7.2 Prior to entering the water

Canoeing covers a wide and diverse range of disciplines including sea kayaking, white water kayaking, surf kayaking, polo, slalom, marathon, sprint, freestyle and touring.

providers is available on the Canoeing Ireland website at www.canoe.ie. (see Appendix 9 for details of course providers).

7.2 Prior to entering the water

A canoe is a lightweight narrow boat, typically pointed at both ends and open on top, propelled by one or more seated or kneeling paddlers facing the direction of travel using a single-bladed paddle.

▪Ensure you are a competent

swimmer and capable of surviving in the water in the areas you operate in.

▪Undertake a First Aid Course and

a life-saving course.

A kayak is a small, narrow boat which is propelled by means of a doublebladed paddle.

▪Never operate alone, always canoe

in company.

▪Do not operate a canoe if under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In this Code of Practice, the term canoe when used also refers to a kayak.

▪Inspect your craft and equipment

thoroughly. Check it is fitted with adequate buoyancy material and that such buoyancy is correctly distributed and secured within the hull.

There are a number of basic safety precautions that should be applied to any canoeing activity, regardless of its speciality.

▪Ensure that the bung is fitted

correctly.

7.1 Training

▪Do not use the canoe unless you

Before taking to the water, undertake a recognised training course in the correct use of the specific type of canoe you wish to use. Be completely familiar with relevant rescue/recovery drills, self-righting techniques, e.g. Eskimo roll, etc. Practice such drills with fellow members of your group. Canoeing Ireland have a comprehensive training and accreditation scheme, which covers river, sea kayaking, open canoes and stand-up paddle boarding on inland waterways. Information regarding training courses and registered training

are certain it is watertight. Boats with temporary repairs should not be used.

▪If carrying additional equipment,

ensure that the canoe is never overloaded.

▪Use a spray deck, with quick

release where relevant, and be completely familiar with its use.

▪When using a spray deck, ensure

that the grab loop is in good condition and is within reach.

▪Always ensure that your name/

contact address are permanently

marked on the hull. The addition of strips of retro-reflective tape to the hull is recommended.

▪Ensure that you have a

dependable means of communication. A mobile phone should not be relied on as the primary method of contacting the emergency services. Marine VHF radio equipment is the recommended method of communication. Where mobile phone use is proposed, the phone should at all times be fully charged and the signal strength and charge indicator should be regularly checked while the vessel is underway. If carrying a mobile phone or Marine VHF radio, they should be in a suitable watertight cover.

▪Check the hull is fitted with grab

loops/towing lines. Kayaks over 270 cm in length should have decklines fitted fore and aft.

▪Ensure that a responsible person is

aware of your intended departure, locations and return details.

▪Assess and study potential courses

for hidden dangers, hazards, currents, etc., prior to putting craft into the water.