This Course is for The Belleville Trekkers. We are doing a Basic Canoeing Level 3 course on Mississagagon lake.
Risk Management Plan
Event: ORCKA Basic Level 3 Course
Date: June 8-9
Location: 1011 Lancaster Lane, North Frontenac, Ontario
Closest Hospital: Lennox & Addington County General Hospital, 8 Richmond Park Dr, Napanee, ON K7R 2Z4
1. Participant Agreements:
- All participants must sign the following documents:
- ORCKA Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Indemnity Agreement
- ORCKA Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk Agreement
2. Emergency Response Procedures:
- Evacuation Plans:
- In case of a medical emergency, evacuate the participant to the nearest access point for transportation to Lennox & Addington County General Hospital.
- Have a designated vehicle ready for emergency transportation.
- Search and Rescue Protocols:
- If a participant is missing, conduct an immediate search of the last known location and surrounding areas.
- Notify local authorities and follow SAR instructions as per wilderness first-aid accreditation.
- Documentation:
- Record all incidents and actions taken during emergencies in an incident log.
- Ensure all participant emergency contact information is readily available.
- Remote Communications:
- Carry a satellite phone or radio for areas without cell coverage.
- Ensure all staff know how to use communication devices.
- Missing Person Protocol:
- Conduct a headcount at regular intervals.
- If someone is missing, implement search and rescue protocols immediately.
- First Aid Kit and Manual:
- Carry a comprehensive first aid kit that meets wilderness first-aid standards.
- Include a first aid manual in the kit for reference.
3. Supervision Ratios:
- Instructor to Participant Ratios:
- Maintain an appropriate ratio as per the ORCKA guidelines for the Basic Level 3 course.
- Trip Leader to Participant Ratios:
- Maintain a ratio of 1:8 for trip leaders to participants.
- Lifesaver to Participant Ratios:
- Adjust lifesaver ratios depending on the group’s needs and the programming conducted.
4. Safety Protocols:
- Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs):
- Ensure all participants wear approved PFDs at all times during on-water activities.
- Helmets:
- Require participants to wear helmets during activities where there is a risk of head injury.
- Trip Plans:
- Develop detailed trip plans outlining routes, schedules, and contingency plans.
- Share trip plans with all participants and emergency contacts.
5. Registration Documents:
- Ensure all participants complete and submit necessary registration documents prior to the course start.
6. Preparation and Briefing:
- Conduct a safety briefing before the start of the course, covering:
- Emergency procedures
- Equipment use
- Expected behavior
- Risks involved
- Communication protocols
**7. Equipment Checks:
- Pre-Trip Equipment Checks:
- Inspect all equipment (canoes, paddles, PFDs, helmets, first aid kits) before the course begins.
- Ensure all equipment is in good working condition and suitable for the course.
- Ongoing Equipment Checks:
- Perform regular checks on equipment during the course to ensure continued safety and functionality.
8. Environmental Considerations:
- Weather Monitoring:
- Continuously monitor weather conditions and be prepared to adjust plans in case of severe weather.
- Environmental Hazards:
- Identify and brief participants on potential environmental hazards (wildlife, water conditions, etc.).
9. Roles and Responsibilities:
- Instructors:
- Lead the course, provide instruction, and ensure participant safety.
- Trip Leaders:
- Assist with leading groups, monitoring safety, and providing support as needed.
- Participants:
- Follow instructions, adhere to safety protocols, and communicate any concerns to the instructors or trip leaders.
10. Incident Response:
- Minor Incidents:
- Address minor injuries or issues with on-site first aid and document the incident.
- Major Incidents:
- Follow emergency response procedures, evacuate if necessary, and seek professional medical assistance immediately.
11. Review and Debrief:
- Post-Trip Review:
- Conduct a debrief with all staff and participants to review the course, discuss any incidents, and gather feedback for future improvement.
- Incident Review:
- Analyze any incidents that occurred, review the response, and make adjustments to protocols as necessary.
Signature:
Andrew Twigg
Owner & Operator, Cruising Canoes
