Outdoor Education (Paddle Rafting)
Lakes, Rivers
Secondary - Curricular 2024
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These Outdoor Education (Paddle Rafting) safety standards as well as the safety standards of the Outside Activity Provider must be followed.
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The Outdoor Education (Paddle Rafting) safety standards outlines the safety requirements for paddle rafting activities that involve moving water. Participation is restricted to Class I and Class II rivers only, as defined by the International Scale of River Difficulty:
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Class I: Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
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Class II: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers.
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Canoeing Moving Water and White Water Rafting above Class II, White Water Kayaking, as well as White Water or Surf SUP, are not appropriate activities at the secondary level. For Class I and Class II Rivers Consult:
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Also consult Outdoor Education (General Procedures).
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Consult Outdoor Education (Swimming - Leisure) if leisure swimming is included as an associated activity that takes place at a designated or non-designated swim area (for example, at camps or municipal swim areas) when not on a watercraft or land-based trip.
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Consult Outdoor Education (Swimming - Instructional) for a definition of Instructional time, and safety standards for instructional swimming in a lake, pond, or river, which can only occur at designated swim areas.
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Consult Outdoor Education (Swimming - on Watercraft and Land-based Trips) if swimming is to take place in a non-designated swim area while tripping.
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Consult Swimming (Instructional) if the swimming assessment is to take place in a pool.
Equipment
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The loading of a raft with people and/or gear must not exceed the manufacturer’s load capacity rating.
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Correctly fitting and Canadian-approved personal flotation device (PFD)/Lifejackets, with whistle attached, must be worn and properly secured at all times by all students when near the water, on docks and in rafts.
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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.
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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.
Watercraft
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Rafts must be provided by the facility. Personal rafts must not be used.
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Comply with the Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements as specified in the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide.
Safety Craft
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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), and contains at least one Teacher, Qualified Instructor, or Trip Guide who meets the first aid certification.
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The safety craft may be motorized/non-motorized. The non-motorized safety craft can be the watercraft that the Qualified Instructor/Trip Guide is operating.
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A motorized safety craft must be equipped as per Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide requirements
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The operator of a motorized safety craft must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
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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).
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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).
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The safety craft must be the first craft in the water with occupants aboard, and the engine running if motorized, before Students leave the beach, dock, or mooring and while Students are on the water.
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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”).
Clothing/Footwear/Jewellery
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Students must be knowledgeable about suitable clothing required for the activity (e.g., appropriate fabrics, recommend layering principles, list of items).
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Prior to departure, student gear must be checked to ensure they have all of the appropriate/required clothing and footwear.
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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.
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Dry change of clothing must be kept in a watertight bag/container.
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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.
Facilities
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Check with local authorities for current information regarding route safety.
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Water conditions must be appropriate for the skill level of the group.
Environmental Considerations
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The Qualified Instructor and Teacher must:
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be aware of and respond to changing weather and water conditions prior to and during the trip; and
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cancel, postpone or alter the excursion if conditions put students’ safety at an elevated level of risk. (for example, wind, temperature, lightning storms, fog).
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If hazardous weather suddenly approaches, leave the water immediately.
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Daylight paddle rafting only except under emergency situations.
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Navigation lights (for example, waterproof flashlight) are required if operating at night or in restricted visibility.
Special Rules/Instructions
- Risks involved with the activities must be communicated to parents/guardians with a signed response form from the parents/guardians, giving permission for student to participate.
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Proper exit techniques must always be followed. No diving or jumping off rafts.
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Establish appropriate start and stop procedures (for example, whistle system).
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All Trip Guides must be knowledgeable of the established emergency and safety procedures for their site. Trip Guides must outline emergency and safety procedures to all participants and other Teachers/Monitors.
Paddle Rafting Skills
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Prior paddle rafting, a prerequisite test must occur in a pool, shallow water, or sheltered bay for which students must demonstrate to the Qualified Instructor competence in paddle rafting skills, as follow:
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Launching
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Positioning of paddlers
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Proper entry/exit
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Steersperson
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Every craft requires a qualified steersperson.
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Steersperson may sit or stand while steering.
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Steersperson is the in-charge person outranking all persons in the boat.
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Steersperson for each boat must demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:
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Read and understand Transports Canada's Safe Boating Guide
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Be able to manage the team and exercise authority over team members
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Load the boat
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Balance the boat
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Maintain a straight course
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Steer a figure eight course around two buoys at normal speed with a full crew, in both directions, or in the absence of buoys, steer a set course which includes both left- and right-angled turns
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Execute sideways maneuvers without going forwards
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Turn the boat through 360 degrees in both directions without the use of paddlers
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Guide the craft forward in a straight line without the use of paddlers
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Execute an emergency stop
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Execute safe approaches to a jetty/pontoon/dock in still and windy conditions
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Manage the unloading of the team members
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Secure the boat and determine that gear is put away correctly
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Student Medical Information
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Teachers must be aware of Students whose medical condition (for example, asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, epilepsy) may affect participation. Consult Medical Conditions.
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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.
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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.
School Board Policies and Procedures
- 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).
Teacher Awareness/Preparation
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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.
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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).
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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).
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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).
Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire
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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).
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The Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed within the school year in which the activity is taking place.
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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]).
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The Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed and submitted, or the student must not participate in the activity.
Safety Rules and Emergency Procedures
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All Teachers/Qualified Instructors must be knowledgeable of the established safety rules and emergency procedures (for example, capsize/swamp procedures).
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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).
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After initial instruction, Students must demonstrate the ability to select a PFD/lifejacket that fits correctly and to properly secure/fasten it
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Students must be informed of the location of available safety equipment and how to use it.
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Before the start of each session, a Teacher/Qualified Instructor must inform appropriate personnel (for example, facility’s staff member) of the beginning and ending time on water.
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Proper exit techniques must always be followed. No diving or jumping off rafts.
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Establish appropriate start and stop procedures (for example, whistle system).
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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.
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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.
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In case of an emergency, a predetermined return route must be established.
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A vehicle for emergency purposes must be available.
Supervision
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In-the-Area Supervision is required when trained students are launching and removing rafts from the water while being monitored by a Qualified Instructor(s).
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In-the-Area Supervision is required when trained students are lifting and moving watercraft(s).
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On-Site Supervision is required for the duration of all other components of the activity.
Supervision Ratios/Monitoring
- 1 Teacher/Monitor per 15 students
Qualifications
Steersperson Qualifications
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Paddle Rafting steersperson must possess one of the following qualifications:
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Attendance at a clinic or workshop within the last three years provided by an instructor who is knowledgeable of the activity (for example, appropriate skills and progressions) and where safety is addressed as outlined in the Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education.
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Past experience within the last three years as a steersperson in paddle rafting, having knowledge of the activity (for example, appropriate skills and progressions) and where safety is addressed as outlined in the Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education.
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Instructor Qualifications
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For an OCA member waterfront setting (for example, local pond or lake in a sheltered, confined spot), the minimum ORCKA qualification is Camp Canoeing Instructor.
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Situations beyond the training of the Camp Canoeing Instructor or outside of an OCA member setting will require a Qualified Instructor to have one of the following current certifications:
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ORCKA Basic Canoeing Instructor
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ORCKA Canadian Style Paddling Instructor
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ORCKA Canoe Tripping Instructor 2
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ORCKA Moving Water Instructor 2
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ORCKA River Running Instructor 2
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ORCKA Canoe Tripping Level 3
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Paddle Canada equivalent.
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For non-OCA member sites, and for flatwater paddle rafting in a non-wilderness environment, there must be one Qualified Instructor with a minimum of one of the following qualifications:
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ORCKA Basic Canoeing Instructor
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ORCKA Canadian Style Paddling Instructor
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ORKCA Canoe Tripping Instructor 2
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ORCKA Moving Water Instructor 2
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ORCKA River Running Instructor 2
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ORCKA Canoe Tripping Level 3
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Paddle Canada Waterfront Canoe Instructor
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Paddle Canada Intermediate Lake Skills
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Paddle Canada Introductory Lake Skills
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Paddle Canada Advanced Lake Skills – Solo
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Paddle Canada Advanced Tripping Skills
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Paddle Canada Advanced Moving Water (both tandem & solo)
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Paddle Canada Advanced Tripping Skills + Wilderness Advanced First Aid + CPR + 1000 km experience
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Paddle Canada Advanced Tripping Skills + Wilderness First Aid + CPR + 500 km experience
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Paddle Canada Waterfront Canoe Instructor
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Water Safety Supervisor Qualifications
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At least one (1) Trip Guide, Assistant Trip Guide, Teacher, Volunteer, or Qualified Instructor with one (1) of the following current certifications must fill the role of Water Safety Supervisor for the Trip Group:
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Whitewater Rescue Technician
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Swiftwater Rescue Technician
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Equivalent to any of the certifications listed
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A student may not act as the Water Safety Supervisor if they are participating in the activity.
First Aid
- 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.
Safety Craft
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If instruction is taking place in a pool, no safety craft is required.
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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 Teacher, Trip Guide, or Monitor who meets the first aid certification.
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A safety craft must be in the water and accessible while students are paddle rafting. If the safety craft is motorized then the operator must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card and must have experience in navigating the craft.
Definitions
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Class I:
- Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. There are few obstructions and all are obvious and easily missed with some training.
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Class II:
- Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers.
Tue, 08/12/25 09:20 am