Outdoor Education (Canoe Tripping)

• Correctly fitting and Canadian-approved Personal Flotation Device (P.F.D.) or Lifejacket with whistle attached must be worn by all participants and properly secured at all times when:

  • near the water (for example, on a dock or at a shoreline where the depth of the water is deemed a risk)

  • in the water (for example, swimming)

  • on the water (for example, canoeing)

• 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 in Transport Canada's 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.

• 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).

• The loading of a canoe with people and/or gear must not exceed the manufacturer’s load capacity rating.

• Paddles and boats must be checked to assess that:

  • the boat meets Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide requirements for small crafts;

  • there are no splinters or cracks;

  • the head, tail, drum, drummer’s seat, and steering oar are securely fitted;

  • the boat is not leaking and that bailers are in it;

  • the centre seat is in place if it is a split boat; and

  • the buoyancy compartments are functional and sufficient to create positive buoyancy.

• Paddles must be the appropriate size for the age and size of Students.

• Two audible alarm signals (for example, whistle, air horn) must be carried by the helm (i.e., boat steers-person).

• One audible alarm signal (for example, whistle, air horn) must be carried by the helm.

• 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 knowledgeable about suitable clothing required for the activity (e.g., appropriate fabrics, recommend layering principles, list of items).

• Prior to departure, student gear must be checked to ensure they have all of the appropriate/required clothing and footwear.

• Clothing (layers, rain gear when appropriate) and footwear (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.

• 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.

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

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

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

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

• The Teacher and the Qualified Instructor/Trip Guide 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.

• 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).

• The loading of a canoe with people and/or gear must not exceed the manufacturer’s load capacity rating.

Canoeing Skills

• 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)

• 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).

• 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 Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed (Refer to Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form).

• The Sample 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 Sample 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 Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed and submitted, or the student must not participate in the activity.

• 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).

• 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.

Supervision/Monitoring Ratios

• 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 Guides:

  • Refer to the criteria outlined in Table S-1 and Table S-2 to determine which supervision/monitoring ratios are appropriate for the Trip Group.

Table S-1: Supervision/Moniotring Ratios for Trip Groups. Refer to Table S-2 for school/school board approved curricular or intramural outdoor education program trips.

Table S-2: Supervision/Monitoring Ratios for Trip Groups of students that ARE enrolled in a school/school board approved curricular or intramural outdoor education program which include the following:

• Instruction and practice as follows:

  • A minimum of 2 documented hours of canoe instruction and practice time can take place in, on, or at, one of, or a combination of the following: a classroom, a gymnasium, a field, a water venue, or other suitable locations.

  • An additional minimum of 2 hours of on water canoe instruction and practice for every group of up to 8 students.

• A minimum of 6 documented hours of backcountry tripping and camping preparation.

For single day trips that travel more than 2 hours from the arrival of emergency medical assistance (wilderness)

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

  • ORKCA

  • Basic Canoeing Instructor

  • Canadian Style Paddling Instructor

  • Day Trip Leader

  • Moving Water Instructor

  • River Running Instructor

  • Canoe Tripping Level 3 (Trip Leader)

  • Paddle Canada:

  • Intermediate Tandem Lake Canoeing (Skills)

  • Intermediate Tandem Moving Water Canoeing (Skills)

  • Introduction to Tandem or Solo Lake Canoeing Instructor

  • Introduction to Tandem Moving Water Canoeing Instructor

• 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

  • Basic Canoeing Level 3

  • Paddle Canada

  • 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.

• At least one (1) Trip Guide or Assistant Trip Guide must have a current Wilderness First Aid certification (minimum 16 hour course).

• 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.

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.

For multi-day trips (within 2 hours and more than 2 hours from the arrival of emergency medical assistance)

• 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 as well as 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).

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

• 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.

• A working communication device (for example, satellite or cell phone, or satellite GPS messenger) suitable for the activities/locations must be available. This device must be maintained, waterproofed, protected and dedicated for emergency communications only. The phone number for the device and phone numbers for emergency services and school contact people (for example, the principal) must be included with the phone.

• Refer to the different trip types outlined in the Qualification section for the appropriate minimum First Aid certifications required.

• A consent form must be completed, signed and returned, giving permission for the student to participate in an in-water swim assessment and in canoeing.

• All students will wear a correctly fitting and Canadian-approved P.F.D./lifejacket, with whistle attached, when near, in or on the water.

• Students must complete and pass the following in-water swim assessment in its entirety, in sequence and without any stops, with or without a P.F.D.:

  • Rolling entry (backwards or forward) into deep water at 2.75m (9’) minimum depth

  • Tread water for 1 minute

  • Swim 50m (164’) continuously any stroke

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

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

  • Canoeing equipment and repairs

  • 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, route of the day [reviewed each morning], distances, evacuation points)

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

  • 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)

  • Safety procedures related to:

    • severe weather conditions (for example, wind, lightning [consult Weather]); and

    • ways to protect themselves from environmental conditions (for example use of hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, personal water bottles, insect repellent, appropriate clothing).