Lincoln Health & Safety

Notes

Risk Assessment for Lincoln AquaPaddle taking place on the Fossdyke Canal.

The Captain’s pre-paddle briefing will take place outside Woodcocks Pub.

Main Launch, Exit and Emergency Evacuation Point - Woodcocks Moorings - What3Words link www.what3words.com ruffling.secure.savers

The start point of the Lincoln AquaPaddle is around 400m down the canal just before the entrance to Burton Waters Marina.
On reaching the start point all Paddlers will need to turn their craft around to face back upstream for the start. The Time Lord will call the AquaPaddlers forward once everyone has arrived and will start the event.

Start/Finish and Emergency Evacuation Point (This is an evacuation point for emergencies) - What3Words link www.what3words.com hotspots.funded.lamp

The Upstream Turning Point (This is an evacuation point for emergencies) - What3Words link www.what3words.com spark.cabbage.verifying

Other Emergency Evacuation Points - About 1.5km from the start/finish point on the main bend on the route - What3Words link www.what3words.com stones.skimmers.caravans
This emergency evacuation point leads to a short footpath leading up to the A57 road.

Risk Assessment

Lincoln risk assessment was reviewed by Hannah Stockdale (Captain) on 28 May 2024.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Anglers	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers informed as to location of any anglers at briefing, Paddlers advised to given anglers a wide berth when passing.	Any anglers on the route advised that paddlers are on the water.
Collision with other waterway users and moored boats	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers instructed to be aware of other water users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action and to give way to other water users. Paddlers advised of any moored boats / other water users identified during the pre-event route check.	All paddlers and crew are to be informed as to possible other water users and locations. Marshalls to communicate to paddlers of any craft entering the route waters during the event. Marshalls to advise other water users entering the route to the presence of paddlers on the water.
Drowning.	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Major incident	Wearing of buoyancy aids is mandatory for those on the water and recommend for crew on the bank. Throw lines carried by all crew members. Spectators advised to keep away from water's edge.
Over hanging trees or strainers	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers advised to negotiate around tress, both overhanging and floating. Advised as to correct action in event of entanglement. Quick release leashed strongly recommended for SUPs.	Pre route check to identify any specific hazards and paddlers made aware during safety briefing.
Pollution and risk of infection	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Advised to bath soon after immersion. Made aware of any flotsam identified during pre-event checks. Advised to wash hands with hot water and soap before eating or drinking and shower at the end of the event. Paddlers advised on potential cross-contamination of waterways and cleaning of equipment. Paddlers advised to cover any existing cuts / wounds prior to paddling and if any cuts acquired whilst paddling to thoroughly sanities as soon as possible.
Wildlife including Swans	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	All paddlers briefing on respecting wildlife and giving a wide berth to all birds on the water.	During nesting season pre-event route check will seek to identify any nesting birds on the route.

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	Paddlers advised on risks associated with incorrect handling of craft. If carrying a boat alone, paddlers are to ensure it is within the limits of their limitations and experience. First aider crew members trained to deal with minor injuries.
Tripping or Slipping on access steps or pontoons. (see also Drowning - Medical section)	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers advised to wear suitable wet footwear with a non-slip sole, or training shoes, when using the access steps and near to the waters edge. Crew members to supervise launch point.	Maintenance of launch area (litter clearance / strumming of grass in summer).

Event Specific hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Emergency Access	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	A footpath runs alongside the whole of the route of the event giving foot access. In addition to the Main Launch Point there are 3 other emergency evacuation points identified on the route map that is shared with all participants in the pre event briefing. These are the places which are closet to where emergency vehicles could gain access.	All crew are advised to have what3words on their phone to enable them to identify the position of any incident to emergency services or the captain /other crew members.
Invasive Species	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	All paddlers advised pre and post event of the clean, check, dry guidance to reduce the risk of contamination.
Litter / Anti Social Behaviour	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	All paddlers are advised that all litter must be placed in bins or taken home with them. AquaPaddle Lincoln operation a "Leave nothing but footprints" ethos. Paddlers advised in safety briefing that any anti-social behaviour will result in them being disqualified from the event.

Medical hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Hypothermia / Hyperthermia	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Serious incident	Paddlers advised about appropriate dress. Paddlers advised on weather conditions and suitable precautions to be taken. All crew to carry emergency blankets.

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Safeguarding	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	All children under 13 to be supervised by their parent or guardian at all times. If under 13s are paddling they must have an accompanying adult paddle alongside them. Event will not closed until the Captain is satisfied that all paddlers are accounted for, safe and off the water.	All participants and crew agree to follow AquaPaddle Policies and procedures, of which safeguarding and code of conduct is one of them. All Marshalls briefed on AquaPaddle safeguarding policy.
Weather and Environmental Conditions	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Weather reports checked in days leading up to the event. Captain and Location Safety Team to assess the weather before getting on the waterway.	Event will be cancelled if weather conditions are not suitable.