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Generic Risk Assessments

When taking on the role of leader of sea kayak trips, we assume responsibility for a group of individuals and undertake the task of managing risks, briefing those involved, and in many instances exercising supervision and control.

Example areas for consideration

Manual handling

• Warm up sufficiently and understand correct lifting techniques



• Use appropriate equipment in the correct manner for each activity/task to avoid equipment failure

Medical conditions

• Be aware of any medical conditions amongst your group and ensure that appropriate medication is accessible



• Consider whether the medical condition might prevent inclusion in a planned activity, or suggest an alternative trip or venue

Potential minor hazards

• Be aware of uneven ground especially during lifting/carrying, which could result in strains, twists and pulls



• Be aware of the possibility of slipping, tripping and falling and advise group accordingly

Road traffic accident

• Undertake vehicle checks regularly



• Ensure trailers are roadworthy, correctly fitted and that equipment is secured

Sun/heat

• Assess the weather conditions and prepare for increasing sun and heat



• Ensure that the group is adequately dressed for the hot conditions, e.g. hat, sun cream, sunglasses, adequate coverage but less layers of clothing



• Consider taking spare sun cream/water/spare hats etc



• Take stops with shade/water on offer to cool off



• Drink and encourage the group to drink water to avoid dehydration

Cold/wind

• Assess the weather conditions and prepare for lowering temperatures and chilling wind



• Ensure that the group is adequately dressed for the cold conditions, e.g. wetsuit/drysuit, layers of clothing, windproof top layers, warm hat or neoprene balaclava, wetsuit boots, waterproof gloves, dry clothes in dry bag for emergency warming, towel



• Consider taking spare clothes etc

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Dynamic Risk Assessment

Dynamic risk assessment is a continual process that starts before the activity, and continues after the activity has completed. This kind of assessment is the group leaders response to the actual conditions prevailing, and how they will affect risk for the planned activity.

Example areas for consideration

The group

• Consider age, ability, skills, fitness, and size of the group members



• Think about likely behaviour, maturity and attitude



• How much food or alcohol has been consumed



• What are the group dynamic? Will they support each other in difficult conditions?

Conditions

• Ensure that you have a comprehensive weather forecast



• Assess the likely effect of the weather



• Consider the sea state and possible influences, such as tide and current

The venue

• You will have chosen the venue because of its general suitablility



• On the day this may be influenced by the presence of other users or new hazards



• Just because you have been here before, you cannot assume that everything will be unchanged

Equipment

• Ensuring that all individuals are properly equipped can be a time consuming task with large groups



• The group is likely to be of mixed ability and physique



• Some members may bring their own equipment

Timing

• Consider the expected speed of the group



• Consult tide times closely



• Calculate timing of loss of light at dusk

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Sea-kayaking risk assessments

Sea-kayaking is a relatively safe activity, where a high level of perceived risk can go hand in hand with a low level of actual risk. Sea kayaks are efficient craft that can be used in conditions that would be unsuitable for many other vessels, but as someone once said 'In a kayak you are only 180 degrees and 2 minutes from death'.

Example areas for consideration

Launching in surf or dumping waves

• Where possible get more experienced group members afloat first and in a position to hold the group together beyond the breakers (consider rafting)



• Help less experienced members, by entering the water and supporting their kayak during the launch



• Consider asking a confident group member to man a 'surf watch' in case someone capsizes before they clear the shore

Entering caves and rock formations

• Only enter caves in suitable conditions



• Be watchful for passing vessels which may have a large wake



• Consider splitting the group into smaller numbers to enter caves



• Look out for undercut rock ledges

Tides and currents

• Only enter the water if you are confident the group has the skills and fitness to deal with the conditions



• Wind against tide can produce very different conditions from wind over tide, especially near overfalls

Coastline without easy 'get outs'

• Ensure group is capable of paddling to the next stop



• Keep the group a suitable distance from cliff faces, but be aware of the dangers of a strong offshore wind and associated downdraft or katabatic gusts



• Brief group so they know what to do if an incident occurs away from an area with a suitable landing zone

Traffic

• Modern seagoing vessels, in particular ferries, can travel at high speeds



• From the low vantage point of a sea kayak cockpit they can seem to appear from nowhere, and very quickly be a threat to a group of paddlers



• Offset this threat where possible, by being aware of ferry timetables, and of course, by keeping a good lookout



• In many places you can ask advice from the coastguard or port authority

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Example of a trip-specific risk assessment - Kimolos to Pollonia return trip

Kimolos is a good trip in most conditions and suitable for groups of mixed ability

Areas for consideration

Launching

• Pollonia is a protected anchorage and there is safe and easy launching from a gently shelving sandy beach



• The harbour offers good initial protection from open sea conditions

Entering caves and rock formations

• This route has a few rock arches and formations, all of which are safe except in extreme conditions



• The usual lunchtime stop is good for swimming, snorkelling and jumping



• Underwater area for such activities has been previously surveyed

Tides and currents

• Very little tide, and weak current in normal conditions

Weather

• In normal conditions (northerly winds), the crossing to Kimolos is fairly straightforward, and at only 1 kilometre within the capabilities of most groups



• Strong winds from the North West can produce a significant swell and associated surface water movement

Coastline

• All 'offshore' trips entail a level of committment, but this crossing is short, and Poliegos offers an Easterly escape route. It is necessary to keep the group together during this crossing and the return trip

Traffic

• Local ferry, yachts, fishing vessels, and other commercial craft crossing

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References

In compiling these pages, and in view of the nature of the content, I have taken various liberties with text from other sources. It is well worth looking at the guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the British Canoe Union (BCU), and as an example of how to put some of this into practice, the Dorset County Council pages.

HSE information sheet Combined water and rock activities: Guidance for providers

BCU Safeguarding children and adults

Dorset County Council Risk assessment of adventurous activities