Kilsyth Health & Safety

Notes

Description of Route and Hazards

General Hazards

AquaPaddle Kilsyth takes place on the Forth & Clyde Canal. Event start and finish is from Auchinstarry Basin Marina. This is a quiet stretch of the canal with many resident boats and the occasional visiting boat. Keep to the Right Hand Side of the Canal.

Moving Craft. We have occasional moving Boats on this stretch of the canal. If a boat is approaching from the rear, keep in close to the bank on the right, the passing boat will slow down to ensure they do not create wake. If there is a boat approaching from the front, keep to the right and enable the moving craft to pass on your left. If in doubt, pull in to the bank and await the craft to pass.

Anglers. At various places on the banks along the Canal, but mainly on the Northern Bank. Paddle cautiously, and giving enough space around where they may be casting. Move to opposite side of canal if safe to do so.

Swans. We have 2 pairs of nesting swans on this stretch of the canal. Both pairs are very friendly and inquisitive. Pass with caution, ensuring you do not separate the parents from the young. Do not approach the swans, however they are very photogenic and do not mind having their photos taken from a safe distance.

Risk Assessment

Kilsyth risk assessment was reviewed by Rab Wallace (Captain) on 03 April 2025.

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
All Activities	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Minor 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.

Off Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Boat and Manual Handling		Briefly	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	If carrying a boat alone, paddlers are to ensure it is within the limits of their limitations and experience.	All paddlers are advised that two people should lift boats at least. Failure to do so could lead to injury.
Car Park		Minority	Remote chance of a Minor 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.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Collision with mooring buoys and other static objects	Paddlers	Minority	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.
First Aid / Injuries	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Possible 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.
Safety Cover	Paddlers	Majority	Possible chance of a Minor 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.

Medical hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Emergency situation	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Ensure that the casualty and group are all called to a designated assemble/exit point. Call appropriate FHC/Coastguard/Partners/emergency services if require.	Annual emergency drills to be conducted. Signed terms and conditions by AquaPaddlers. Follow EC emergency action plan and brief AquaPaddlers at the start of the session.
Hazard from slipping or tripping	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote 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.