Re: [Paddlewise] briefing guide

From: Doug Lloyd <dlloyd_at_bc.sympatico.ca>
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 21:40:45 -0800
Nick wrote:
<snip>
>We are going to put 'useful info' on the back. We have a list of ideas (eg
weather >forecast ph. numbers). But if you were a trip leader what would
you like to see on >this back side? Anything you think you might need to
jog your memory about tides, >navigation, weather or whatever, or something
you might need to know in an emergency, >or any last minute bit of info you
might need to get/call for.

I came up with a _Leader Check List_ a couple of years ago for our club. It
was developed for day trips in local Canadian waters. It may be redundant
to what you have or has been suggested on PW since your post, but I'll add
my list just the same and you can take from it what you like:

Important
No boats in water prior to group talk
Safety talk with group must be done at launch site
Leader should pre-qualify requirements prior to arrival
Check list overlaps for marine and inland waters

Boat
Secure buoyancy, fore/aft (sealed hatches or float bags)?
Sound hull, deck, and sprayskirt?
Self-rescue aides?
Bailer or bilge pump?
Spare paddle, accessible on deck?
Towline/throwbag?

Paddler
Canadian approved lifejacket/pfd of appropriate size/fit?
Immersion suit, or clothing suitable for conditions?
Rain gear, warm change of cloths in waterproof bag?
Head gear (helmet, hat for cold/rain/sun)?
Pogies or paddling gloves?
personal gear, eye glass retainers?

Basic Equipment
Distress signals (flares, watertight light, signal mirror)?
Sound signaling device (if visibility restricted), whistle?
Survival kit (knife, matches, first aid, etc.)?
Fresh water/drink and snack/emergency rations?

Basic Safety
Have you determined everyone can perform a wet exit?
Do you know everyone's name/experience level?
Have you done a head/boat count?
Have you assigned experienced paddlers to novices where needed?
Have you appointed leads and sweeps?
Have you clearly communicated routes, rendezvous, eddy-out instructions?
Do you know water conditions, weather forecasts, tide/currents?
Do you have a method for rewarming a hypothermia victim?
Are there any medical conditions/injury restrictions?
Have you solicited any remaining questions?
Do you know the canadian Coast Guard's minimum standards for group travel?  
 
Additionally, we also came up with a Float Plan. The text below looks odd,
as it is lifted from an official form:

Important
Completion of the form is an essential responsibility
Give a copy to a responsible individual, retain copy for vehicle
Ex[lian extenuating circumstances/delays to above individual
Float plan alterations should be relayed to above individual
Call the Rescue Coordination Centre at 1-800-567-5111 or cellular *311 if
overdue

Paddler Information
Is this a solo trip? If no, provide details on back (names, kayaks/gear)
Level of experience   _Novice   _Intermediate  _Advanced
Name of paddler (family name)       Given names      Telephone number    Wk
   Hm
Health Insurance Number        Gender    _Male    _Female   Date of Birth
Residential address of paddler
Contact name in case of emergency          Telephone number    Wk    Hm
Is the above contact your next of kin?   _Yes   _No   (If NO, provide
name/phone)
Does the above contact have your float plan?  _Yes _No(If NO, provide
name?phone)

Destination Details
Launch site details:
Exact location    Will you be returning to launch site? If No, provide details
Your vehicle description   Make/Model   Colour   License Plate Number
Trip Commencement date    Intended launch time    Intended return date
Brief description of trip (route, layovers/overnight camping areas if
known, alternative plans)

Equipment details
Type of canoe or kayak  Make/model/colour   Registration number
Special gear/safety equipment (flares, etc)
Communication equipment     Call numbers    Time of day for radio check
Immersion gear    colour of PFD   colour of clothing
Food/water supply (maximum number of days you can sustain yourself)
Are you carrying shelter?      Are you carrying an emergency locator
transmitter?

Hope some of this is useful. BTW, my 6 year old daughter asked on Boxing
Day if all the candy she was eating was causing her to be hyper. I said
yes. She said did that mean she would get hyperthermia  :-)

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd


    

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Received on Mon Dec 27 1999 - 22:29:26 PST

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