Safety Officer Report – SAFETY DAY AT LAKE KAWANA  13/10/2011

© Barbara Dillon

Our October Safety Day had beautiful weather, still waters, a great guest speaker and a good turnout by Suncoast Senior members.
The morning began bright and early with general housekeeping issues:

• Queensland Canoeing kayaking skills booklets available to buy. Email – mark.thurgood@canoe.org.au
• Sunshine Coast Council seniors promotion booklet featuring many members.
• Tasmanian trip in February – Jim Blythe
• Chinderah camp in November – Brian Inman
• Awards presented to Alan Taylor & Jim Blythe

GARY FORREST

© Barbara Dillon

Guest speaker is an honorary member of our seniors kayaking club although, believe it or not, he is a young 42 years old. He has been honoured with the title of which the club members are delighted.
Over the past year Gary has done a lot of ocean kayaking instruction with many members (in preparation for open water kayaking trips)

• Set the pace, watching all the time for the slowest paddler’s pace.
• Incorporate the use of paddle & whistle signals as often as necessary.
• River crossing options could be to divide into two smaller groups, for safety.

Different types of leaders

• Authoritarian – controlling through verbal directions, do as I say approach.
• Democratic – guides through speech, role modelling and actions.
• Laissez faire – unclear instructions, easy going, anything will be ok.

Kayaking gear

© Barbara Dillon

Suggested equipment members may like to consider when ocean kayaking. Not a full list but maybe a starter kit.

• Spare bungy cord (8-10mm) and rope.
• Throw rope (15m) flares, glow in the dark sticks ($12) coloured sea dye.
• Spare paddle and tools to repair, including a green garbage bag for lost hatches.
• Dry bags can be blown up and used as floatation ….. “to get out of trouble”.
• Always keep kayaking equipment in good order – check regularly.
• Baby nappy rash cream for chafing.
• Use stainless steel items where possible, to avoid rust.

Water Activities

© Barbara Dillon

• Gary checked each kayak for safety (PFD’s, side ropes, bailers, pumps etc.)
• Role-playing, the different types of leadership styles, in kayaks and on the water. Which one are you?
• Swimmer deck rescue – legs in or out depending on stability. Hold onto paddler.
• Wet exist and ‘cowboy” re-entry …. along back deck.
• Sitting on kayak behind the cockpit, and paddle.
• Re-entry – move into cockpit then do the reverse to sit on back again (as above).
• Lying on the back of the kayak, paddle forward using only the hands.).

© Barbara Dillon