Canoe Outings
- Equipment
- Clothing
- Safety procedures....
- Four hour paddling time per day limit
- Hudson river trips require prior canoe experience by participants and are rated intermediate or advanced
- must travel in close proximity in order to facilitate emergency procedures
- PFD's must be adjusted and buckled at all times on water
- follow 100 degree rule: if water and air don't reach 100 degrees, a contingency plan is required
- must be off water by dusk
- one of the leaders must sweep and be equipped with a whistle
- Canoes are equipped with safety ropes in bow and stern and a bailer tied to the boat
- (2) extra paddles are carried by the leader(s)
- at least one throw rope per trip
- any water play activities require adult supervision
- all participants must have prior canoe training
- identify emergency contact numbers (local and state police, DEC ranger,...) and nearest medical facility
- park vehicles in locations where an early
exit is possible due to weather or medical
emergency
- at least one cell phone per trip
- Emergency procedures........if canoe capsizes;
- The canoe in the sweep position will have a leader in it with a whistle.
- Blow whistle to alert entire group.
- The sweep canoe should go to the people in the water.
- The lead canoe should go to shore with the rest of the students.
- The leader closest to the lead canoe should go to the canoe and secure, so its not floating away.
- Any other leaders should go to the aid of the victims. It's important to get victims out of the water ASAP.
- It is important that no one tries to get into the canoe while in the water, they should hold onto the rope on the rear of the canoe and be towed in.
- In case of multiple capsized canoes, the leader with the gear should stay with all of the gear, and if needed the leader with the students should help tow in victims.
- Then work on getting the victims dry and warm.