Lake Canoe Safety and Rescue Clinic

This clinic focuses on the fundamental skills, knowledge, and manoeuvres of rescuing paddlers and equipment from the shore or on lake water situations from a paddlers perspective. The material practiced in this clinic comes from the Paddle Canada Lake Canoe Program. The intent of this clinic is to provide an opportunity for recreational lake water paddlers to practice rescues. It does not seek to replace any other training such as Swiftwater Rescue Training (SRT) or similar training.

This course is for all levels of canoeists as well as both tandem and solo canoeists. Instructors must teach within their Paddle Canada Lake certifications.

Most safety and rescue techniques incorporate the use of a paddling partner and it is essential for all Lake paddlers to travel on the water with others who have been trained in the techniques of assisted rescues as the rescuers.

Please reference the Lake Canoe Safety and Rescue Clinic resource document in the “Instructor Services - Instructor Resources - Canoe Program” section when logged into the Paddle Canada Membership Portal.

Prerequisites

Canoeing experience.

Course Length

Up to 4 hours in length.

Class Ratio

1 instructor:6 participants for solo

1 instructor:12 participants for tandem

There may be a mix of tandem and solo canoes (either a max of 6 canoes or 12 participants).

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Introduction to Lake Instructor.

Environmental Conditions

Courses should be taught on a pond, lake or ocean front. If taught on a lake there should be minimal to no waves (class 0, < 16 km/hr). The designated area must be free of powerboat traffic and no more than 25-50 metres from shore (depending on depth).

Assessment

This is a module with no pass or fail certification given. Participants are encouraged to partake as often as they like.

Learning Outcomes

Participants should feel comfortable with the canoe safety and rescue at the level they are at.

Refer to the Lake Canoe Safety and Resource document for more details. This resource document can be found in the "Instructor Services - Instructor Resources - Canoe Program"”" section when logged into the Paddle Canada Membership Portal.

Manoeuvres

• Positioning of Rescue Boat
• Capsizing
• Paddle and Equipment Recovery
• Canoe Recovery
• Emptying a Canoe
• Swimmer Recovery

Skills and Knowledge

• Stable Rescue Stance
• Communication - Whistle and Paddle Signals
• Basic Environmental Hazards (Water/Wind/Waves,Weather) - When to get off!
• Hypothermia & Hyperthermia (being prepared)
• Personal Preparation (clothing, water, snacks, medications, etc)
• Transport Canada Regulations & PC PFD Policy - Always Wear It!
• Rescue Procedures (TARETHROG = talk/reach/throw/row/go)
• Empty a Swamped Canoe at Shore or Dock
• Canoe over Canoe
• Canoe Tows
• Rafting Rescues
• Throw Bag Use
• Safe Canoe Procedures
• Exposure Aliments
• Deep Water Exits & Swimming Canoe to Shore Curl/Parallel
• Towing Canoe and Swimmers
• Assisting Swimmers into Rescuers Canoes
• Being Wind Bound
• Personal Survival Gear
• Unassisted Canoe over Canoe (with 2 tipped canoes and 4 swimmers)
• Capistrano Flip & Shake Out
• Unassisted Tandem Re-entry