Outdoor Education (Canoe Tripping)

• Appropriate canoe tripping packs must be available.
• A means of hydration (for example, direct access to potable water, water filter(s), water purifier(s), chemical purification treatment) must be available, accessible, and appropriate for the activity, location, and duration of the trip.
• For emergency purposes, trips must not rely solely on campfires. A camp stove must be available, accessible, and appropriate for the activity, location, and duration of the trip.
• Waterproof matches in a waterproof container must be available.
• A set of maps for the canoe trip location including marked access and potential evacuation locations must be available. A GPS unit may be used as an additional navigational tool but must not be used in place of print maps. An identical map set must also be available to the Principal/Designate and the local emergency contact (for example, park official, area police station).
• Students must wear a correctly fitting, properly secured/fastened and Canadian approved personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket, with whistle/signaling device attached, at all times near the water, where the depth of the water poses a risk, in and on the water.
• Teachers and all individuals who assist with the watercraft activity (for example, Qualified Instructors, Trip Guides) are required to wear a correctly fitting, properly secured/fastened and Canadian approved PFD or lifejacket, with whistle/signaling device attached, at all times near the water, where the depth of the water poses a risk, in and on the water.

• Comply with the Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements as specified in the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide.
• There must be two paddles per canoe, with spare paddles taken along in case of broken or lost paddles.
• Paddles and canoes must be checked for cracks, splinters, and leaks.
• A repair kit must be available.
• The loading of a canoe with people and/or gear must not exceed the manufacturer’s load capacity rating.

• A safety craft is a designated craft that is rescue-capable taking into consideration necessary factors (for example, distance from shore, weather, water, wind conditions).
• A safety craft must be assigned. The assigned safety craft must be the first craft in the water with occupants aboard and the last craft out of the water. The assigned safety craft can be changed at any point throughout the excursion.

• Students must be provided with a clothing and equipment list prior to the activity.

• A process must be established to check student clothing and equipment prior to the trip.

• Determine that all necessary clothing and footwear are included prior to departing on the excursion.

• Clothing (in layers where appropriate) and footwear (that is, closed-toed shoes that provide traction when on land) appropriate for the activity, location and environmental conditions must be worn.

• Dry change of clothing kept in a watertight bag/container.

• Rain gear is encouraged.

• Articles (for example, jewellery and clothing) that could become tangled, caught or cause injury or restrict the student in the event of an emergency must not be worn.

• Only established canoe trip routes must be used.

• The Trip Guide must be familiar with the route (for example, length of route, terrain).

• Check with local authorities for current information regarding route safety.

• The canoe route and water conditions must be appropriate to age/skill level of students.

• Appropriate environmental and sanitary practices (for example, washroom routines) must be taught.

• The Trip Guide and Teacher must:

  • be aware of and respond to changing weather and water conditions prior to and during the trip; and

  • cancel, postpone or alter the excursion if conditions put students’ safety at an elevated level of risk (for example, wind, temperature, lightning storms, fog).

• If hazardous weather suddenly approaches, leave the water immediately.

• Daylight canoeing only except under emergency situations.

• Navigation lights (for example, waterproof flashlight) are required if operating at night or in restricted visibility.

• Teachers must be aware of Students whose medical condition (for example, asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, epilepsy) may affect participation. Consult Medical Conditions.
• Teachers must be aware of Students participating with orthopedic device(s) and/or assistive devices and establish safety rules and procedures to ensure Students can participate safely in activities.
• Teachers are required to inform all individuals who assist with the activity (for example Qualified Instructors, Aquatic Instructors, Lifeguards, Volunteers) of Students who have needs, orthopedic, assistive devices, and/or medical conditions that may influence participation.

• Refer to school board policies and procedures (i.e., transportation, excursion/field trip) for parent/guardian communication and permission (for example, the location of an off-site activity, description of the activity and physical environment, means of transportation, inherent risks of the activity, supervision).
• Parents/ guardians must be informed that all students must wear a correctly fitting, properly secured/fastened and Canadian approved personal flotation device (P.F.D.) or lifejacket, with whistle/ signaling device attached, at all times near the water (where the depth of the water poses a risk), in and on the water.

• Teachers and all individuals who assist the Teacher with the activity must be aware of the possibility of pressuring Students. Students must be informed not to coerce a reluctant student into participating in any component of the activity with which they display or vocalize reluctance.
• When a student displays or vocalizes reluctance about participation, at any time, before or during any component of the activity, they must be provided with alternative ways to participate in the activity (for example, permit Students to select a role within the activity, remain at or return to a different component of the activity, break down new experiences/ components into smaller steps, be introduced to a new component with which they are comfortable).

• Prior to participation all Teachers and all individuals who assist with the watercraft activity (e.g. Qualified Instructors/ Trip Guides) must be aware of all Students' swimming ability, comfort and experience in water, and the water environment in which the activity takes place (for example, lakes, ponds, rivers) (Refer to Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form).
• Teachers and all individuals who assist with the watercraft activity (e.g. Qualified Instructors/Trip Guides) must be aware of Students who have none or limited swim ability/experience in the environment the activity takes place (Refer to Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form) and /or display or express hesitancy in the watercraft. The Teacher/Qualified Instructor must include additional program modifications (for example, consider the placement of Students based on their experience and comfort level, placing student with or near the Teacher/Qualified Instructor/Steersperson, and/ or outfitting the student in a PFD or lifejacket with increased buoyancy).

• Prior to the activity, the Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed (Refer to Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form).
• The Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed within the school year in which the activity is taking place.
• Results of the Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be documented and communicated as per school board policy (for example, to the student, Teacher, Principal, Parents/Guardians, Trip Guide(s), Volunteers, Lifeguards, and Outside Provider [as applicable]).
• The Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed and submitted, or the student must not participate in the activity.

• Skills for the safe maneuvering of a canoe must be taught in proper progression.
• Canoe training, practice of skills, and demonstration of proficiency must occur in a pool, shallow water, or sheltered bay.
• Before setting out on a trip, skill knowledge and demonstration of proficiency must occur either, prior to the day of the trip or on the day of a trip, as follows:
  • Use and fit of personal protective equipment (for example, P.F.D.)
  • Lift, transport and lower the canoe (for short or great distances depending on the trip requirements
  • Launch and remove the canoe to and from the water
  • Enter and exit the canoe
  • Position themselves (as well as gear when necessary) in the canoe
  • Position and secure gear in the canoe
  • Hold and use a paddle
  • Be part of a rescue, and assist others, in the case of an overturned canoe
  • Propel the canoe in a desired line forward and in reverse
  • Bring the canoe to a controlled stop
  • Turn the canoe in either direction
  • Displace the canoe sideward in both directions
  • Safely land the canoe (shore and/or dock)

• All Teachers/Qualified Instructors must be knowledgeable of the established safety rules and emergency procedures (for example, capsize/swamp procedures).
• Prior to participation, Students must be familiar with safety rules and emergency procedures specific to the watercraft activity in which they will participate (for example, PFD/lifejacket requirements, buddy responsibilities, capsize/ swamp procedures, staying with the boat to use it as a life raft).
• After initial instruction, Students must demonstrate the ability to select a PFD/lifejacket that fits correctly and to properly secure/fasten it.
• Students must be informed of the location of available safety equipment and how to use it.
• Before the start of each session, a Teacher/Qualified Instructor/Trip Guide must inform appropriate personnel (for example, facility’s staff member) of the beginning and ending time on water.
• Each day a lead boat and sweep boat must be assigned. A signal system must be in place (for example, whistle calls) for communication between boats.
• A Principal/designate in the school, and each Teacher (and Trip Guide [where appropriate]) on the excursion must have: a map of route and an excursion itinerary including an emergency action plan (for example, Supervisory chain of command, emergency evacuation plan, emergency access points, local emergency contact phone numbers).
• Teachers must be aware of the site’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including the Site Specific Rescue Plan, and share with all Qualified Instructors/Trip Guides and Students.
• In case of emergency, procedures must be in place to ensure accountability for all boats, Teachers, Qualified Instructors, Trip Guides, monitors and Students on the water.
• In case of an emergency, a predetermined return route must be established.
• A vehicle for emergency purposes must be available.
• An individual must be designated (for example, Teacher or Parent) to transport an injured student to the hospital. This must not be the Teacher/Trip Guide responsible for the excursion.

• In-the-Area Supervision is required when trained students are:

  • launching and removing canoes from the water while being monitored by a Qualified Instructor(s); and

  • portaging canoes and equipment.

• In-the-Area Supervision is required when trained students are lifting and moving watercraft(s).

• On-Site Supervision is required for the duration of all other components of the activity.

• Trip Group (one large/main group):

  • Can be divided into smaller subgroups if/when necessary.

  • Participants within the Trip Group travel together each day, following the same route/float plan organized and led by the Trip Guide.

  • Groups from the same school that are not travelling together and do not follow the same route/float plan, are considered to be a separate Trip Group. This Trip Group must adhere to separate Supervision/Monitoring Ratios.

  • At least one (1) Teacher is required as part of the Trip Group.

  • One (1) Trip Guide or Assistant Trip Guide must have one (1) Wilderness First Aid certification.

  • At least one (1) Water Safety Supervisor is required as part of the Trip group.

• Subgroups (of the Trip group):

  • Each Subgroup must be led by the Trip Guide or an Assistant Trip Guide to accommodate camping on separate sites on the same lake (for example in Algonquin Park), and for portaging efficiency.

  • Each Subgroup must have a Trip Guide or Assistant Trip Guide with a minimum of a Standard First Aid and CPR C certification.

  • When males and females participate on an excursion, both male and female Teachers/Monitors are required.

• Trip Guide and Assistant Trip Guide:

  • Refer to the criteria outlined in Table S-1 to determine which supervision/monitoring ratios are appropriate for the Trip Group.

Table S-1: Supervision/Monitoring Ratios for Trip Groups

• Trip Guides must have one (1) of the following certifications, or a certification of an equivalent or higher level:

  • ORCKA:

  • Canoe Tripping Level 3 (Trip Leader)

  • Paddle Canada:

    • Leadership Camping certification + one of the following skills courses:
    • Intermediate Tandem Lake Canoeing (Skills)
    • Intermediate Tandem Moving Water Canoeing (Skills)

• Assistant Trip Guides must have one (1) of the following qualifications or a certification of an equivalent or higher level:

  • Any of the Trip Guide certifications.

  • ORCKA Skill level certifications:

    • Basic Canoeing Level 3

  • Paddle Canada Skill level certifications:

    • Intermediate Tandem Lake Canoeing (Skills)
    • Intermediate Tandem Moving Water Canoeing (Skills)

• A Teacher or Monitor with verifiable canoe tripping knowledge, skills and experience, approved by the Trip Guide and the school/school board. The Teacher/Monitor must be trained in, understand, demonstrate, and adhere to a directly relevant skill set for Canoe Tripping. A relevant skill set is a described set of skills developed by recognized canoe tripping professionals.

  • When the Trip Group is divided into Subgroups, each Subgroup must have a Trip Guide or Assistant Trip Guide with a minimum of a Standard First Aid and CPR C certification.

For multi-day trips within 2 hours from the arrival of emergency medical assistance

• For all trips of 3 days or less, at least one (1) Trip Guide or Assistant Trip Guide must have a current Wilderness First Aid certification (minimum 16 hour course that includes backcountry medicine).

• For all trips of 4 days or more, at least one (1) Trip Guide or Assistant Trip Guide must have a current Wilderness First Aid certification (minimum 40 hour course).

Water Safety Supervisor

• At least one (1) Trip Guide, Assistant Trip Guide, Teacher, or Monitor with one (1) of the following current certifications must fill the role of Water Safety Supervisor for the Trip Group:

  • Bronze Cross

  • Wilderness Water Safety

  • Whitewater Rescue Technician

  • Swiftwater Rescue Technician

• A student may not act as a Water Safety Supervisor if they are participating in the activity.

• Refer to the Qualification section for the appropriate minimum First Aid certifications required.

• Prior to the trip, students must receive explicit instruction on the following by a Trip guide or Teacher:

  • Suitable clothing, clothing systems (for example, fabrics, layering principles, avoiding cotton, appropriate items) and packing

  • Canoeing equipment and care

  • Camping skills and safety (for example, fire building and safety, campsite set up including tents and tarps, proper storage of food, water treatment, use of cooking devices and camp cooking)

  • Environmental concerns (for example, wildlife, weather, low impact camping, poison ivy/oak)

  • The use of a compass

  • Map reading

  • The trip itinerary, (route, the route for the day [reviewed each morning] distances, evacuation points)

  • An adequate supply of nutritious food preserved and packed to suitable weight for carrying

  • An adequate supply of safe water for one day (the group must have a water purification method and must be made aware of water sources prior to embarking on trip)

  • Water safety for canoeing and swimming (if there will be swimming on the trip)