Disclaimer
Kayaking, canoeing, and rafting are dangerous and hazardous by their very nature. It is the sole responsibility of each participant to get proper instruction, and paddle safely and within their specific ability. Although we will provide you with as much information as possible in regards to trips we will be hosting, it is imperative that you make an informed choice to do a run or not. Liability for your actions rests on you. Participating in UWC activities means you agree to hold harmless the club, its officers and its members for all actions or inaction that may occur. A signed waiver is required for initial membership and for non-members accompanying us on a trip.
Utah Whitewater Club’s standard Safety practices (plan):
All of the club’s paddling events follow the same safety plan and practices: Updated 4-8-2021
1. The river leader is an experienced paddler with skills appropriate to the difficulty of the section. In addition, someone from the group has either run the section or the leader has received adequate information on the current status of the section including permanent and temporary hazards and rapids, scouting locations and locations and methods for exiting the river if necessary.
2. Where possible and deemed necessary due to conditions or difficulty, the river is scouted before the group launches or will be scouted from known locations during the run.
3. Prior to the launch the leader reviews the safety procedures, including:
a. Staying with the group
b. Paddle signals and whistle signals
c. Mandatory equipment review: PDF’s, Helmets, and float bags for the hard shell kayaks.
d. Floaters will be advised that experienced members carry throw-ropes and if they swim they can expect to be helped directly by someone in a kayak or they may see a throw-rope thrown to them.
e. Review of any hazards that may have been found during the pre-float scout.
f. Confirmation of the takeout point
g. Paddlers new to the group are asked about their skills and experience. If they do not
claim to have the appropriate level of skill, they will be advised to not float or to put-in
or take out at alternative spots.
4. An experienced paddler will be designated as the “sweep” person who will be last to ensure
that no paddler is left behind.
5. A final count of paddlers and boats is taken by the leader at the put in.
6. The leader, and all followers, eddy out after each significant feature or rapid to be sure all are
safe. A count of paddlers is made at the bottom of each feature or rapid.
7. Whistle signals are used to alert all paddlers in the event that there is a swimmer.
8. Throw ropes are carried by the leader, the sweep and by other experienced paddlers. In the
event that a swimmer cannot be easily towed to shore, the leader, or another experienced
paddler will get out of their boat and use the throw rope to assist the swimmer to shore.
9. In the event that the leader judges any paddler to not be demonstrating the necessary skills
for a rapid the leader may take the following safety precautions.
a. Guide the paddler(s) to a safe takeout point, upstream of the rapid/feature, and
assist them with the portage to a point downstream of the feature, or
b. Deputize an alternate group leader, then go to downstream of the feature with
a throw-rope and be ready to assist, if needed.
10. The leader and the sweep account for all paddlers at the takeout.
11. The leader will verify that at least one experienced kayaker in the group will carry a first aid kit in their boats in order to handle any basic first aid.
12. The leader will verify that at least one experienced kayaker in the group will carry webbing, carabineers, pullies and other appropriate rescue equipment that can be used to unpin boats.
13. ACA insurance guidelines does NOT allow Drug or Alcohol use before or during on-water activities. Any participant choosing do so will be asked to leave immediately. NO exceptions!
14. Ultimately, each boater is responsible for his or her own safety. To recognize their ability level and use good judgment. Participant accepts and understands the Risks associated with the event.