Preparation
- Add the outing to the club's calendar on the website
- Determine the maximum number of participants and supervision required (provide for the division into autonomous smaller groups if the activity is a camp)
- Check the water level (and have a plan B if necessary)
- Print a list of participants
- Know where the emergency exits and nearest hospital are
Examples of questions to a participant that you do not know:
- Are they members?
- Do they have the skill level required?
- Do they have the required equipment and is it in working condition (float bags, helmet, whistles, wetsuit if needed, etc ....)
- Do they have any group equipment? (A first aid kit, spare paddle, etc.)
- What is their knowledge of the river?
- Can they assist in coaching others?
Examples of information to give to the participants:
- The precise meeting time and place (can be sent to participants rather than broadcasted to all)
- Money to pay for this event (access, camping,)
- Things to bring (lunch, water, ...)
The day of outing
- Organize the shuttles as efficiently as possible (Don’t forget, there are areas where only a limited number of cars can park)
- You can deny a member to join the group if you have a valid reason
- Complete the list of participants with contact emergency numbers and keep it with you
- Before the entering the water, make sure (especially if there are beginners or new participants)
- that all participants are familiar with the visual and auditory (whistle) communication signals
- to appoint a group opener and a group closer, so the outing is conducted in a safe and harmonious way.
- At the put-in and take-out, be it public or private land, ensure everyone respects the area
- Before a difficult rapid, (depending on the level of the group),ensure all participants understand the plan (visual cues / line, portage, security)
Note: In case of autonomous small groups, appoint a person to be in charge of the above tasks
After the outing, please complete an «outing report »