Downloads
Paddle Sports Guidelines – This booklet contains essential safety guidelines for kayaking, caoneing and sit on tops.
Safety Information for Advanced Elements Inflatables:
SAFETY WARNING
Paddle sports can be very dangerous and physically demanding. The user of this product should understand that participation in paddle sports may involve serious injury or death. Observe the following safety standards whenever using this product. The user of this product acknowledges both an understanding and an assumption of the risk involved in paddle sports.
After you have inflated your kayak and before you put it in the water, inspect your equipment for obvious signs of wear or failure. Review local rules and regulations and read again the “CAUTION” statement.
Your kayak is designed to be paddled with a double bladed kayak paddle. Paddle with short and even strokes. Keep the blade close to the kayak and the paddle almost vertical. Pull with your lower hand and push with your upper hand. To reduce the amount of swaying at the front of the kayak, ease off on the force of your stroke. Paddling with a backward stroke can sometimes offer quick maneuverability.
Always practice safety and take the time to learn about the area where you are paddling. Get official information about the local tides and currents before paddling there. Be careful that you do not over estimate your strength, your endurance or your skill. Be careful never to under estimate weather conditions. Be aware of the dangers before you begin. Be aware of your skill level. Be sure you understand and accept the risk of these dangers. There are many paddling clubs all over the world. These can be a great source of information on places to paddle, people to paddle with and most importantly, continued safety practices.
Water Safety information taken from WaterSafety.ie
14 Steps To Safe Boating
Boating can come in several different forms. From passenger boats to commercial fishing trawlers, barges to tugboats and everything else in between, boats are an important part of everyday life. As is the case with all water based activities, there can be risks involved. We have all the advice you need to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
1. Check condition of boat and equipment, hull, engine, fuel, tools, torch.
Scrúdaigh an bád agus an trealamh, cabhail, inneall, breosla, uirlisí, lampa.
2. Check the weather forecast for the area.
Éist le tuar na haimsire don cheantar.
3. Check locally concerning dangerous currents, strong tides.
Aon sruthanna láidre nó farraigí móra thart anseo?” Cuir tuairisc faoi shruthanna láidre, farraigí móra nó eile.
4. Do not drink alcohol while setting out or during your trip
Na hól aon deoch mheisciúil roimhe nó le linn do thurais
5. Carry an alternative means of propulsion e.g. sails and oars or motor and oars
Bíodh an dara bealach gabhála agat, e.g. seolta agus maidí rámha, nó inneall agus maidí rámha.
6. Carry a first aid kit on board and distress signals (at least two parachute distress rockets, two red hand flares)
Bíodh bosca garchabhrach agus lasracha cruacháis (dhá roicéad cruacháis paraisiút agus dhá lasair láimhe dhearg, ar a laghad) ar bord.
7. Carry a fire extinguisher, a hand bailer or bucket with lanyard and an anchor with rope attached.
Bíodh múchtóir tine, soitheach taoscaigh nó buicéad le láinnéar, agus ancaire ar rópa agat.
8. Carry marine radio or some means of communication with shore.
Bíodh raidió mara nó bealach éigin teangmhála leis an talamh agat.
9. Do not overload the boat – this will make it unstable.
Ná bíodh iomarca meáchain ar bord nó má bhíonn beidh an bád corrach.
10. Do not set out unless accompanied by an experienced person.
Ná gabh chun farraige gan duine eolasach a bheith in do theannta
11. Leave details of your planned trip with someone ashore – including departure and arrival times, description of boat, names of persons on board, etc.
Inis do dhuine éigin ar talamh cá bhfuil do thriall – am fágála agus filleadh, an cineál báid, ainmneacha na ndaoine ar bord, agus mar sin de.
12. Wear a lifejacket at all times
Caith seaicéad sábhála an t-am ar fad.
13. Keep an eye on the weather – seek shelter in good time.
Coinnigh súil ar an aimsir – téigh ar foscadh in am.
14. In Marine Emergencies, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coast guard.
Coinnigh súil ar an aimsir – téigh ar foscadh in am.
Kayaks, Canoes etc.
No matter what you are doing in, on or around water you can take some really simple actions to enhance your safety. This is true of kayaks, canoes and sit on tops too.
Take the right preventative actions before you take your position on the water. Doing so will ensure your welfare as well as those in your company.
When it comes to sourcing equipment, remember – lots of activity providers not only rent equipment, they also provide instructions on how to use it safely. Pay attention to these instructions, especially if you have never used the equipment before.
ALWAYS:
Get suitable training on how to use all of your equipment
Check the weather and tides before you depart; be aware of wind strength, especially offshore winds
Wear a suitable personal flotation device (buoyancy aid)
Wear suitable clothing for the conditions and take a drink and snack with you
Paddle in a group where possible and tell someone back on land where you are going, how long you intend to be out for and advise the local coastguard of your planned journey
Carry suitable means of calling for help (VHF radio or flares)
Keep your kayak and equipment well maintained and ready for the water. Make sure hatches and drainplugs are secure and watertight, the paddle is in good condition, the seat firmly attached and all gear secured safely
Learn and practise techniques to get back on board your kayak if you should capsize
Ensure you are a confident swimmer who can swim a minimum of 50m in the sea.