Safety Procedures

Hearing instructions is CRITICAL for our safety, during regular paddling sessions or in case of an emergency. Whenever the steersperson, coach or alternate safety lead are speaking, there should be no other talking in the boat. This is particularly important when leaving and returning to the dock. Note: Paddlers can remind each other to “Listen up”.

We only go out if the conditions are safe. That means: it is 1 Celsius or warmer; there are no white caps; the wind is expected to be calm enough. If these conditions are not met, the manager, coach and steersperson will make the call to cancel the practice with as much notice as possible – but sometimes that call is made on the dock.

Designate alternate safety lead in case the steersperson is the emergency. (Alternate may be the coach or one of the paddlers in the last row.) Note backup steersperson, if one is on board. Form two lines and count off by row number. (Crew are quiet so steersperson, safety lead and coach can hear the count.) PFDs are zipped and clipped.

As soon as the coach or steersperson advises you, load from the middle of the boat, starting with the first and last rows. Two rows can load at a time. Seated crew lean out to maintain balance.

Count off again to determine back half of boat. Paddling pairs are responsible for – and must keep an eye on – each other. When crew are not paddling, the resting position for the paddle is on the lap with the blade pointing out of the boat. ALWAYS BE READY FOR THE “PADDLES UP” COMMAND.

On approach to the dock, all crew must listen closely for any last-minute instructions from the steersperson. Steersperson will advise when the boat is tied up and it is safe to unload. Exit the boat slowly and carefully from the middle, starting with the centre rows. Seated crew lean out to maintain balance.

Coach carries a cell phone. We need an alternate if he is away. Throw ropes and whistle are located in canister at the back of the boat. In an emergency, the last seat can pass it forward as required.

Brendan has First Aid and CPR training and can operate an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) located in the boathouse. Ilan also has a portable AED in his car. (Note: AED will also guide anybody using it.) * Please advise manager if you have current First AID/CPR training.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is located in the 2nd floor hallway of the boathouse, near the south patio and overlooking the boat deck. If the AED box is opened, an alarm will go off to alert UBC staff to a potential emergency. Alarm stops when the box is closed again. Note: Ilan also has a portable AED in his car.

The coach, steersperson or alternate safety lead will assume command in the event of an emergency and will direct and control operations until the arrival of the appropriate authorities. At this time, the coach will identify him/herself to the authorities and continue to liaise with the authorities and direct other safety personnel accordingly.

Raise and lower outstretched arms repeatedly, or raise paddles overhead. This is for serious trouble only. In daylight, use sound signalling device. In darkness, use sound signalling device and wave light overhead.

Should unsafe conditions occur during a water session, all boats are required to proceed immediately to the most accessible and safest location. This is typically, though not always, the boathouse. Other accessible options may be: a marina or safe piece of shoreline where the crew can get off the water quickly. Once you are at a safe spot, if possible, tie the dragon boat in a safe location. Crew should await rescue from that location unless all paddlers are uninjured and hypothermia is not a risk. Do not underestimate the presence of shock.

Align the boat to minimize further swamping, then remain upright and in seat awaiting rescue. Assume a fetal-like position in seat. Steersperson is to instruct paddling pairs to keep an eye on each other and report to the steersperson if problems arise.

Crew must remain as calm as possible and steersperson should assume command, checking each paddler continually until rescued. Crew should immediately put on any available clothing. Steersperson must immediately signal for helping using signalling device and paddle.

CREW MUST STAY WITH THE BOAT AND NOT ATTEMPT TO SWIM ASHORE. The boat usually floats and will support the crew. All paddlers must report the status of their seat partner to the steersperson, and paddlers must stay in constant communication with seat partner. If able, paddlers can buddy up across the boat holding hands. If not, each paddler should reach under the boat and hold onto the seat. If paddlers become trapped under the boat, they will likely have an air bubble from which to breathe. It is imperative that they be helped out from underneath. Their seat partner or nearby and willing paddler needs to go under and coach them out.

Minimize movement to preserve body heat (no swimming or treading water). Use the HELP (Heat Escape Lessen Position) or a modified HELP position when buddying up across the overturned shell. Keep clothes on and put on hat/mitts, etc. Get body as much out of the water as possible by getting on top of the boat. Assume fetal position, if possible. Protect groin/armpits/neck/head as much as possible.

Watch this video

Any accident shall be approached from the leeward side, into the wind, and from the up-current direction to prevent the rescue boat from being pushed onto the dragon boat and to ensure maximum control. It’s best to approach bow first (rather than alongside) and reverse out of the incident. The conditions of the people involved and the severity of the circumstances must be assessed quickly. Verbal contact with those in the water must be established so that they can be talked through the rescue quickly. Tell the people in the water what is going to happen so they know what is going on. Those in greatest risk (distress) must be rescued first. Rescue must occur in pairs. A head count will be conducted upon the launch’s arrival and then repeated upon leaving. Note: If rowing coach boat is assisting: the maximum legal capacity of a coach boat shall not be exceeded in a rescue. In extreme conditions those rescued must be taken directly to the shore or the nearest safe spot. Multiple trips may be required to remove all those involved in the accident as quickly and safely as possible.

Gather immediately at UBC Boathouse dock for crew count. This is an essential step to ensure that each person is accounted for!

All incidents and accidents, including any first aid administered, must be reported to the boathouse’s facility manager immediately following the incident by the coach, steersperson or safety lead who took charge. Time is of the essence as the facility manager needs to forward this form to UBC within 24 hours of the incident. The form is linked in the COACH section below.

Safety infractions will be reported to and handled by the boathouse facility manager.

In addition to any instructions covered above coaches must have numbers for the Canadian Coast Guard and the UBC Boathouse facility manager stored in their cell phones. File incident reports using this form: http://ubcboathouse.com/administration-forms/

In addition to any instructions above, please note that the flow pattern on the river is as follows: dragon boats MUST hug the shoreline