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Tonbridge Risk Assessment

Route Description & General Hazards

The route outlined above is only one of the possible options at this wonderful location.

Details will be confirmed over the coming weeks as the Locations gets set to welcome all AquaPaddlers.

Risk Assessment

DATE CARRIED OUT:  05/03/2023 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.  31/03/2024 
HYPOTHERMIA / HYPERTHERMIA  Paddlers   Advised on the correct clothing to wear.  Adjustment to clothing as required  Continuous dynamic risk assessment.  31/03/2024
SLIPS TRIPS AND FALLS   Paddlers, Parents, Coaches & others  Regular observation of the bankside, recommendation of footwear Ensure appropriate footwear is worn   31/03/2024 
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 31/03/2024 
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  31/03/2024
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  31/03/2024 
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  31/03/2024 
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. 31/03/2024 
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. 31/03/2024 
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   31/03/2024
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. 31/03/2024
Environment Everyone  Advise everyone to stay on the paths and to prevent minimal damage to the flora and fauna. Continuous dynamic risk assessment 31/03/2024