Motor Boats, Rowing Boats and other craft on the water: The Thames is shared with other craft and we need to keep ourselves safe. Please keep a look behind from time to time to make sure you are not going to be in collision with another river user. If they are coming close, draw their attention to you, shouting and waving. Also move out of their way and if necessary, kneel down.
The Albany Pub, Queens Rd, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0QY
What3Words link – https://w3w.co/sorters.reject.trader
The launch point is through the pub gardens and main meeting point and car park. There are jetties and a small beach.
Alternative launch point is off Ditton Beach part of Albany Reach Open Space at the end of Aragon Avenue, Thames Ditton.
The jetties can be slippery when wet and there might be glass on the beach, here and on Ditton Beach.
The start of the AquaPaddle is off Ditton Beach, Albany Reach Open Space. The Time Lord will call the AquaPaddlers forward, once everyone has arrived and start the event. The AquaPaddle heads downstream (South).
Other river users and swimmers.
The turning point is round the downstream end of Raven Ait
Other AquaPaddlers. Please give each other space to turn and cross the river.
Crossing the River. Watch out for boats and other river users as you cross. They have right of way. Be prepared to stop. Do not risk crossing in front of any craft.
The finish is by the Jetty of the pub and will require the paddlers to cross the river. Please keep a good lookout as you cross the river.
Once you finish, please keep clear of the finish line. If you want to stay cheer on the other AquaPaddlers, please gather on the Pub beach or Jetties.
Tiredness: Don’t rush and take your time to recover. When crossing the river to the Launch and Exit point, please look out for other craft and don’t cross in front of them. Give yourself time. “Slow is Pro”
All Risks
RISK ASSESSMENT: AquaPaddle – BlueSpace – Generic Location
DATE CARRIED OUT: 25/09/2023 ASSESSMENT CARRIED OUT BY: Brett Scillitoe
| HAZARD | WHO MIGHT BE HARMED? | HOW MAY THE RISK BE ADEQUATELY CONTROLLED? | WHAT FURTHER ACTION MAY BE REQUIRED? | Review comments / review date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DROWNING | Paddlers & Others | Wearing of buoyancy aid Instruction in capsize procedures Relevant supervision for novices Advised to keep away from waters edge | Buoyancy aids tested annually Induction sessions for beginners and new members Instructors to ensure buoyancy aid correctly fitted. Regular checks on hire equipment during the season. | 31/01/2024 |
| HYPOTHERMIA / HYPERTHERMIA | Paddlers | Advised on the correct clothing to wear. Adjustment to clothing as required | Continuous dynamic risk assessment. | 31/01/2024 |
| SLIPS TRIPS AND FALLS | Paddlers, Parents, Coaches & others | Regular observation of the bankside, recommendation of footwear | Ensure appropriate footwear is worn | 31/01/2024 |
| SPRAINS, STRAINS AND SOFT TISSUE INJURIES | Paddlers, Parents Coaches & others | Trained to lift correctly Ask for help Encouraged to paddle correctly | Ongoing training and regular checks of procedures Appropriate checks on lifting crafts | 31/01/2024 |
| POLLUTION AND WATER QUALITY | Paddlers | Advised to bathe soon after immersion Made aware of flotsam | Risks higher in spate conditions. Avoid intentional capsizes in poor conditions | 31/01/2024 |
| OTHER WATER USERS | Paddlers and other users | Paddlers instructed to be aware of other water users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action. | Informed as to possible other water users and location | 31/01/2024 |
| BOATS & PWC | Paddlers & Safety team | Paddlers advised to abide by the waterways laws, keeping river right and allowing river cruisers to pass by. | Appropriate skill and awareness information including training | 31/01/2024 |
| EXHAUSTION/FATIGUE | Paddlers and water safety team | Advise paddlers to bring a drink and have eaten an hour before paddling | Water safety team will assist and help them ashore. | 31/01/2024 |
| CAPSIZED CRAFT | Paddlers | Information to be collected on entry of ability. Ask paddlers to look after each other on the water. | Water safety to assist capsized paddlers. | 31/01/2024 |
| WEATHER/WIND | Paddlers & Safety Team | Weather reports checked the day before and on the morning. Advise paddlers of exiting the water should adverse weather conditions approach. | Continuous dynamic risk assessment | 31/01/2024 |
| Wild Animals Eg: Swans | Paddlers | Advise paddlers to maintain distance from all wildlife, especially Swans with their signets. | If a nesting family is close to the start/finish, the paddle will be moved to a different location to protect the animals. | 31/01/2024 |
| Environment | Everyone | Advise everyone to stay on the paths and to prevent minimal damage to the flora and fauna. | Continuous dynamic risk assessment | 31/01/2024 |