Canoeing Risk Management Overview

Details: Category: Policies; Published: 01 November 2011; Created: 28 October 2011; Last Updated: 18 May 2022; Hits: 26553

MVB Canoeing Risk Management Overview

Note that all canoeing events are vetted by the events coordinator for safety and risk evaluation who may consult with the committee of the club before an event is approved. Canoeing leaders are expected to follow the procedural analysis for risk assessment with every canoeing event that is programmed.

Risk Management is a four step process.

Step 1: Identify hazards

Step 2: Assess risks

Step 3: Control risks

Step 4: Review

Hazard	Risk	Likelihood	Consequence	Risk Rating	Risk Controls
Hypothermia from immersion	Injury or Death	Unlikely for a midsummer paddle in the Murray River or Lake Hume. Moderate in spring and autumn High in winter or in cold wet conditions	High	Low	Canoe leader to avoid paddles in cold wet conditions and take steps to minimise immersion duration in cold to very cold water (below 18 degrees) Research the canoeing route in terms of emergency exit routes & safe places Dont program events in winter and/or consider cancellation of the event in these conditions

Extreme heat	Dehydration / Heat Stroke	Moderate in Summer	Medium Critical	Medium High	Clothing checklist for sun protection Club provides health / safety emergency-response training/education Gear checklist includes capacity to carry adequate amounts of water Leader (remote and extended paddles) must make every attempt to confirm water availability and inform party members if special measures required e.g. carry extra water.
Snake Bite	Injury Death	Unlikely Unlikely	Medium Critical	Low Low	Gear checklist includes snake bite bandage, mobile phone, emergency beacon Club provides health / safety emergency response training /education Club provides first aid training for leaders
Dehydration	Immobility	Unlikely in evening paddles on Murray River Moderate in long day paddles or multi day overnight trips	Low Medium	Medium	Leader to make effort to ensure water availability and advise participants accordingly as to how much water to carry Provision of training/education to advise of the risks of dehydration and strategies to avoid it
Trapped underwater	Drowning	Unlikely in evening paddles on Murray River Unlikely in long day paddles or multi day overnight trips			Events have a grading system so participants are aware of what the event will entail Leaders to advise potential participants of the river conditions and the nature of the activity Leaders must be satisified that the participants have the appropriate skills and abilities Leaders must ensure that PFD appropriate equipment is worn and fitted correctly Leaders must ensure participants are briefed with the MVB canoeing safety procedures prior to entering water
Capsized boat	Injury and/or loss of personal belongings	Unlikely in evening paddles on Murray River Medium in anabranches and creeks with fast flowing sections	Medium	Low	Leaders must warn participants of the danger Leaders must be satisified that the participants have the appropriate skills and abilities Leaders must ensure participants are briefed with the MVB capsized canoe recovery procedures prior to entering water Gear checklist includes throw rope for recovery of participants if necessary
Flooded rivers	Drowning	Likely in some areas	Crtitical	Low	If an event involves paddling in flooded river conditions leaders must determine flow rates and levels and either cancel the event in unsafe conditions or plan an alternative activity
Electrical storms	Lightning strike or tree fall	Likely in some areas	Critical	Low	Club provides health / safety emergency response training / education
Property damage	Leaving gates open	Likely in some areas	Medium	Low	Club protocols about private property, gates, animals, vehicles, control of children etc
Vehicle accident	Accident, injury , death	Likely in some conditions	Critical	Low	Leaders must implement club protocols on driving distances, sharing driving, finish time of walks, driving in unsealed, mud and/or snow conditions - overnight stays if appropriate