Hampton - Molesey Health & Safety

Notes

DEFIB LOCATIONS
Start / Finish Line – during event
Molesey Lock Café 24/7
Molesey Boat Club 24/7
Taggs Island 24/7
Tesco Hurst Park 24/7
HAMPTON – MOLESEY – DESCRIPTION OF ROUTE AND RISK ASSESSMENT
General Hazards
Motor Boats, Rowing Boats and other craft on the water: The Thames is shared with other craft and we need to keep ourselves safe. Please keep a look behind from time to time to make sure you are not going to be in collision with another river user. If they are coming close, draw their attention to you, shouting and waving. Also move out of their way and if necessary, kneel down.

Main Launch, Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point
Sadlers Ride, Hurst Park, Molesey, Surrey

What3Words link – https://w3w.co/lives.anyone.shuts

The launch point is adjacent to the main meeting point and car park. The ground is concrete and there is a hard edge. Close by there is a raised area with a concrete edge.

Hazards
The launch point is alongside the towpath with walkers, dogs and cyclists. There are sometime families feeding the birds in this area. Care must be taken when crossing the path to the launch point and launching and not harming the wildlife.
The concrete could be wet and muddy, so care must be taken not to slip. Remember don’t rush and always take you time. “Slow is Pro”
Crossing over the river to the Start Point, be aware of the other river users especially rowers at this time of day. They are travelling backwards and don’t always look behind themselves.
Secondary Launch, Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point
Bell Quay, Thames Street, Hampton, Middlesex

What3words Link – https://w3w.co/bath.saves.curving

The launch point is next to the Hampton Canoe Launch point and is off the edge of the Quay. It is beyond the locked gate to the Quay. There is limited parking nearby or in the Bell Pub, but only with the permission of the pub.

The launch point is a concrete and tarmac area. It is at a height above the river.

Hazards
The launch point is at some height above the river and the paddler will have the take care when lowering themselves onto their craft. Take your time don’t rush.
The Quay can be busy at times, so again give yourself time before the AquaPaddle and don’t rush. “Slow is Pro”
The Start
The start of the AquaPaddle is off Bell Quay. The Time Lord will call the AquaPaddlers forward, once everyone has arrived and start the event. The AquaPaddle heads upstream (West).

Hazards
Bell Quay concrete edge. Stay at least 2 metres away from the edge.

Other AquaPaddlers. Please give everyone space to move about. The river is wide enough.

Benns Island – Hampton Sailing Club
The island is some 100+ metres upstream of the start and should be passed on the paddlers right. The island is easy to see and has the clubhouse and sailing boats from the club on it.

Hazards
Hard concrete edge. Stay at least 2 metres away from the edge.

Sailing boats being launched. Keep a good look out and be prepared to stop. Sail has right of way.

Platt’s Eyot
The Eyot (Island) is some 500 metres up from Benns Island and has a lot of moored boats around it.

Hazard
Moored boats on way to and around Platt’s Eyot. Stay at least 2 metres away

Water intake for the Hampton Waterworks. Stay at least 2 metres away from the intake.

Millennium Boat House and (Lady Eleanor Holles – Hampton School) Boat Club
The Boat house houses the boats for both schools and on Sunday they can be boating.

Hazards
Boat crews pushing off from the bank without looking. Please shout to let them know you are coming. If necessary, stop and keep yourself safe. A Marshal should be on hand to warn the boat crews that the AquaPaddlers are coming passed.

Aquarius Sailing Club
The sailing club is based alongside the north bank. At the time of the AquaPaddle, the club is normally quiet at this time of day. However, caution needs to be taken.

The Upstream Turning point is by the second ramp. There will be a Marshal standing at this point.

Hazards
Moored boats. Stay at least 2 metres away

The Upstream Turning Point
The turning point is by the second ramp from Aquarius Sailing Club onto the Thames. There will be a Member of the Crew on their board or kayak at that point. Please go round them on not cut downstream of them.

Hazards
Other AquaPaddlers. Please give each other space to turn and cross the river.

Crossing the River. Watch out for boats and other river users as you cross. They have right of way. Be prepared to stop. Do not risk crossing in front of any craft.

Platt’s Eyot – return
The Eyot (Island) has a lot of moored boats around it. There are also moored boats on the Surrey riverbank.

Hazards
Moored boats on way to and around Platt’s Eyot. Stay at least 2 metres away

Anglers: There might be a number in the months from June 12th onwards. Please watch out for fishing lines. If you get court in any lines, stop and apologise. We share this space. Please don’t get into an argument, regardless of what the Angler is saying to you. Once free of the line continue on.

Swimmers: Wild or Open Water swimming has become very popular and you as the overtaking craft need to keep clear. Please shout to draw their attention to you as you come up behind them. Please keep at least 1.5 metres away from them.

Garrick’s Ait
The Ait (Island) should be passed to the Paddlers right and the paddler must not go down the small channel between the Ait and the main riverbank. There is lots of wildlife here and this must be avoided.

Hazards
Ferry Service: There is a ferry service crossing the river just upstream of the Ait and you need to make sure that you don’t paddle in front of it. Always aim for the back of the boat and that way you know you will be safe.

Moored Boats: There are moored boats around the Ait and at times they move off without warning. Please keep an eye on them and shout to let the boat owners know you are there.

Launch Point: The Launch Point is downstream of the Ait and they might be craft and swimmers moving away from this point. Take care and let people know you are there by politely shouting.

Tagg’s Island
Tagg’s Island is the lower end of the route. The route goes all the way round and should be passed to the left of the paddler. This means you pass to the right of the Island. There will be a Crew member at the downstream end of the island who will be guiding the paddles round. Please look out for them in their bright orange t-shirt.

Hazards
Moored boats on way to and around Tagg’s Island. Stay at least 2 metres away.

Molesey Rowing Club: There are rowing boats and coaching launches using the club all the time. The club is situated at the downstream end of the Island. Please shout if someone is likely to hit you.

The Weir: The weir is to the right of the island once the paddlers have made their turn. Please give it a wide berth. If you should fall in at this point, if you can’t re board quickly, please swim your board away, before trying again. The Crew Member will come and assist you. If you see someone fall in at this point. Without putting yourself in danger, please go and give help.

Tagg’s Island Bridge: Watch out for the Bridge Piers. Ideally, at this point you should be to the right of the river. Please paddle through the middle of the piers and not between the piers and the bank.

Thames Voyages Ltd
This is a boatyard, and a good lookout should be kept.

Hazards
Moored boats on way upstream. Stay at least 2 metres away

Houseboat Astoria
This is a fine Victorian Houseboat (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astoria_(recording_studio)). Please keep clear and you paddle upstream.

Hazards
Moored boats on way upstream. Stay at least 2 metres away

The Finish
Once you finish, please keep clear of the finish line. If you want to stay cheer on the other AquaPaddlers, please gather downstream of Bell Quay, where there is a safe inlet. Please don’t block Hampton Canoe Clubs Green Launching Platform.

Risk Assessment

Hampton - Molesey risk assessment was reviewed by Brett Scillitoe (Captain ) on 08 March 2024.

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
All Activities	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Participants must comply with AquaPaddle/Club Policies and therefore with certain British Canoeing Policies	Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by Crew. Ensure each member/visitor has access to a current copy of the AquaPaddle Policies, via the website.
First Aid / Injuries	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Paddlesport is an “assumed risk sport”. There will be a designated First Aid AquaPaddle/club official on site.	All Crew are qualified first-aiders. All injuries should be reported on the incident report. Means of contact for emergency services to be available at the venue. Defib is available with the Time Lord.
Safeguarding	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	All members and people on our site agree to follow our AquaPaddle Policies and procedures, of which safeguarding and code of conduct is one of them. An Event Captain/Safeguarding Officer is to have oversight over the Safeguarding of the event.	Crew and other Volunteers who have regular contact with U18 are to be DBS checked and attend a safeguarding course.
Safety Cover	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Probable chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Crew are to either have a Captain present or be in a minimum number of four Crew that are at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others; one person is aged over 18 or a coach (Land or Water) is in the vicinity. Compliant with the AquaPaddle/Club Safety Policy. The Captain and or an Event Safety Officer is to have oversight over the Health And Safety of the event.	British Canoeing Awards set an appropriate level for standards, such as 2 Star, Explore awards and higher. However other factors can be taken into account such as experience, competition level and paddlers being at the standard that to self-rescue and rescue others, during paddling on the water.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Bridge/Viaduct pillars – strong water flow	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	The water flow beneath the bridge/viaduct can be stronger due to decreased space for the volume of water to flow. Paddlers are to be advised to be steady or sit down if this makes them uncomfortable.	A regular assessment of the flow around the structures needs to be carried out.
Collision with mooring buoys and other static objects	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Instructor and assistants to give clear guidance and path the avoid obstacles.	Review path/crossing annually and ensure Crew are fully trained.
Collision with other waterway users	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers instructed to be aware of other river users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action. Paddlers to pass on River right when going upstream or downstream. However, on bends a dynamic assessment of position is necessary.	All members of the group are to be informed as to possible other river users and locations, what to do when boats approach
Effect of Hot, Cold and wind from Weather and Environmental	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Captain and Location Safety Team to assess the weather before getting on the waterway.	The event is to be cancelled if not considered safe. Captain should consider instructing participants to bring: drinking water, hats, sunscreen, windproof clothing, or extra layers as appropriate
Entrapment	Paddlers, Crew	Briefly	Possible chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	Paddlers are to either have a coach present or be in a minimum number of three that are at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others; one person is aged over 18 or a coach (Land or Water) is in the vicinity. Spray decks are to be appropriate for kayak.Paddlers are to be competent to wear a spray deck if one is used	British Canoeing Awards set an appropriate level for standards, such as 2 Star, Explore awards and higher. However other factors can be taken into account such as experience, competition level and paddlers being at the standard that to self-rescue and rescue others, during paddling on the water.
Environment	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers are to be aware of other water users and keep away from powered craft Paddlers are to be aware of wildlife on and surrounding the water system and steer clear of any floating rubbish, which is to be cleared from pitches before use.	Captains, Crew and Experienced Paddlers are to stay vigilant and ensure they have a plan to get to safe water at all times to mitigate the risks when they occur.
Falling from inability to stand	Paddlers	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	During the AquaPaddle Briefing, Check that all Paddlers can self-rescue, if not, talk through the correct way to fall and climb back on a board or kayak.	Bring Paddlers to a safe spot on the riverbank and assist back on the vessel. Make Paddlers aware.
Flow rate / Levels on Rivers and Canals - Paddlers, boats and, craft could get washed downstream into hazards	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	River level to be assessed before getting on the river by sight and through use of EA River gauges.	No paddling when the River is graded RED or YELLOW. The AquaPaddle event is to be cancelled.
Hazard from prevailing wind and weather conditions	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Events will not operate over 18 mph standing wind (depending on the wind direction) unless a safe location is found and agreed upon by two Event Safety Team (Captain, Time Lord and experienced on-water Crew Member).	Assess by Captain, check weather forecast. If thunderstorms occur after an event has begun, ask the Paddlers to return to a safe area on the bank, if there are less than 7 seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder. This follows the BC guidance.
Launching / Landing Areas and Sides	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Probable chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers are to use the primary Launching area at the ramp, paddlers can also exit on pontoons when at Island Barn Reservoir. When embarking and disembarking from the water from a Kayak, Canoe, or SUP ensure that care is used with help if necessary, using the correct technique Crew are to be inducted to location of safe evacuation locations.	Standing in SUPs is prohibited when within falling distance to an object – including walls. Kneeling when embarking and disembarking the SUP. Helmets may be used for SUPs.
Moorings and ropes	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Major incident	Advise Paddlers where ropes/boats/moorings are and direct them to a clear spot. Access to Local Area Users Risk Assessment.	Local direction given.
Obstacles weirs and other man-made features (e.g. Bridge supports)	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Major incident	Weirs must be avoided. If the Route goes passed a weir, a crew member needs to be stationed near the weir in a safe place to warn the Paddlers to stay clear of the weir stream and current.	Captain to assess conditions on the day and avoid if not safe. Appropriate skill and awareness training
Other water users including power boats, sails, kayakers etc	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Although engine should move for paddle ensure the group maintain a safe distance from other vessels where possible. Always move and keep clear of shipping and other river users.	Conduct training with Crew.
Over hanging branches	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Make group aware that there are over hanging branches along the riverbank or lake shoreline.	Make Paddlers aware of potential overhanging branch hazards.
Polution and risk of infection	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Advised to wash hands with hot water and soap before eating or drinking and shower at the end of the event, especially after immersion and made aware of flotsam.	Crew to assess waterway condition on the day. Avoid intentional capsizes in poor conditions
SUP Leashes and entanglement	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	SUP leashes are to be worn at all events unless it is deemed to be an entanglement risk. Entanglement from submerged plant life.	Quick-release belts are advised and assessment of the conditions/abilities of the group to determine the route. Specific pocket knife to be carried by Crew on duty.
Wildlife	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Brief Paddlers about approaching wildlife, and maintaining a safe distance whenever possible. ‘If it's free, let it be’	Ensure Crew relay information to the AquaPaddlers.

Off Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Car Park	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Probable chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	People are to be made aware of traffic within parking areas. Vehicles are to park safely so as not to obstruct access routes. Club officials are to control cars in the venue at the start and the end of the event when the traffic flow requires it. Cars are to adhere to the speed limit of 5mph during the event.	The car park is also accessed by other users. AquaPaddle Crew are to wear high-visibility clothing to ensure the cars can see the marshals.
Tripping or Slipping on access steps or pontoons. (see also Drowning Medical Section)	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Advised to wear suitable wet footwear with a non-slip sole, or training shoes, when using the access steps to the pontoons and whilst stepping on and off the pontoon bridges. Pontoon walking surface wood is specific non-slip construction. But care needs to be exercised to avoid algae or, bird deposits etc. particularly when wet.	Ongoing Housekeeping Maintenance to ensure the minimum build-up of growth or droppings by Club Officials when the risk is increasing. Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered too by Club Officials.

Event Specific hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Changing	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Adequate changing facilities for Male and Female is to be available at the Island Barn Location – if alternative changing facilities are required paddlers to inform Crew Members. AquaPaddle/Club Safeguarding rules apply to all visitors – specifically regarding the Changing Room Guidance/Rules. Please also comply with https://www.islandbarn.org.uk/ rules	If required gazeboes can be erected to provide changing room space for event paddlers with separate genders.

Medical hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Drowning. (see also Safety Cover - Off Water Section)	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	Paddlers are required to be able to swim and wear a buoyancy aid on the water. Sole people on pontoons must wear buoyancy aids if there are no other people nearby. Site induction, visitors are to be advised of any danger areas.	Life Buoys & throw lines are available on the dock wall for people to throw to the causality when a person needs assistance. Paddlers are to either have a coach present or be in a minimum number of three that are at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others; one person is aged over 18 or a coach (Land or Water) is in the vicinity with a throw line if on land. For the event if there are officials for that event (such as Canoe Polo) the referees are to ensure that water activities under their control are safe, paddlers are to follow the instructions of the referee/officials in all safety matters without question.
Exhaustion/Fatigue	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Advise paddlers to bring a drink and have eaten appropriately prior to paddling	Water safety team will assist and help them ashore.
Hazard from slipping or tripping	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Major incident	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Brief Crew and AquaPaddlers on the danger of slipping and tripping at all entry and exit points if necessary.	Briefing/checklist of Crew used at start of the session.
Hypothermia / Hyperthermia	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	AquaPaddlers to be given info about appropriate dress and Crew to give the AquaPaddlers a wetsuit if deemed necessary.	Carry foil blanket (if the instructor sees fit). Make sure the AquaPaddlers are out of the water and taken to an appropriate assemble/exit point and call for emergency assistance if need be.
Manual handling leads to Sprains, Strains and Soft Tissue Injuries	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Trained to lift correctly Ask for help Encouraged to paddle correctly. Paddlers advised to carry boats between 2 people or more for heavy canoes	Ongoing training and regular checks of procedures Appropriate checks on storage facilities. Crew and helpers to set a good example and not carry boats (even small ones) on their own. Crew to carry a basic first aid kit
Pre-existing medical conditions	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Major incident	Terms and conditions require the person making the booking to notify any relevant medical conditions for their group before arrival. If the AquaPaddler has NOT informed the Captain or Time Lord or Crew, those parties are NOT responsible for any incident involving said condition.	Captain/Crew only to authorise event admission where safety precautions can be put in place. DO NOT TAKE AQUAPADDLER OUT IF UNSURE OR WITHOUT A DOCTOR'S NOTE. Captain/Crew to ask about medical conditions during land base intro.
Spinal injury	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Major incident	Ensure all AquaPaddlers fill in medical information form.	Teaching techniques and awareness of fall techniques and potential hazards.
Weil’s Disease	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Major incident	Equipment is to be washed after use according to the NOP. If on static water, such as lakes and reservoirs, sampling should be carried out at regular intervals, including both micro and algae testing. Procedure in place for actions to be taken in the case of a poor water quality test, including Event Cancelation. Participants are encouraged to wash their hands as soon as possible after the activity. Participants are encouraged to cover any cuts and avoid ingesting the water.	Waterway owners are to monitor the water and publish the results so that all Crew can comply with safe working practices.