safety rules, regulations & procedures

1.0 Introduction

This manual should be read by all members. It should also be used by the Coaches and Steerspersons as a guide to train members of the Haliburton Highlands Paddlers (HHP) about dragon boat safety.

Safety is our top priority. Adhering to safety protocols will help ensure all members paddle/coach/steer in a rewarding and secure environment.

2.0 Member Personal Safety

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

A CSA-approved PFD must be properly worn at all times while on the dock and in the dragon boat. There are no exceptions to this rule.

To ensure your safety, select a PFD that fits your body size and type. A Type III lifejacket is recommended (usually specified on the inside back of the vest). If you are unsure about the PDF type and size that is right for you, please check with your Coach or ask for assistance at a shop that sells quality watersports equipment.

Do not sit or rest on PFDs. The added compression will decrease the PFD’s buoyancy

Member Responsibilities

Crew members should be able to swim and be comfortable in water. If you cannot swim or are uncomfortable in water, you must alert the Coach.
Each crew member is responsible for his or her own safety while engaging in activities related to practices and races.
If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to paddle, notify the Coach at the beginning of the season so that accommodations can be made.
Any injuries occurring at a practice or race must be reported immediately to the Steersperson or Coach.
When you are in the boat, make sure you can hear and follow – at all times – the instructions of the Steersperson and Coach (whoever has command of the boat).
Wear appropriate clothing: closed-toe shoes, clothing that dries quickly (avoid cotton), and layers that can be shed according to the weather.
Carry a water bottle for proper hydration (pick a durable bottle with a secure lid).
Dragon Boat paddling requires good upper body and arm mobility. Take a few minutes to stretch and warm up before paddling to avoid injury. Paddlers typically begin a group warm-up 20 minutes before the start of practice (i.e., at 6:40 a.m. for a 7 a.m. practice).
Use care getting in and out of the boat. Offer assistance to the person who gets into the boat before you. And offer assistance to the person who gets out of the boat after you.
Do not step on the seats as you get into or out of the boat.
The HPP’s “Safety, Rules and Regulations” must be observed at all times during practices and, where applicable, during races.

Water Traffic

To ensure our safety, we give the right-of-way to all motorized and non-motorized vessels, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, sailboats, fishing boats, power boats, personal watercraft, etc.

It is the responsibility of the Steersperson to be aware of all water traffic and the hazards posed by their wakes.

3.0 Role of Coach and Steersperson

Chain of Command

The Steersperson and Coach are in control of the dragon boat and are in the best position to make decisions and give direction involving safety. Together they:

Ensure the safety of the crew during practices and races by following established safety protocols.
Ensure the crew does not jeopardize the safety of other vessels during practices and races.
Teach the crew that everyone shares responsibility for safety.
Determine whether the boat and crew remain on the water, return to dock, or head for calmer water when the weather changes.

Command of the boat is, ultimately, the responsibility of the Steersperson. This is because they are steering the boat and need to avoid potential hazards (rocks, other boats, large waves, docks, swimmers, etc.).

The Steersperson will maintain control of the boat as it leaves and approaches the dock; however, they will turn over control to the Coach once the boat is in open water and clear of hazards. Keep in mind that the Steersperson may need to resume control at any moment to steer clear of emerging hazards. For this reason, any commands given by the Steersperson automatically override those of the Coach.

Weather, Wave and Wind Patterns

Prior to each outing, the Steersperson and Coach will check the local weather forecast. If there are any weather-related concerns (i.e., strong winds, high waves or lightning), the practice will be cancelled. Both the Steersperson and Coach have the authority – independent of the other – to cancel a practice due to weather and/or other considerations, such as:

The experience/skill/confidence level of the Steersperson or Coach,
The experience/skill/confidence level of Paddlers,
The number of Paddlers (there must be at least 8 Paddlers in the boat for a practice), and
The boat’s freeboard (the distance between the gunwale and the water), as affected by the crew’s combined weight.

When considering weather conditions, the Steersperson and Coach need to keep in mind that:

Direct side waves can potentially swamp/sink the boat. As water goes over the side/gunwale, that side of the boat may begin to sink, letting in even more water. The Steersperson should be familiar with how to compensate for wind and waves. It’s best to orientate the dragon boat so that it is running with or directly into the waves. This way the waves are not hitting the sides of the boat.
Head winds are less likely to sink the boat, but can make it difficult to return to the dock or reach safety, particularly with a novice crew. If you encounter strong headwinds, do not panic or force the crew to paddle faster. Remain calm and encourage the crew with a strong, steady paddle.
Some Paddlers may panic and/or stop paddling if the boat becomes unstable. This will cause even more instability. Encourage Paddlers to continue paddling to minimize the chance of swamping or capsizing.

When severe weather is approaching, get off the water immediately!

Various “safe landing docks” have been identified for use in the event of an emergency. These sites and their 911 emergency numbers are noted on a map. The Steersperson and Coach should be familiar with this map and the map must be carried in the boat.

4.0 Procedures:

Loading and Unloading (Coach to coordinate and execute)

The Coach will:

Roster the crew on shore – placing them in the order in which they will sit in the boat.
Keep in mind the size, weight, strength, experience and skill of individual Paddlers when determining their position in the boat.
Have Paddlers walk down to the shoreline, maintaining the correct seating order.
Ensure the dragon boat is tethered at both the bow and stern prior to loading/unloading.
Oversee loading/unloading of the boat – one row at a time (usually from the back of the boat to the front).

Keep in mind that the dock has limited floatation. To avoid sinking the dock, no more than three people should be standing on the dock at one time. (the Coach and the two crew members getting in/out of the boat).

Checking Boat Balance (Coach and Steersperson to coordinate and execute)

After all Paddlers have boarded the boat, the mooring ropes will be untied.
The Steersperson will ask Paddlers to push away from the dock. Paddlers should use their hands to push off from the dock, not the blade of their paddle.
Let the dragon boat come to rest in the water. Ensure everyone is sitting up straight and tight to the gunwale.
The Coach and Steersperson will check the boat for balance.
The Coach (in consultation with the Steersperson) will have Paddlers change positions as required to balance the boat. (See “Seat Changes” below)
Once the dragon boat is balanced, the Steersperson will guide the boat to open water before turning over command to the Coach.

Seat Changes (Coach and Steersperson to coordinate and execute)

The Coach and the Steersperson will try to balance the boat prior to boarding but may need to adjust the seating arrangement to fine-tune the balance after the boat has departed the dock.

If Paddlers need to change seats, the Steersperson will ask Paddlers to “hold” (stop) the dragon boat.
Once the boat is stopped, Paddlers will be asked to “feather the boat”. This helps keeps the dragon boat stable (less tippy). Continue to “feather the boat” until the Steersperson instructs Paddlers to stop.
The Coach will instruct one Paddler at a time to change their position within the dragon boat until the boat is balanced.
Once all necessary seat changes have been made, the Steersperson will instruct Paddlers to “let it ride” (stop feathering the water) and hand command of the boat back to the Coach to continue the practice.

5.0 Rescue Procedures:

Buddy System

We use a “Buddy System”. Always know who is sitting beside you.
In the event of an incident (i.e., collision or capsizing), you are responsible for ensuring that your seat mate is accounted for and assessing whether they are injured.
Paddlers in the front row of the boat are also responsible for the Coach. Paddlers in the back row of the boat are also responsible for the Steersperson.
In the event the boat capsizes, the Steersperson and Coach will buddy up after everyone is accounted for, to decide upon the best plan going forward.

Swamped or Capsized Dragon Boat

Once a dragon boat begins to capsize, it is very difficult to stop it. If you are on the higher side of the boat when it begins to go over, try to jump clear of your seat partner to avoid injuries.
If you come up under the boat, it will be dark; however, there should be an air pocket that allows you to catch your breath and get your bearings. Feel your way to the side of the boat and then surface on the outside.
All individuals must stay with the dragon boat. Hold onto the gunwales to ensure you remain with the dragon boat.
The “Buddy System” will be utilized – all Paddlers should ensure their seat partner is present and assess them for injuries.
The Steersperson will conduct a roll call of the Paddlers (based on their row numbers) to ensure that everyone is accounted for.
If a member is missing, “Find and Rescue” procedures will be activated (see “Find and Rescue” below).
The Coach will assess whether anyone is injured or requires immediate assistance.
Once all Paddlers are accounted for, stay calm and stay with the boat. The Coach and/or Steersperson will use their whistle to attract attention from individuals on shore or in other vessels. A dragon boat in distress is easily recognizable.
If needed, a 911 call will be made. The Steersperson (or Coach) will notify 911 if any person(s) is (are) missing or require immediate assistance.
Those in need of assistance should be helped first to any boat rendering assistance.
Remove all Paddlers from the water as soon as possible.
Shuttle groups to the nearest shore or to the dock (depending on the distance and weather conditions).
Tow the dragon boat (right side up) to the dock. Any crew member who is able should help assist in removing water from the dragon boat.

Find and Rescue (In the event of a missing crew member)

If a crew member is missing:

Each Paddler should check in their immediate vicinity for the missing person – without leaving the dragon boat.
Each Paddler should feel under the boat, within their immediate proximity, to see if the missing paddler is under the boat.
If necessary, one individual will be assigned to check under the boat to ensure the missing person is not trapped. This one individual will be assigned by the Steersperson (or Coach if the Steersperson is missing or incapacitated).

Swimming to Shore (in the event of a capsized or swamped dragon boat)

This option can be exercised only if the dragon boat is located 50 metres or less from shore.
Once the entire team is accounted for, the Steersperson and Coach will poll the crew to determine if everyone is comfortable swimming to shore.
If any member of the crew is uncomfortable swimming to shore, the entire crew must remain together with the dragon boat. If the decision is to swim to shore, a head count is required once shore is reached to ensure the entire crew is accounted for.

6.0 Mandatory On-Board Equipment

The dragon boat must contain the following equipment at all times during a practice or race:

One (1) bailer located underneath the last row.
Two (2) whistles: one attached to the Steersperson’s lifejacket; one attached to the Coach’s lifejacket.
A dry sack containing: a first aid kit and a map showing the location and 911 numbers of “safe landing docks”.
Two (2) cell phones, each in a waterproof pouch: one with the Steersperson, one with the Coach.

On shore, the Coach should have access to a binder with the emergency contact and medical information of all participants.

7.0 Reference Material

Dragon Boat Canada (www.dragonboat.ca)
Canadian Coast Guard (http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca)