We will have sole use of Longham Lake for this paddle. The route involves three circuits of the lake and a final lap around the island.
There is one entry point to the lake via a slipway. We ask all paddlers to take care at this entry point as it can be slippery at times. A member of our crew will be there to help entry and exit.
The launch point is a short walk away from the carpark.
The start of the AquaPaddle will be clearly marked with two buoys. The Time Lord will call the AquaPaddlers forward, once everyone has arrived and start the event. The AquaPaddle heads anticlockwise around the lake.
Once you finish, please keep clear of the finish line. If you want to stay to cheer on the other AquaPaddlers there is a path around the lake with good views of the route.
Tiredness: Don’t rush and take your time to recover. When exiting the lake, give yourself time!
All Risks
RISK ASSESSMENT: AquaPaddle – Longham Lakes
DATE CARRIED OUT: 18/02/2023 ASSESSMENT CARRIED OUT BY: Lynne Ruddick
| HAZARD | WHO MIGHT BE HARMED? | HOW MAY THE RISK BE ADEQUATELY CONTROLLED? | WHAT FURTHER ACTION MAY BE REQUIRED? | Review comments / review date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DROWNING | Paddlers & Others | Wearing of buoyancy aid Instruction in capsize procedures Relevant supervision for novices Advised to keep away from waters edge | Buoyancy aids tested annually Induction sessions for beginners and new members Instructors to ensure buoyancy aid correctly fitted. Regular checks on hire equipment during the season. | 18/02/2024 |
| HYPOTHERMIA / HYPERTHERMIA | Paddlers | Advised on the correct clothing to wear. Adjustment to clothing as required | Continuous dynamic risk assessment. | 18/02/2024 |
| SLIPS TRIPS AND FALLS | Paddlers, Parents, Coaches & others | Regular observation of the slipway and lakeside paths, recommendation of footwear | Ensure appropriate footwear is worn | 18/02/2024 |
| SPRAINS, STRAINS AND SOFT TISSUE INJURIES | Paddlers, Parents Coaches & others | Trained to lift correctly Ask for help Encouraged to paddle correctly | Ongoing training and regular checks of procedures Appropriate checks on lifting crafts | 18/02/2024 |
| POLLUTION AND WATER QUALITY | Paddlers | Advised to wash soon after immersion Made aware of flotsam | Risks higher in spate conditions. Avoid intentional capsizes in poor conditions | 18/02/2024 |
| OTHER WATER USERS | Paddlers and other users | Paddlers instructed to be aware of other water users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action. | Informed as to possible other water users and location | 18/02/2024 |
| EXHAUSTION/FATIGUE | Paddlers and water safety team | Advise paddlers to bring a drink and have eaten appropriately prior to paddling | Water safety team will assist and help them ashore. | 18/02/2024 |
| CAPSIZED CRAFT | Paddlers | Information to be collected on entry of ability. Ask paddlers to look after each other on the water. | Water safety to assist capsized paddlers. | 18/02/2024 |
| WEATHER/WIND | Paddlers & Safety Team | Weather reports checked the day before and on the morning. Advise paddlers to exit the water should adverse weather conditions approach. | Continuous dynamic risk assessment | 18/02/2024 |
| Wild Animals Eg: Swans | Paddlers | Advise paddlers to maintain distance from all wildlife, especially Swans with their signets. | If a nesting family is close to the start/finish, the paddle will be moved to a different location to protect the animals. | 18/02/2024 |
| Environment | Everyone | Advise everyone to stay on the paths and to prevent minimal damage to the flora and fauna. | Continuous dynamic risk assessment | 18/02/2024 |