Canoeing (Specialised Activity)
BEFORE YOU START THE ACTIVITY Leader training and sign off: Only leaders who have
been trained and signed off by site program staff can supervise this activity.
LOCATION
Onsite camp lake.
DESCRIPTION Canoeing is great fun at Adanac CYC where canoeists can explore the 2
acre lake. The aim of this activity is for group members to learn the basics of canoeing, while
enjoying the experience of being on the water, in pairs, and participating in some fun games.
RATIOS The ratios and qualifications for this activity have been taken from the Victorian
Education Department Canoeing guidelines and the AAS. The supervision strategy will vary
depending on the venue type, relevant conditions, as well as the group completing the
activity. School groups will need to comply with the Education Department ratios.
AGE SUITABILITY Grade 3 and above.
ACTIVITY STAFFING -
Canoe guidelines
Venue type Staff required Student numbers Organisation
Inland; flat water 2 Up to 12 Vic education
department
3 13-18
4 19-24
Inland: flatwater 1 12 AAS- VICTORIA
(double canoes)
LEADER REQUIRED EXPERIENCE- The activity leader should be able to teach basic
swimming strokes and be aware of relevant factors outlined in the activity safety guideline.
The staff member should be qualified in life-saving. St johns first aid, austswim, or bronze
medallion would satisfy.
ASSISTANT REQUIRED EXPERIENCE- Assistant needs no previous experience, although
qualification in life saving is preferred.
PARTICIPANT REQUIRED EXPERIENCE – No experience needed although participants
should be able to swim 50m in a bouncy vest at minimum.
ACTIVITY PROCEDURE
Gather the group into a central location and complete a group safety briefing (refer below)
FOCUS: The focus for this lesson is to encourage and support each other, develop skills in
regard to canoeing and to be able to develop teamwork with one another.
Activity Instructions:
1. Ensure all life rings and throw bags are in place
2. Explain all the rules and safety procedures associated with canoeing
3. Allow time to check all students participating that their PFD’s and helmets are on
properly
4. Remember to provide encouragement and support for the students when out on the
water.
5. Once ready campsite staff will give instructions on the activity. They will decide when
students are ready to enter the water.
Activity safety:
1. Students must have a correctly fitted PFD and Helmet
2. Explain and demonstrate the correct techniques
3. Students must always be seated when on the water
4. Paddles should not be used to push away other boats.
5. Avoid deliberate heavy collisions
6. All boats should be in clear view of the instructor.
Open Water Capsize: In the event of a capsize students are instructed to upright and climb
back into their canoe. Retrieve paddles if you can without leaving the boat. The students will
then be assisted by campsite staff for further instructions.
Lost Paddles: Students are instructed to let lost equipment such as paddles go if you
cannot get them without letting go of the boat. Again, they are instructed not to swim away
from your boat to recover a lost paddle.
Activity Pack up: All equipment is to be packed up ready to use for the next group.
Campsite staff will direct the students for this process.
Risk management plan - canoeing
