Rule 9.51: Paddling
a. When paddling takes place (as defined in Rule 9.48(c)) a responsible person must be in overall control of the activity. This responsible person must meet the requirements of any operating procedure (where they exist) and carry out a risk assessment for the location and activity.
b. The responsible person must arrange for safety cover to be provided by a person(s) with knowledge of water safety.
c. This person(s) need not be formally qualified but must be familiar with the safety equipment provided, be suitably equipped and dressed and have the ability to take effective emergency action.
d. The person(s) must not plan to be in the water.
e. The primary tasks of the person are to oversee the activity and in an emergency carry out effective rescue and resuscitation.
f. A minimum of one person providing safety cover must be present at all paddling activities. In addition to the individual(s) providing safety cover any minimum ratio’s for the Sections taking part must also be followed (see Chapter 3 for details).