Rafting

RaftingRafting currently takes place on our lake

OPERATIONAL Procedures 

Location:    The Centre’s Rafting activities are located on the Environmental Agency’s Reservoir adjacent to Bibbys Farm Scout Campsite and Activity Centre. OS Map Sheet 109 or OS Pathfinder Series Sheet SD61/71 or Explorer Series 287 Grid Reference 604168

The Guidelines

All instructors, whether Centre Personnel or Visitors using the Centre’s Rafting facilities shall follow the Centre’s guidelines.

Rafts and related equipment should be appropriate for its usage and in good condition. It should be within manufacturers recommended retirement dates.

Supervisory arrangements will vary depending on the ability and needs of the group, but should not exceed permit authorisation numbers.

Prior to collecting Rafting equipment the Duty Warden will ensure that the Leader in charge of the Activity has

  1. a) Read and signed the Rafting Requisition Form.
  2. b) Checked the equipment as being in good and serviceable condition
  3. c) Been made aware of the location of First Aid Equipment / Emergency telephone etc.

NOTE:  The Qualifications of the Leader in Charge of the Activity must be checked at the time of booking.

Attire of Instructors, Supervisors and Participants

Canoeing Helmets must be worn by Instructors and participants.
When dressing for Rafting old clothing that is acceptable for getting wet, damaged or dirty should be worn. The carrying of items in pockets should be avoided.
A strong pair of shoes or trainers must be worn, wellington boots or open toe sandals are not suitable..
Suitable buoyancy aids must be used by all participants.

  1. Emergency kit consisting of a Throw line and a First Aid kit must be available at all times and their location should be made known to all participants.
  2. Instructors must carry a knife when dealing with ropes and water, but it MUST NOT be visible to participants or onlookers when not in use.
  3. If a group is on the water there MUST be an activity instructor with them in a floating craft. If there are two instructors, one may be on the bank with a throw line but the other MUST be on the water. Instructors must have a boat with them!.
  4. Under no circumstances should a raft be dismantled whilst still on the water. The raft must be moved from the water to dry land..
  5. Participants should warm up before commencing the activity.
  6. Groups should be warned about uneven or slippery surfaces and instructed to be careful where they walk.
  7. Activity instructors must take account of the weather conditions when planning a session, e.g., wind strength and temperature.
  8. Group members and instructors must wear their buoyancy aids and suitable footwear at all times both on and off the water..
  9. Equipment must be checked that it is the correct size for the paddlers and adjusted accordingly.
  10. Two people must be used to carry each barrel and spar.
  11. Instructors should warn participants about friction burns caused by knotting the ropes.
  12. Participants should be instructed on how to lift a constructed raft using good lifting techniques..
  13. All paths must be kept clear of equipment.
  14. Any mess should be cleared from the launching area before starting the session.
  15. The raft should be launched carefully and instructors should be aware of the danger of participants slipping whilst launching, boarding or alighting from the raft.
  16. An instructors must be on the water at all times once the raft has been launched.

17,  Instructors must be aware of their responsibility for the whole group at all times and not allow themselves to be distracted. Any distracting behavioural problems must be referred to the group’s own leader.

  1. Instructors should allow sufficient time for the dismantling of the raft during the session.
  2. Instructors must respect individual preferences as not every group member may wish to get immersed.
  3. The whole group must be kept active with a mix of skills and games to prevent boredom and misbehaviour.
  4. It is the responsibility of the activity instructor to ensure that all equipment is stored correctly at the end of the session.