Canoeing 2016 Print
Written by Martin Hervey   

As noted in the programme we will be canoeing at Barleylands on Wednesday 13th July. Here are the confirmed details for this event.

Cubs need to arrive at Barleylands, at the container near the lake, in full uniform at 6.30pm and they should bring a large (old) towel and a full change of clothes, including underwear and footwear.
Old trainers, shoes or secure beach shoes are to be worn during the session – NO Wellington boots, boots or heavy shoes allowed in the boats.
Expected finish time is 8.00pm and parents/carers are welcome to stay and watch.
Please read the attached Parents/Guardians Information sheet and complete the attached permission slip and return to us before the event.



BILLERICAY AND WICKFORD SCOUT DISTRICT

CANOEING and RAFTING

Information for Parents/Guardians and Participants 2016

CUB SCOUTS/BROWNIES

  • They may get wet, though it’s not compulsory
  • They may have the choice of open topped Canadian Canoes, or Kayaks
  • Participants learn by experience and there a small amount of instruction on the lake
  • Adult non-participants may be asked to help on safety bank-watch

 

SCOUTS AND EXPLORER SCOUTS/GUIDES

  • They will probably get wet
  • We expect all participants to do a capsize drill, subject to medical and water conditions
  • They may have the choice of open topped Canadian Canoes, or Kayaks
  • The sessions include formal instruction and games
  • Adult non-participants may be asked to help on safety bank-watch
  • Some sessions may be working towards BCU qualifications

 

GENERAL

  • Uniform should be worn to and from the session
  • A large (old) towel and a full change of clothes, including underwear and footwear,  should be brought to the session – all should be named
  • Old trainers, shoes or secure beach shoes are to be worn during the session – NO Wellington boots, boots or heavy shoes allowed in the boats.
  • Cotton clothing, especially jeans are NOT recommended as they stay cold when wet
  • Light weight cagoules (waterproofs) need to be brought (even in summer)
  • Safety talks are given to everyone at the beginning of each session, including those doing safety bank-watch
  • Life jackets or buoyancy aids, and helmets are worn at all times on and near the lake
  • We need to know who is unable to swim 50m to comply with regulations.  A non or weak swimmer will still be able to canoe.
  • The activity leader needs to know beforehand of any medical condition or behavioural problem any of the participants may have.  This is so that we can ensure the safety of the participant, not to exclude them. (We would prefer the challenge of finding a way to deal with a situation safely and inclusively, we’ve not been beaten yet.)  Please ensure that your Section Leader is up-to-date with all medical details. All medication should be brought especially inhalers for asthmatics.
  • Please ensure that all open wounds are covered with waterproof plaster
  • After canoeing, especially if they have capsized, we recommend a shower/bath

 

WEIL’S DISEASE

Also known as Leptospirosis, this disease can be caught from rat or cattle urine.  It is a very rare disease, but potentially serious if not diagnosed quickly, on average less than 20 people per year catch it from rats in the UK, and the majority of these are Farmers or Sewage Workers.  Water activity pursuits are a potential but very low risk.  If you are taken ill with flu-like symptoms after canoeing, particularly from 2-19 days following, go to your doctor quickly and tell him that you have been involved in water activities and respectfully remind him of the Leptospirosis  Reference Unit, Telephone: 01432 268161.  Also contact your Section Leader as we need to know and can give you further information.  A BCU Fact sheet should be available for you to read at all sessions, but do be aware that it is very, very rare.

This activity is available because the Scout District helps at Barleylands Steam Rally and Country Show every September.  So that we can continue to run activities at Barleylands, we need adults helping at the Show.  Please talk to your Section Leader  if you want details.

NEIL BARNES – District Scout Leader, BCU Canoeing Coach

 


To be returned to the Section Leader BEFORE the canoeing session (Section Leader to bring to Canoeing)

 

I, parent/guardian of………………………………………………………………………………………………

Confirm that I have read and understood the parent information sheet, that I will send my child with the correct clothing etc, and have advised my section leader of the following:

Medical or behavioural problems…………………………………………………………………………………

My child can/can not swim 50 metres in canoeing gear………………………………………………………….

I will let my section leader know should any medical problems occur following canoeing.

 

Signed………………………………………..                Date………………………