Maidenhead Health & Safety

Notes

Briefing must cover highest risk areas of route - lock cut and traffic in the cut, route to start area keeping well away from weir, turn point below Cookham Lock - Marshall to keep an eye on traffic exiting Cookham Lock with paddlers only turning when the area is clear.

Emergency Access points are at launch (Boulters Lock cut), Islet Road (Exit via small pontoon), Cliveden near boathouse.
AquaPaddle to be run with a minimum of 5 volunteer crew. All on-water volunteers should be able to self-rescue and have had safety training.

Head Marshal must paddle the route and report on conditions prior to the event start. Both Head Marshal and Captain must agree that the conditions and route are safe to paddle.
Crew should carry a fully charged phone in suitable waterproof casing with What3Words app in addition to AP kit radios, whistle and spare clothing (e.g. waterproof jacket and woolly hat) We recommend that all paddlers carry a mobile phone.

Min. 1 First-Aid trained crew on the water with small first aid kit. Ideally 3 crew.

The defibrillator and a first aid kit should be kept with the Timelord and checked/set up prior to starting the event.

All incidents must be reported to the Captain and further relayed to AquaPaddle Directors after the event.

Risk Assessment

Maidenhead risk assessment was reviewed by Belle Yates / Brett Scillitoe (Captain) on 19 May 2024.

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
All Activities	Paddlers, 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.
Children	Paddlers	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Major incident	Children are only allowed to take part in AquaPaddle is accompanied by are parent/guardian or coach if part of an organised club training session. Prior notice should be given to the Captain that they will be attending	Crews need to be aware of the presence of minors on the event and future events. Guardian should be reminded to check the fit of the child's BA and review any other safety equipment being used (i.e. leash setup).
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.
Personnel Limitations	Crew	Constant	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Limitations for water activities are as per our Safety Policy. People on the pontoons are to be kept to a minimum – only officials are permitted access. Unless there is an exceptional event there are no land restrictions on personnel.	For the event if there are officials for that event the referees are to ensure that the water activities under their control are safe, paddlers are to follow the instructions of the referee/officials in all safety matters without question.
Safeguarding	Paddlers, 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/Club 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.

Off Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Boat and Manual Handling	Paddlers, Crew	Briefly	Probable 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	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Possible 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. All briefing must take place in a safe area away from the main flow of traffic in the carpark.	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.
Road crossing	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Briefly	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Ensure Paddlers check both sides before crossing and use the zebra crossing when walking to and from the lock cut area. Crew to marshall at zebra crossing if appropriate.	Make Paddlers aware of road crossing hazards.
Spectating	Spectators	Majority	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Spectators are not to encroach over the water's edge. Instructions will be issued.	AquaPaddle Crew to monitor and advise the spectators when they are not acting in the safest manner.
Tripping or Slipping on access steps or pontoons. (see also Drowning - Medical section)	Paddlers, 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 lock cut and whilst stepping on and off the cut towpath. 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 AquaPaddle Crew when the risk is increasing. Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by AquaPaddle Crew.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Collision with other waterway users	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote 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. Paddlers should be briefed on particular risk of collision within the lock cut when entering, exiting the water and moving from/to the start area. Paddlers must keep in single file, lead by Crew at the front and back of the group. Paddlers should not launch if boats are moving through the launch area. Wait until the water is free from traffic. The event start time should be considered in peak months/Bank Holidays and an earlier start time should be chosen.	All members of the group are to be informed as to possible other river users and locations, what to do when boats approach. Crew to warn and direct paddlers clearly and calmly if boats are sighted ahead/behind in the lock cut.
Effect of Hot, Cold and wind from Weather and Environmental	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major 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	Briefly	Possible chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	Paddlers are to either have a Crew member 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 kayaks. 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.	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.
Equipment Failure - board deflates while on the water - fall in and hit head or get injured, Leash Snaps causing them to come detached from their board if they fall in. Paddle snaps and unable to paddle back to launch point	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	All equipment will need to be checked before launching into the water. Crew are trained in how to tow Paddlers if issues arise with boards. Dynamic risk assessment to be carried out on the water to monitor any issues that may arise with equipment.	Before Padders enter the water a visual check of all craft needs to be carried out
Falling from inability to stand	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major 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	Constant	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable 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.
Fog and poor visibility	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Captain to check the forecast and if in doubt go to the location to check the conditions.	Assess by Captain and Crew, check weather forecast.
Hazard from prevailing wind and weather conditions	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Major 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 in lock cut, Kayaks and those with reduced mobility should use the lower area towards the main channel.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. SUP paddlers must be seated when launching and approaching hard surface of launch/exit area.	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	Briefly	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor 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	Briefly	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Minor 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. Brief all participants not to approach Ray Mill Weir. Crew to guide paddlers on a safe line to the start area.	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 Minor incident	Although larger craft should move for paddlers 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	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Make group aware that there are over hanging branches along the riverbank - particularly in lock cut.	Make Paddlers aware of potential overhanging branch hazards.
Polution and risk of infection	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Lost Time 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	Constant	Possible 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. No more than one leash to be used per board. Paddle leashes to be avoided.	Quick-release belts are advised and assessment of the conditions/abilities of the group to determine the route. Specific pocket (river) knife to be carried by Crew on duty.
Wildlife	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable 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.

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, Spectators, 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 shore or 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 in the lock cut and at Cliveden for people to throw to the causality when a person needs assistance. Paddlers are to either have a Crew member 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 Crew (Land or Water) is in the vicinity with a throw line if on land. For the event, the Crew are to ensure that water activities under their control are safe, and paddlers are to follow the instructions of the Crew in all safety matters without question.
Emergency situation	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Ensure that the casualty and group are all called to a designated assemble/exit point. Call appropriate FHC/Coastguard/Partners/emergency services if required.	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.
Exhaustion/Fatigue	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Serious 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, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Probable chance of a Serious 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. Crew stationed in water entry/exit area.
Hypothermia / Hyperthermia	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible 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/insulated blanket and spare clothing i.e. waterproof cag, woolly hats. Make sure the AquaPaddlers are helped out of the water and taken to an appropriate assemble/exit point and call for emergency assistance if need be.
Injury from damaged equipment	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Check PSI regularly. Ensure regular equipment checks are carried out.	Daily/monthly Crew checks. All equipment checked regularly.
Manual handling leads to Sprains, Strains and Soft Tissue Injuries	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Trained to lift correctly Ask for help. Encourage paddlers 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, Crew	Constant	Possible chance of a Major incident	Possible chance of a Serious 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	Majority	Remote chance of a Major incident	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Ensure all AquaPaddlers fill in medical information form.	Teaching techniques and awareness of fall techniques and potential hazards.
Weil’s Disease	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Lost Time 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.

Event Specific hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Event Contact Point	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	There is to be an event contact point for all matters for the event. This is usually going to be the “Time Lord” who is at the Start Finish Line.	There is to be a first aid box available at this location, also this is to be the point of contact point for the First Aider, Event Safety officer and the Event Safeguarding Officer – these roles may all be one person.