Trip Leader Check List: White Water Multi day
RACCC WW CHECKLISTS –
see this and other trip planning resources.
FOR White Water TRIP LEADERS
Before leaving
Check weather forecast and water levels, ensuring trip is safe to run
Ensure that all trip participants are on the RACCC’s WW List
Call an Executive member to get the shed combination for the week of your trip
Access the binder in the shed for Trip Forms and Boat Reservations:
o List all participants including vehicle details and emergency contact
o Reserve the boats you need for the date(s) of your trip
Discuss carpooling arrangements and cost-sharing
Discuss any applicable medical issues and food restrictions amongst participants
Ensure participants meet trip requirements for skill/endurance/gear
All paddlers must have PFD, helmet, whistle, paddle, boat
River rescue and first aid: designate leaders and identify others with training
Get the necessary kits from the shed: first aid, hypothermia, pin.
Make shuttle arrangements and confirm rendez-vous points
Make a “Backup Plan”
o Communicate trip itinerary to emergency contact / ‘guardian angel’
o Formulate extraction plan in case of emergency
o Consult list of hospitals for nearest facility
Remove flotation bags for transit, and bring air pump
At the put-in
Run shuttle, make sure your entire group is accounted for
Discuss and agree on “Club Insurance”
Discuss safety issues and review river signals
Designate lead and sweep boats
Trip leader carries the first aid kit; other kits distributed amongst group
All paddlers must have PFD, helmet, whistle, paddle, boat
All boats must have a bailer, a throw-rope, and a spare paddle
On the river
Safety is priority #1
All paddlers must have PFD, helmet, whistle, paddle
Keep PFDs and helmets on and fastened at all times, including when scouting
Bring along paddles and throw-ropes when scouting
No shame to walk: encourage participants to stay within their abilities
Keep the group together and in visible/audible range
When your trip is done
Make sure your entire group is accounted for at the takeout
While shuttle is running, other people sort gear and remove air bags for transport
Replace boats and gear at the shed
Finish trip form, collect and submit rental fees for club boats
ADDITIONAL STEPS FOR MULTI-DAY TRIPS
Group logistics for longer trips:
Use resources provided at www.raccc.ca and in RACCC Handbook for planning trip and calculating costs
Make reservations, if applicable:
Camping
Commercial shuttle
Boats & gear
Routes and destinations:
Review route, departure time, put in time & expected take out & return time
Have one river map per boat
Review paddling route, identify paddlers with prior experience on this route
Discuss paddling distances, portages, and hazards
Emergency planning:
Ensure that all participants have shared emergency contact information and that this information is in the hands of the trip’s ‘guardian angel’
Identify egress points and hospitals along your route
WW PARTICIPANT REMINDERS
Did you leave your itinerary with a friend or family member?
Did you specify an emergency contact on the Trip Form?
Who are the leaders on the river, for first-aid, and for rescue?
Do you have your gear?
o PFD, helmet, wet/dry suit, footwear
o Throw bag, bailer/pump, spare paddle
o Whistle/mirror/flashlight
o Food and water
o Sunscreen, bug spray/shirt, matches
o Driver’s license, health card, spare keys, cash/money
Do you know where you’re going / driving directions?
Did you pay?
o Club boat rental fees
o If carpooling, your driver