Safety & Enjoyment Guidelines
Safety & Enjoyment Guidelines
ALCOHOL – drinking is not allowed before or during canoeing, a sensible one in a river side establishment is acceptable.
ANGLERS – pass by quietly and quickly avoiding their lines.
AVOIDANCE & AWARENESS - for any overhanging branches, tree stumps or rocks, try to stay in the middle of the river.
BARRELS/DRYSACKS - are provided wherever possible but we cannot guarantee that they are 100% watertight.
BUOYANCY AIDS – are issued to everyone it is compulsory to wear one on the water and must be respected i.e. no sitting on them!
COMMUNICATE - with each other clearly, don’t leave slower canoes who may be struggling, they might need your help.
CUSTOMERS leaving parked cars on our property or the surrounding area do so at their own risk.
DOGS – we welcome well trained dogs and owners.
EQUIPMENT – check that you have all your belongings and ours when leaving the riverbank after stopping. Misused or lost equipment and incidents caused by negligence requiring recovery must be paid for.
FAMILIES - please ensure your children are supervised at all times on our site; no climbing; trailers reversing!
FERRY - boats at Symonds Yat – please keep to the side.
FISHING - is not allowed from boats, you must have licences and permits.
FOOTWEAR is recommended whilst canoeing – sharp rocks/glass in water!
FINISH – is at Monmouth Town Steps unless stated otherwise.
GET HELP - immediately if you/your group are in difficulty.
GROUP HIRE – Please act responsibly on the water – appoint a front & back canoe.
HELMETS - issued to under 18’s & kayakers must be worn.
KAYAKING – hire of: capsize drill and knowledge of moving water required.
LATE ARRIVALS – 5pm is usual time limit unless by prior arrangement – late charges will be incurred £10 per boat/half an hour.
LITTER endangers wildlife, there are bins at the finish for you to use.
LOST PROPERTY – if anything is left behind we will keep for a short time only.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS - Please notify the Centre Staff.; including pregnancy.
NEVER - leave U18’s on their own on the water
NOISE – Please keep to a minimum whilst paddling, respect other users.
NON-SWIMMER!! - Please notify the Centre Staff
OBSTACLES – Trees, bridge posts and overhanging branches must be avoided, look well ahead.
PICK UPS - will be charged for and must be notified asap
RAFT UP - with another canoe for stability and power, ask a member of staff.
RAPIDS – Grade 2 – follow instructions
ROWERS – please keep to the left-hand side when approaching Monmouth – come across to the right when clear.
SMOKING – is permitted outside the gate of our premises.
STOPPING - on the riverbank, please respect other people’s property.
SUN PROTECTION - is advised, water, sun cream, hat, top.
SWIMMING - is not recommended by the Centre on any part of the river.
SWANS – please keep paddling away downstream without stopping on the bank – don’t provoke them, they are a protected species.
UNDER 18’s – parental consent must be obtained; parent to sign on day
WATER – essential - please bring your own supply
WE strongly recommend 2 adults per canoe with young children and 1 adult in the canoe with teenagers.
Capsize: In the event of a capsize: if in rapids stay away from and upstream of the canoe, don’t try to stand, float feet first on your back until the current slows down:
- •Check safety of all crew members/check under canoe
- •Gather paddles and belongings
- •Follow capsize drill:
A swamped canoe should be swum to the shallows by holding on with one hand and swimming using the other arm and legs. Rest as often as necessary. Where two paddlers are involved hold onto opposite sides.
When emptying remember that there is no point at all in lifting water.
When two people are present, the simplest method is to stand one each end turn the canoe the right way up under water and merely lift with a continuous rolling action until it is upside down above the water, empty.
Then turn it the right way and place it back on the water.
Be Safe and have fun!
Monmouth Canoe Team.
