Outdoor Education (Canoeing)

• Comply with the Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements as specified in the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide.

• 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)

• There must be two paddles per canoe, with some 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.

• 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.

• A set of maps for 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 should also be available to the Principal/Designate and 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.

• 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.

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

• There must be two paddles per canoe, with some spare paddles taken along in case of broken or lost paddles.

• Paddles and canoes must be checked for cracks, splinters and leaks.

• A safety craft is a designated craft that is rescue-capable and contains at least one Teacher, Qualified Instructor, or Trip Guide.

• The safety craft may be motorized/non-motorized. The non-motorized safety craft may be the watercraft that the Qualified Instructor/Trip Guide is operating.

• A motorized safety craft must be equipped as per Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide requirements.

• The operator of a motorized safety craft must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

• The operator of the motorized/non-motorized safety craft must have experience in navigating the craft and knowledge of the waterway in which the activity takes place (for example hazards, rocks, shoals).

• The motorized safety craft must not pose a risk to the safety of the participants (for example, maintains a safe distance from the watercraft, operates at a speed that minimizes boat wake unless responding to an emergency).

• The safety craft must be the first craft in the water with occupants aboard, and engine running if motorized. The assigned safety craft can be changed at any point throughout the excursion.

• A reboarding device is required where the vertical height that a person must climb to reboard the boat from the water (freeboard) is over 0.5m (1’8”).

• 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.

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

• 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.

• Students must receive instruction on appropriate environmental and sanitary practices (for example, washroom routines).

• The Teacher and the Qualified Instructor/Trip Guide must:

  • be aware of and respond to changing weather and water conditions prior to and during training and 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 paddling only except under emergency situations.

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

• 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.

• 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 day 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:

  • 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

  • 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• One (1) Qualified Instructor and one (1) Water Safety Supervisor per 14 boats (max 30 students)

Canoeing Training

• There must be a minimum of two (2) adults supervising/monitoring the activity. If the Qualified Instructor is also the Water Safety Supervisor, a second individual with the knowledge and skills is required to assist the Qualified Instructor. This role could be fulfilled by a Teacher, a Volunteer or an Outside Provider, and must be approved by the school/school board.

Canoeing Single Day Trips

• When the activity involves paddling away from a sheltered bay or base camp, and/or involves a day trip, there must be a minimum of three (3) adults supervising/monitoring the activity. If the Qualified Instructor is also the Water Safety Supervisor, two (2) other individuals with the knowledge and skills are required to assist the Qualified Instructor. These roles could be fulfilled by a Teacher, a Volunteer or an Outside Provider, and must be approved by the school/school board.

• For an Ontario Camping Association (OCA) member waterfront setting (for example, local pond or lake in a sheltered, confined spot), Qualified Instructors must have one (1) of the following certifications, or a certification of an equivalent or higher level:

  • ORCKA Camp Canoeing Instructor

  • Paddle Canada Waterfront Canoe Instructor

• For all situations beyond the training of the Camp Canoeing Instructor, non-OCA member sites and for flatwater canoeing in a non-wilderness environment, there must be one Qualified Instructor with a minimum of one of the following current qualifications:

  • ORCKA

    • 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

• 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

  • Equivalent to any of the certifications listed

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

• A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible. (Consult Outdoor Education Sample Kit Contents)

• At least one individual must have a minimum of a current (three years from the date of issue) first aid certificate (minimum 15 hour course) including CPR C issued by one of the following agencies: St. John Ambulance; Canadian Red Cross; Lifesaving Society; Canadian Ski Patrol; or an organization whose certificate is deemed equivalent by the medical officer of health in the local health unit. This individual must be present for the duration of the activity.

• If instruction is taking place in a pool, no safety craft is required.

• A safety craft is a designated craft that is rescue-capable, taking into consideration necessary factors (for example, distance from shore, weather, water and wind conditions), and contains at least one Qualified Instructor, Trip Guide or Monitor who meets the first aid certification.

• A safety craft must be in the water and accessible while students are canoeing. The safety craft need not be motorized. If the safety craft is a motorized craft then the operator of the motorized safety craft must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. The operator of the safety craft, whether craft is motorized or not, must have experience in navigating the craft.

• The safety craft can be the watercraft that the Qualified Instructor/Trip Guide is operating.

• 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 PFD/lifejacket, with whistle attached, when near 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 PFD:

  • 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

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

  • The trip itinerary (route, distances, evacuation points)

  • 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).