Westerfolds Park Risk Management Plan - Canoeing Victoria ...

Westerfolds Park 

Risk Management Plan

Canoeing Victoria 

Risk Management Plan 

Contents: 

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................................... 4 

Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 

Location ................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 

Intended Users: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 

Version Control...................................................................................................................................................................... 4 

Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4 

Emergency Procedures: ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 

Paddler Injury: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5 

Environmental Risk/Incident (fire, flood storm).................................................................................................................... 7 

Emergency Evacuation Point ................................................................................................................................................. 7 

Emergency Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................................... 7 

Chain of Command: ............................................................................................................................................................... 7 

Scrutineering ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8 

Personal Floatation Devices- PFD (Buoyancy Vest)........................................................................................................... 8 

Helmet............................................................................................................................................................................... 8 

Other equipment .............................................................................................................................................................. 8 

First Aid ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 

Contact .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 

Medical Information .............................................................................................................................................................. 8 

First Aid Equipment ............................................................................................................................................................... 9 

Incident Forms ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9 

Resources .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9 

Member Protection ................................................................................................................................................................. 10 

Harassment ......................................................................................................................................................................... 10 

Code of Conduct .................................................................................................................................................................. 10 

Fairness ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11 

Respect ............................................................................................................................................................................ 11 

Responsibility .................................................................................................................................................................. 11 

Safety .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11 

Child Protection Policy .................................................................................................................................................... 12 

Risk Analysis ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13 

Index .................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 

Appendix 1 – Incident Report Form ......................................................................................................................................... 20 

Appendix 2 – First Aid Record Sheet ........................................................................................................................................ 21 

Appendix 3 – Safety Instruction Checklist ............................................................................................................................... 22 

Appendix 5 – Contact List ........................................................................................................................................................ 24 

Appendix 6 – Emergency Contacts .......................................................................................................................................... 25 

Appendix 7 –Instructor Check List: .......................................................................................................................................... 26 

Lead Instructor ................................................................................................................................................................ 26 

Assistant Instructors ....................................................................................................................................................... 26 

Appendix 8 - CONFIDENTIAL RECORD OF FORMAL COMPLAINT ............................................................................................. 27 

Appendix 9 CONFIDENTIAL RECORD OF INFORMAL COMPLAINT ........................................................................................... 31 

Appendix 10 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 33 

Westerfolds Park - Templestowe Version 2 Page 2 of 34



Evacuation Procedure ......................................................................................................................................................... 33 

High Risk Forecast Conditions ......................................................................................................................................... 33 

Evacuation Meeting point: .............................................................................................................................................. 33 

Evacuation Procedure: .................................................................................................................................................... 33 

Appendix 11 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 34 

Sun Smart Policy .................................................................................................................................................................. 34 

Appendix 12 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 34 

Smokefree policy ................................................................................................................................................................. 34 

Appendix 13 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 34 

Lightening Policy.................................................................................................................................................................. 34 

Appendix 14 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 34 

Bushfire Policy ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34 

Appendix 15 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 34 

Green Algae Policy ............................................................................................................................................................... 34 

Appendix 17 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 34 

Heat Policy – Sports Medicine Australia.............................................................................................................................. 34 




EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

PURPOSE 

Paddling (including Canoeing, Kayaking and any other forms of paddling) is potentially a dangerous but enjoyable activity. 

It is therefore incumbent that Canoeing Victoria as the organizers of activities, the instructors / guides and activity 

administration staff observe basic risk management techniques. 

This Risk Management Plan has been developed to assist the organizers and instructors to identify, assess and provide 

treatment of issues should they arise during the paddling activity. 

LOCATION 

Westerfolds Park, Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. Westerfolds Park is an Urban park based on the Yarra River in 

Templestowe. The Park has a Parks Victoria head office, hosts Canoeing Victoria head office has land line access, good 

mobile phone access at the river and landing to access the river. Ample parking for participants, bbq facilities in the park 

and many walking tracks. 

The Canoeing Victoria Education centre has a land line phone installed, can provide shelter, change rooms and electricity 

and tea making facilities. 

INTENDED USERS: 

Canoeing Victoria Administrative Staff 

Canoeing Victoria employed Instructor / Guide Activity staff 

VERSION CONTROL 

Date Author Version Details 

4 Sept 08 Sharon Swoboda Version 1 

2 Dec 10 Sharon Swoboda Version 2 

DEFINITIONS 

Definitions 

Activity 

Lead Instructor 

Assistant Instructor 

Administration 




EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: 

PADDLER INJURY: 

In the event of a paddler becoming injured off the water: 

a) The Lead instructor will assess the injury and determine the best course of action which may entail: 

a. Administering First Aid 

b. Calling for assistance using a mobile Phone or land line. 

c. Organising extraction of injured participant 

b) The Lead instructor will determine whether the Activity can continue with the assistant instructor taking charge. 

In the event of a paddler becoming injured on the water: 

a) The Lead instructor or assistants will conduct a river rescue and locate the participant to the closest safe river 

bank. 

b) Assistant instructor will ensure that the remaining participants exit the water safely and are grouped and 

accounted for. 

c) The Activity will be suspended until such time the lead instructor deems the Activity can continue safely. 

i) Once the paddler is located to the river bank the lead instructor or assistants will: 

i. Assess the situation 

ii. Administer first aid 

iii. Call for assistance if required using a mobile phone 

iv. Organise extraction of injured participant. 

d) If for any reason an Instructor (Lead or Assistant) is not available to conduct a river rescue, a participant 

nearest to the incident and with personal safety paramount, assist the injured paddler as best as possible: 

i) Maneuver the paddler to the nearest river bank. 

ii) Flag down another participant to raise the alarm to an instructor, other paddlers or spectators on 

the river bank. 

iii) Provide assistance to the best of their knowledge and ability. 

iv) Stay with the injured person until further assistance is provided. 

In the event that a paddler becomes separated from the Group. 

a) Prior to the commencement of the Activity, the group is to be instructed on the procedure should they become 

separated. 

a. On the assumption of no mobile phone service being available, the paddler is instructed to make their 

way to the nearest safe exit point on the bank and exit the water. 

b. The paddler should tie something brightly coloured to a tree or branch that could be seen from the river 

as far as possible to indicate their position. 

c. The Paddler should remain where they are to be rescued/ located. To leave a safe situation off the 

water is not advisable as this may provide greater confusion. 




b) Prior to the Activity commencement, all paddlers should be assigned a buddy who is responsible for accounting 

for them during the Activity as a means of backup for the instructor. At each pause in the Activity, each 

participant should account for their buddy and report any issues or missing persons immediately. 

In the event that behavioural issues create an adverse risk to the group or the instructors, the instructors will 

suspend the Activity and remove the participant from the water and ensure that all participants remain 

supervised. The adverse risk will be assessed by the Lead Instructor. 

a) The participant in question will be removed from the water with supervision provided by an instructor. This 

may require the suspension of the entire activity until such alternative supervision is provided. 




ENVIRONMENTAL RISK/INCIDENT (FIRE, FLOOD STORM) 

Please refer to attached policies that will outline the guidelines as to when the Activity needs to be suspended due to 

publicized forecast conditions (Lightening, Bushfire, Green Algae, Strong winds / storm). 

EMERGENCY EVACUATION POINT 

Lower Car Park – Westerfolds Park 

EMERGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES 

In the event that an emergency or first aid is required during 

the Activity, the Lead Instructor is responsible for: 

a) Organize the administration of first aid and / or 

contact other medical personnel if deemed 

necessary (ie 000). 

b) Organise the extraction 

c) Ensure the continued safety of the other 

instructors and participants. 

d) Co-ordinate the incident report. 

e) Notify the Canoeing Victoria office / Contact as 

soon as practicable. 

CHAIN OF COMMAND: 


Assistant Instructor 1 

Participants. 

Once the injured person has been handed over to an official First Aid provider (Ambulance, First Aid, Hospital) the 

Lead instructor can reconvene or rejoin the Activity if they feel it appropriate. 




SCRUTINEERING 

Scrutineering will be conducted prior to the Activity commencement and will meet the following standards. 

PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICES- PFD (BUOYANCY VEST) 

• PFD must be worn by all paddlers while participating 

• The PFD must be in good condition and must be labeled with one of the following standards. Australian 

Standard AS 1499-1996-Personal Flotation Device Type 2. European Standard EN 393-1933 Lifejackets-50N 

Australian Standard AS2260-1996- Personal Floatation Device Type 3 

HELMET 

• A helmet must be worn by all paddlers while participating 

• Canoeing and approved surf helmets are preferred. The helmet shall provide solid protection to the temple and 

forehead region. The helmet, buckle and straps must be in good repair. 

• The helmet must allow the passage of water when held at an angle 

• Motorcycle, Ice Hockey and Industrial Safety helmets are not approved 

• Elastic chin straps are not allowed 

OTHER EQUIPMENT 

• All participants to wear appropriate footwear to protect the bottom of their feet. 

• Paddles shall be of strong and safe construction with no sharp edges 

• Emergency rations should be available and include high calorific food/fluid 

• Hypothermia safeguards as appropriate (change of clothes, blankets, warm drinks etc) 

FIRST AID 

CONTACT 

Activity Instructors are the First Aiders and will possess at a minimum Level 2 First Aid Qualification. 

Please refer to the Emergency Contact Appendix for relevant Activity instructor details. 

MEDICAL INFORMATION 

Participants (via their convener) will provide any medical information they feel relevant prior to the Activity and details 

will be held by the Lead Activity instructor for the period of the Activity and then destroyed afterwards. 




Any medical information declared stored in a secure folder, or any copies held at the Canoeing Victoria will be destroyed 

after the completion of the Activity. 

FIRST AID EQUIPMENT 

Every Instructor on the Activity will carry an appropriately outfitted first aid kit 

INCIDENT FORMS 

Incident forms will be filled out whenever first aid is administered and forwarded to the Canoeing Victoria Office. 

RESOURCES 

Medical information 

Incident forms 

Emergency Procedure 

Communications plan 




MEMBER PROTECTION 

HARASSMENT 

(extract from the Australian Canoeing Member Protection by-law that will be implemented during the Activity). 

Australian Canoeing Inc. aims to provide a sport environment where all those involved in its activities are treated with 

dignity and respect, and without harassment or discrimination. 

Australian Canoeing Inc. recognises that all those involved in its activities cannot enjoy themselves, perform to their best, 

or be effective or fully productive if they are being treated unfairly, discriminated against or harassed because of their age, 

disability, family responsibilities, gender identity, homosexuality or sexual orientation, irrelevant medical or criminal 

record, marital status, political belief, pregnancy or breastfeeding, race, religion, sex, social origin and/or trade union 

membership/activity. 

Australian Canoeing Inc. prohibits all forms of harassment and discrimination based on personal characteristics listed in 

the Dictionary. Discrimination and harassment are extremely distressing, offensive, humiliating and/or threatening and 

create an uncomfortable and unpleasant environment. In most circumstances discrimination and harassment are against 

the law. 

Descriptions of some of the types of behaviour which could be regarded as harassment or discrimination are provided in 

the Dictionary at clause 11. 

If any person feels they are being harassed or discriminated against by another person or organisation bound by this 

policy, please refer to our complaints procedure outlined in attachment C of this policy. This will explain what to do about 

the behaviour and how the Australian Canoeing Inc. will deal with the problem. 

CODE OF CONDUCT 


Australian Canoeing Inc. expects high standards of behaviour from all people involved in the sport. It is vital that the 

integrity of the sport is maintained in accordance with the four guiding principles: Fairness, Respect, Responsibility and 

Safety as outlined in The Essence of Australian Sport’s Universal Code of Behaviour. 

As a person required to comply with this By-Law, you must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct 

during any activity held or sanctioned by Australian Canoeing, a State Association or an Affiliated Club and in any role you 

hold within Australian Canoeing, a State Association or an Affiliated Club: 




FAIRNESS 


• Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport, promoting fair play over winning at any cost. 

• Encourage opportunities for participants to learn appropriate behaviours and skills. 

• Encourage participation in all aspects of the sport. 

• Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealing with others. 

RESPECT 


• Treat each person as an individual. 

• Be a positive role model. 

• Display control, tolerance and courtesy to all involved with the activity. 

• Value the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or 

religion. 

• Do not use your involvement with Australian Canoeing, a State Association or an Affiliated Club to promote your 

own beliefs, behaviours or practices where these are inconsistent with those of Australian Canoeing, the State 

Associations or the Affiliated Clubs. 

RESPONSIBILITY 


• Ensure interaction with persons under the age of 18 years is appropriate and that unaccompanied and 

unobserved activities are avoided wherever practical. 

• Adopt appropriate behaviour in relation to the use of alcohol and recreational and performance enhancing drugs. 

• Act with integrity and accept responsibility for your actions. 

• Make a commitment to providing quality service. 

• Understand your responsibility if you breach, or are aware of any breaches of this code of Behaviour. 

SAFETY 


• Ensure your actions contribute to a safe environment. 

• Ensure your actions contribute to a harassment free environment. 

• Do not tolerate violence or abusive behaviours. 

• Show concern and caution towards others who may be sick or injured. 




CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 


All instructors will have a current and checked working with children check. 

Every person and organisation bound by this policy must always place the safety and welfare of children above all other 

considerations. 

Australian Canoeing Inc. acknowledges that our staff, members, volunteers and paid contractors provide a valuable 

contribution to the positive experiences of our juniors. Australian Canoeing Inc. aims to ensure this continues and to 

protect the safety and welfare of its junior participants. Several measures will be used to achieve this such as: 

• Prohibiting any form of abuse against children; 

• Providing opportunities for our juniors to contribute to and provide feedback on our program development; 

• Carefully selecting and screening people whose role requires them to have direct and/or unsupervised contact 

with children. (Screening procedures are outlined in Part B of this By-law); 

• Ensuring our codes of conduct, particularly for roles associated with junior sport, are promoted, enforced and 

reviewed; 

• Providing procedures for raising concerns or complaints (our complaints procedure is outlined in Part C of this Bylaw); 

and 

• Providing education and/or information to those involved in our sport on child abuse and child protection. 

Australian Canoeing Inc. requires that any child who is abused or anyone who reasonably suspects that a child has been or 

is being abused by someone within our sport, to report it immediately to the police or relevant government agency and 

MPIO. Descriptions of the sorts of activity which may be abuse are in the Dictionary at clause 11. 

All allegations of child abuse will be dealt with promptly, seriously, sensitively and confidentially. A person will not be 

victimised for reporting an allegation of child abuse and the privacy of all persons concerned will be respected. Our 

procedures for handling allegations of child abuse are outlined in attachment C of this policy. 

If anyone bound by this policy reasonably suspects that a child is being abused by his or her parent/s, they are advised to 

contact the relevant government department for youth, family and community services in their state/territory. 


RISK ANALYSIS 

INDEX 

CONSEQUEN 

CE 

Insignificant 

First aid 

Minor 

Medical treatment 

Moderate 

Hospitalisation 

Major 

Single death/ 

multiple injuries 

Catastrophic 

Multiple deaths 

Likelihood x 1 2 3 4 5 

Almost Certain 

Event expected to occur 5 

Likely 

Event may occur 4 

Moderate 

Event may occur once in 3 events 3 

Unlikely 

Event may occur once in 10 events 2 

Rare 

Event occurs only in exceptional circumstance 1 

Moderate 

5 

Low 

4 

Low 

3 

Low 

2 

Low 

1 

Significant 

10 

Moderate 

8 

Moderate 

6 

Low 

4 

Low 

2 

High 

15 

Significant 

12 

Moderate 

9 

Moderate 

6 

Low 

3 

High 

20 

High 

16 

Significant 

12 

Moderate 

8 

Low 

4 

High 

25 

High 

20 

High 

15 

Significant 

10 

Moderate 

5

RISK MANAGEMENT 

HAZARD 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

CONTROL 

PERSON 

RESPONSIBLE 

REMEDY 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

Paddlers suffer sunstroke 

/ sunburn 

Paddlers suffer from Foot 

injury 

4 4 16 • Sunscreen provided free for all participants for 

the duration of the Activity. 

• Water to be readily available to all participants 

• Activity Safety Instruction reminder 

• Weather conditions monitored 

• Activity cancelled or modified if excess heat 

predicted. 

• Pre Activity information reminder. 

3 6 18 • Footwear required to enter and exit boat 

including at portages. 

• Pre Activity information reminder 

• Safety Instruction reminder 

• General site inspection with concentration 

around exit and entry points 

Lead Instructor 2 2 4 


Safety Instruction 

2 4 8 

Person trips/falls in 

landing area 

3 3 9 • Site inspection 

• Obstacle or condition identified and reported at 




2 3 6 

Paddler falls whilst 

launching/exiting craft 

on/from river 

3 6 18 • Pre Activity Safety Instruction 

• Instructor on site to assist at exit and entry point. 

• Provide carpet at exit points if deemed necessary 



2 2 4 



HAZARD 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

CONTROL 

PERSON 

RESPONSIBLE 

REMEDY 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

Paddler struck in the 

water and deemed 

unconscious (by other 

craft or obstacle 

2 8 16 • All paddlers to be wearing an approved PFD and 

helmet 

• All paddlers will be expected to provide on water 

assistance where ever necessary 



1 4 4 

• All Instructors are to carry first aid kits. 

. 

Paddler capsizes during 

trip 

5 1 5 • Safety Instruction reviews capsize procedure. 

• All paddlers to render assistance where 

necessary. 

• PFD’s and helmets required to be worn by all 

paddlers. 



4 4 16 

Paddler suffers 

dehydration 

4 8 32 • Activity is run at a site with adequate water 

supplies 

• Monitor the weather 



3 6 18 

• Cancel the Activity if conditions exceed 40 

degrees 

Paddler suffers 

hypothermia / 

hyperthermia 

4 4 16 • Safety Instruction to advise of weather conditions 

• Participants advised of appropriate paddling 

clothing 

• On water rescue 



Will vary 

depending on 

conditions of the 

day. 

3 3 9 



HAZARD 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

CONTROL 

PERSON 

RESPONSIBLE 

REMEDY 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

Paddler steps on syringe 

whilst entering /exiting 

water at start / finish 

1 8 8 • All paddlers required to wear footwear 

• Safety Instruction reminder 

Paddler suffers fatigue 5 5 25 • Instructors assess the paddlers competency and 

condition at all times and determines whether 

they can continue or not. 

• Reshuffle of paddlers to partner stronger 

paddlers or instructors. 



1 5 5 


Paddler experiences poor 

visibility (fog) 

2 2 4 • Weather Conditions monitored 

• Activity cancelled or delayed 


Black water 1 3 3 • Monitor river conditions 

• Cancel or delay Activity 

E-coli levels high but 

acceptable 

2 4 8 • Monitor River conditions 

• Advise paddlers at Safety Instruction of risk / 

consequences (such as open wounds) 

• Advise First Aid 





HAZARD 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

CONTROL 

PERSON 

RESPONSIBLE 

REMEDY 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

E-Coli levels unacceptable 

to participate 

Storm with lightening 

occurs 

Temperature exceeds 35 

degrees C or is intended 

to exceed 35 degrees 

during the Activity of the 

event. 

1 3 3 • Monitor River Conditions 

• Cancel the Activity 

2 8 16 • Implement the lightening policy 

• Delay, cancel or abandon Activity 

2 6 12 • Monitor Weather conditions 

• Assess the activity 

• Assess the shade / coverage 

• Reschedule to cooler part of day 

• Cancel event 




Debris in water 

Is there potential for 

debris to be in the water 

or remain in the water 

causing hazard to other 

participants, users or 

vessels 

4 8 32 • Pre Activity inspection 

• Hazards highlighted during Safety Instruction 

• Activity amended as required 

. 


Failure of Rescue Service 

Is there potential that the 

rescue vessel/s may not 

1 3 3 • Evacuation points identified on maps 

• Adequate rescue (on and off water) applicable for 

number of entrants 



1 1 1 



HAZARD 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

CONTROL 

PERSON 

RESPONSIBLE 

REMEDY 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

reach those affected or be 

unable to affect a rescue 

for the potential number 

of people in the water at 

any one time 

• All Instructors qualified in First Aider (level 2). 

• All Instructors carry First Aid 

• Emergency procedure outlined to manage 

paddler inaccessibility 

• Instructors and participants to provide assistance 

wherever possible. 

Communication failure 

Is there potential that 

communication with 

emergency services fails 

Failure to raise emergency 

alarm 

Is there the ability for 

participants and 

Instructors to raise the 

alarm and implement the 

appropriate response 

3 3 9 • Multiple mobile phones and land line 

communication will provide backup to each other 

(instructors, participants, venue) 

2 2 4 • Emergency and communications plan will provide 

procedure on managing emergency situations. 

Risk of Bushfire 1 5 5 • Monitor Weather Conditions 

• Implement the Bushfire Policy 



Lead Instructor / 

CV Admin 

1 5 5 



HAZARD 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

CONTROL 

PERSON 

RESPONSIBLE 

REMEDY 

LIKELIHOOD 

CONSEQUENCE 

RISK RATING 

River level High 

Above 1m at Westefolds 

Gauge 

River level too low 

0.5m 

• Delay, cancel or abandon Activity 

• Refer Bushfire Policy/Procedures 

1 3 3 • Monitor site and review prior to commencement 

of activity including paddler ability and activity 

• Delay, cancel or abandon activity 

2 3 6 • Monitor site and review prior to commencement 

of activity 

• Delay, cancel or abandon activity 


Lead instructor 2 3 6 


CANOEING VICTORIA - RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN 

APPENDIX 1 – INCIDENT REPORT FORM 

Event ____________________________________________________ Date ________________________________ 

Responsible Instructor/s ____________________________________ ____________________________________ 

Position __________________________________________________ ____________________________________ 

1. Note any ACTIVITY INCIDENT here. 

2. Please return this record sheet to the Canoeing Victoria Office at the conclusion of the Activity. 

Time of incident: ____________________ Date___________________ 

Boats / paddler name and/or description: 

Name 

Description 

A: 

B: 

C: 

D: 

Incident Situation (Safety Instruction, Activity unit, day1 etc 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Description of incident: 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Diagram of incident (Use labels as per list above): 



APPENDIX 2 – FIRST AID RECORD SHEET 

Event ____________________________________________________ Date ___________________________________ 

Responsible Instructor/s ____________________________________________________________________________ 

3. Note any first aid provision here. 

4. Inform the Safety Officer of any urgent incident or any case needed further treatment. 

5. Please return this record sheet to Canoeing Victoria State office at the conclusion of the Activity,. 

First aid recipient’s 

name 

Time 

arrived 

Signs/Symptoms 

Action taken 



APPENDIX 3 – SAFETY INSTRUCTION CHECKLIST 

Event ____________________________________________________ Date ___________________________________ 

Instructor _________________________________________________ _______________________________________ 

1. Following is the minimum requirement for a marathon race Safety Instruction. 

2. Complete details under each section. 

3. Tick each item as it is announced. 

4. At the conclusion of the Safety Instruction the Chief Official should sign this checklist. 

5. Keep this document with all race records. 

Welcome all Activity participants 

Activity description/Changes 

Activity Content 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Skill Expectations 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

River Conditions, Obstacles / Hazards 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Conditions and Obstacles 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Scrutineering 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Safety Issues 

Craft buoyancy 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 



_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Sun safe policy 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Assistance and redress 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Evacuation Procedure and Extraction point (in case of bushfire/environmental factors) 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Other Safety Requirements 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Any Other Issues 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Signed: 

__________________________________________ 




APPENDIX 5 – CONTACT LIST 

POSITION LOCATION Name Mobile # 


Assistant instructor 




On-River 

On River 

On River 

On River 

On River 

Canoe Vic 

Canoe Vic 

Emergency 

Off Water –on 

location 

Off Water – off 

location 

Bold indicates First Aiders 



APPENDIX 6 – EMERGENCY CONTACTS 

EVENT CONTACT 


Assistant Instructor (1) 

ACTIVITY PLAN 

DATE 

RIVER CONDITIONS 

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS 

CRAFT 

GROUP TOTAL 

RELATED CONTACTS 

Canoeing Victoria Education Shed 

Parks Victoria 

EPA 

Council - Manningham 

Marine Safety Victoria 

Melbourne Water 

98468501 

99550814 

9695 2722 (office hours) 

(03) 9840 9333 (all hours) 

(03) 9655 3399 or 1800 223 022 

131722 


Sharon Swoboda 0430366441 / Andrea Boothroyd 0430366442 

EMERGENCY CONTACTS 

Ambulance 

Fire 

Police 

Phone 000 state location 



Weather 

Bureau or Meteorology 1196 or 

www.bom.gov.au 1900 955 363 

HOSPITAL Austin Hospital – Burgundy St / Studley Rd, Heidelberg. 9496 5000 

EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS POINTS 

Westerfolds Park – Lower Car Park. 



APPENDIX 7 –INSTRUCTOR CHECK LIST: 

LEAD INSTRUCTOR 

a) Emergency Contact List 

b) Contact / Communication information 

c) First Aid Kit 

d) Mobile phone 

e) Emergency procedure 

f) Safety checklist 

g) Incident report sheets 

h) Provision for Lunch / refreshments. 

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS 

a) Emergency Contact List 

b) First aid kit 

c) Evacuation and checkpoint information (maps) 

d) Incident report sheets 

e) Communication equipment 

f) Contact information 



Religion Verbal abuse 

Pregnancy Physical abuse 

Disability Victimisation 

Child Abuse 

Other ………………………………………………………………… 

Methods (if any) of attempted 

informal resolution 

Support person (if any) 

Formal resolution procedures 

followed (outline) 

If investigated: 



Finding - 

If went to hearing tribunal: 

Decision – 

Action recommended - 

If mediated: 

Date of mediation – 

Were both parties present – 

Terms of Agreement - 

Any other action taken - 

If went to appeals tribunal: 

Decision 



Action recommended 

Resolution 

Less than 3 months to resolve 

Between 3 – 8 months to resolve 

More than 8 months to resolve 

Completed by 

Name: 

Position in Australian Canoeing Inc. 

Signature: / / 

Signed by: 

Complainant: 

Respondent: 



Feelings expressed by 

complainant 

(completing this may help to separate 

emotional content from facts) 

What they want to happen to fix 

issue 

What information I provided 

What they are going to do now 

This record and any notes must be kept in a confidential place – do not enter it on a computer system. If the issue 

becomes a formal complaint, this record is to be sent to the President or their Nominee. 



APPENDIX 10 

EVACUATION PROCEDURE 

HIGH RISK FORECAST CONDITIONS 

The following combined conditions are deemed as high risk factors for bushfires in Victoria 

• Code Red as defined by the CFA. Or 

• Temperatures over 40 degrees 

• North / north westerly winds greater than 20knots 

• Total fire Ban day 

• Any additional warnings from the CFA, MFB, State or 

local Government 

Should these conditions prevail, Canoeing Victoria expects all 

canoeing activities to be cancelled and the office of Canoeing 

Victoria will be closed. 

EVACUATION MEETING POINT: 

Westerfolds Park, Lower Car Park 

EVACUATION PROCEDURE: 

The instructor will assess whether it is safe to exit the water and proceed with the evacuation procedure. 

• All participants will exit the water as quickly and as safely as possible. 

• Equipment is to be secured as well as time permits. (keeping other personnel such as emergency services safety 

in mind). 

• All participants to be accounted for (head count) 

• All participants to identify a buddy. 

• Instructor kit collected and taken – including emergency contacts, first aid kit, mobile phone, medical 

information, contact list etc 

• Proceed as quickly as possible to the evacuation meeting point. 

• Once at meeting point, take another head count to ensure all participants are accounted for. 

• Instructor to contact emergency services and those on the communication list to inform of situation and 

participant status. 

• Instructor to wait and follow emergency instructions as directed by the authorities. 

• Whenever possible, the instructor will continue to update the Canoeing Victoria office who will inform those on 

the communications plan. 



APPENDIX 11 

SUN SMART POLICY 

APPENDIX 12 

SMOKEFREE POLICY 

APPENDIX 13 

LIGHTENING POLICY 

APPENDIX 14 

BUSHFIRE POLICY 

APPENDIX 15 

GREEN ALGAE POLICY 

APPENDIX 17 

HEAT POLICY – SPORTS MEDICINE AUSTRALIA

Westerfolds Park Risk Management Plan - Canoeing Victoria ...

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