelowna Canoe & Kayak Club member *
- Must have signed a club liability waiver
- Must wear a suitable PFD or lifejacket while on the water
- Must carry the safety equipment specified by Transport Canada for pleasure vessels as outlined in the Safe Boating Guide, including
- Bailing device (e.g. pump)
- PFD
- Signalling device (i.e. whistle)
- 15m throw rope
*Exceptions to the member requirement may be made on a one time basis only, for prospective members/guests. In this case the guest must arrive at the meeting point with the guest waiver already read and signed.
GUIDELINES FOR KCKC TRIP PARTICIPATION
Trip participants should arrive at the put-in prepared with all required equipment and clothing necessary for safe paddling.
Please contact the Paddle Organizer *before* you arrive if you have questions about the trip.
For all activities, participants (including paddle organizers) should:
- Carry food and water supplies appropriate to the weather conditions and length of the trip.
- Carry a personal first aid kit (self-selected contents) as needed and appropriate to the trip being undertaken. (e.g. personal medications)
- Have and use equipment and clothing appropriate to expected conditions.
- Wear cold water protective clothing appropriate per the Cold Water Protective Clothing section below.
- Have a whistle readily accessible and attached to the PFD.
- Have a pump or bailing device readily available.
- Have a paddle float for self-rescue, if deemed necessary by the participant.
On evening or overnight trips, carry a signaling device for immediate use such as a waterproof flashlight/ headlamp or strong hand held light to signal approaching water craft. The light does not have to be continuously on, but immediately available.
COLD WATER PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Whenever water temperatures are below 15 degrees C (expected on trips during April/May) all paddlers are advised to wear cold water protective clothing. In the trip plan the Paddle Organizer may specify a minimum standard to be worn for a specific trip (e.g. dry suit required).
Depending on conditions, cold water protective clothing may consist of:
- Water repellent outer shell (jacket and pants) with wrist and ankle seals in combination with synthetic or wool insulation
- Half wet suit (Farmer John or Shorty) with or without synthetic or wool insulation and a water repellent shell
- Full wet suit
- Dry suit with synthetic insulation worn underneath
Each trip participant is responsible for determining the specific type or types of clothing to wear for the trip based on anticipated conditions.
In making these decisions, participants should consider:
- water temperature
- air temperature
- trip rating
- wind chill
- precipitation
- distance from land
- group size/rescue conditions
- their personal skills and experience
Paddle Organizers may deny participation at the put-in if, in the Paddle Organizer’s opinion, the participant is ill prepared for immersion.
Questions regarding a particular Paddle Organizer’s minimum standard should be addressed by phone or email prior to the day of the trip.