Fort Langley Canoe ClubVoyageur Safety Manual

IntroductionThis guide contains essential information about canoeing rules and safety and guidelines set out by Fort Langley Canoe Club to reflect its local conditions. Footnotes will be added to direct the reader to additional, relevant material.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. All paddlers are expected to be familiar with the general rules of safe canoeing (See Transport Canada’s Safe Canoeing Guide – especially the “Human Power” sections1).

As part of membership of FLCC, members must know the FLCC safety procedures and how to use the safety equipment provided.

Only paid-up FLCC members, or guests who have signed a waiver and paid the drop-in fee, may use club equipment. Alcohol and drug use do not mix with any sports. 

It is the responsibility of each and every paddler to decide for themselves whether they, and their intended crew-mates, are sufficiently skilled and equipped to cope with the current and potential weather and river conditions.

Know your limits and stay within them! 

1 Safe Boasting Guide may be read at, or downloaded from, http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/marinesafety/TP-511e.pdf?WT.mc_id=87y56

Personal Floatation Device   (PFD)

FLCC requires PFDs to be worn and correctly fitted and fastened on all FLCC docks and ramps, and in canoes – No Exception.

PFDs must be Canadian approved2 and properly fitted - and replaced if worn or damaged.  

NB. At the time of writing, PFDs made by Vaikobi - a new popular brand – are NOT Canadian approved and do NOT meet the requirements of FLCC’s insurers. Vaikobi PFDs are not permitted as this will invalidate the insurance for all paddlers – not just for those wearing a Vaikobi PFD.

FLCC recommends attaching a pea-less whistle to the PFD. Blowing a whistle loudly is much easier than shouting for help over an extended period. FLCC recommends carrying a “space blanket”.

FLCC recommends that all paddlers carry two 81mg aspirin to be chewed in the event of a suspected, or actual, heart attack.

Safety on club docks

Never be alone on the club docks, especially during freshet3.  

Never run on a dock.

Paddlesport Dock (with boathouses). The ramp on the down-river end of this dock is designed to facilitate getting out of the water. This is a Township public facility, open from dawn until dusk, and will be accessed by many people other than rowers and paddlers. Share the space respectfully.

Canoe Dock (in front of Marina Park). Escape ladders are fitted to the end of the north and middle fingers of the dock.  Learn how to use these ladders.

Riverside dock (in front of the pub) is high and has no ladder - allow the current to move you to either the Canoe Dock or Paddlesport dock.  Do not tire yourself moving against the current.Safety Equipment – specific to a Voyageur

2 Canadian Approved PFDs have been approved by one, or more, of Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada or Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 3 Freshet is the name given to the increase in the height and speed of flow of the river during the period of the spring thaw further up-river. It usually runs from early May into July, but no two years are alike.

Before setting off from the dock, FLCC Voyageurs are required to carry:

1 Throw bag. Also known as a Heaving Line4, it contains a strong floating line about 15m long. Two are recommended. Learn how to use a throw-bag from inside a Voyageur5

1 Bailer required. Ensure it is tied to the canoe. Two are recommended

1 Noise making device – A pea-less whistle is recommended on all pfds

1 Spare paddle

First Aid Kit in drybag

Cell phone in a drybag

List of potential ambulance pick-up points.6 This consists of a waterproof map of the area around Fort Langley and access points agreed with the Emergency Services.

White light (non-flashing and able to be visible from 360 degrees around the canoe) is required if the canoe might be on the water after sunset or before sunrise. NB Special permission is required from the Voyageur rep and Safety Officer to be permitted to take a Voyageur on the water before sunrise or after sunset.

Roles & Responsibilities

The Steersperson

4 A list of Nautical and Boating terms are presented in Appendix 3.5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zJOL40GOtc is one demonstration of using a throw bag. Being from land, this is an approximate demonstration.6 A copy of the current instructions is included as Appendix 2.

The steersperson is legally responsible for the safety of crew and equipment, others on the water, safe handling of the canoe, and compliance with all safety rules and laws.

Paddlers must respect the steersperson’s responsibility, listen to and respond to all commands from the steersperson at all times.

Before going on to the water, the steersperson should lead a discussion with the crew to identify any known or potential safety hazards.

All Crew Members

It is common for a paddling trip to be ‘led’ by someone other than the steersperson. This person may be organizing a specific activity relating to training or coaching, or possibly identifying a particular point of interest along the way. As such, it may seem as if this leader is assuming responsibility, but it is always the steersperson who must retain the overall control of the canoe and paddlers.

All crew members must learn and help with duties such as preparing the canoe, lines and safety equipment; launching the canoe, coiling the lines and moving canoes. And, at the end of the paddle, putting everything away again – clean and ship-shape for the next users.

All crew members must be aware of any crew issues, such as:- non-swimmers and anxious paddlers must be identified to ensure they are given the help they need in case of an incident- health issues must be identified. Eg if a paddler carries an epipen, the seat-mate needs to know where it is and how to administer it. 

Identify a back-up steersperson to take immediate control if required.

Identify a First Aid assistant.

Identify a “buddy” to look out for each paddler, if there is an incident.

Identify a person capable of using the throw bag if necessary.

Identify pointers to observe a Man Over Board if necessary.

The Steersperson’s Commands

FLCC expects all crews to use consistent commands.  This ensures that steerspersons and paddlers can readily switch crews without confusion being caused by unusual instructions.

The Basic Commands:

Bumpers in – bring bumpers (also called Fenders) in to the canoe just prior to leaving a dock or another.

Bumpers out – hang the bumpers over the gunwale prior to docking or coming alongside another canoe.

Paddles up – Paddles raised, ready to take the first stroke.

Take it away – Start paddling, following the stroke’s lead.

Let it run – Stop paddling, paddles placed across the lap, let the canoe glide under its own momentum.

Hold the Canoe – Paddlers plunge blade vertically into the water, perpendicular to the gunwale and brace with their body to stop the canoe moving forwards or backwards.

Hold Hard – Paddlers drive their paddle down into the water doing a back stroke and then hold firm vertically in the water to stop the canoe as quickly as possible. You may need to command back paddle.

Back it down – Slowly paddle in reverse to back the canoe up, staying in time with the strokes. Counting the strokes often helps.

Brace – All paddles out flat and just below the water’s surface to stabilize the canoe, used when crew members are moving in the canoe or if a very big wave/swell is about to hit.

Draw Right/Left – Paddlers reach out sideways to pull water towards and down under the side of the canoe. If stationary, paddlers on the opposite side should balance for stability.

Pry Right/Left – The opposite of draw – the paddle is inserted beside the canoe and water is pushed away from the canoe at 90 degrees. The paddle may be placed against the gunwale as a fulcrum to lever against. If stationary, the opposite paddlers should balance for stability.

Loading the canoe

Identify one person to be in charge. The rest of the crew are to wait in an orderly manner and listen for instructions.

The canoe will be untied from the dock. In the event of an incident the canoe can be quickly moved as necessary.

One crew member will hold the bow line and another holds the stern line, either under their foot or under a cleat. The line is held taut, and perpendicular to the bow and stern to keep the canoe tight to the dock.

One seat will be asked to load at a time, alternating fronts and backs in order to keep the boat balanced. Either start in the middle working towards the back and front, or vice versa.

Only one person is moving in the canoe at one time.  

Stabilize the canoe while crews load. As the canoe is loaded adjust the lines to bring the bow or stern closer to the dock to ease loading.  

Do not step on seats – they are relatively fragile and can be very slippery.

Step into the middle of the canoe – the first person is to sit in the centre of the seat and then, as the partner steps into the canoe, the first paddler begins to slides towards the far gunwale as the partner’s weight comes into the canoe to keep the boat balanced.

Both paddlers then slide out to their respective gunwales.

The process repeats until all paddlers are loaded.

Leaving the Dock

The steersperson commands “Push the Bow out”. The front one or two seats gently push against the dock to bring the bow of the canoe into the stream of the river.

As the canoe clears the dock, the steersperson commands “Paddles Up…. and… Take it Away”.

An experienced steersperson has many skills to enable movement of the canoe in close quarters. All require the quiet cooperation of the crew.

Returning to Dock

The steersperson will bring the canoe back to the dock heading upstream into the current at a slow and controlled speed - the canoe should drift to a stop without crew needing to hold.

If required, the steersperson will ask for bumpers to be put out by the closest paddler.

The steersperson will ask all paddlers on the shore side of the canoe to stand their paddles up inside the canoe, and designate one person to reach for the dock when told to do so. This is to avoid six paddlers all reaching out at the same time!

Crew members should NEVER GRAB A MOVING DOCK - a finger could get caught and could easily be broken with 1000+ pounds of weight of canoe and crew.

Paddlers must remember that approaching the dock is one of the most difficult times for many steerspersons. This is the time for crew to pay even more attention to assisting the steersperson – it is NOT the time to be packing away personal belongings or putting a sweater back on.

Unloading the Canoe

Identify one person to be in charge. The rest of the crew are to wait in an orderly manner and listen for instructions.

The canoe will remain untied from the dock. In the event of an incident the canoe can be quickly moved as necessary.

The steersperson will call two paddlers out. They are to hold the bow and stern lines either under their foot or under a cleat. The line is held taut, and perpendicular to the bow and stern to keep the canoe tight to the dock.

Only one person is moving in the canoe at one time.  Do not step on seats – they are relatively fragile and can be very slippery.

As one person gets out, their seat partner should slide to the middle of the seat to maintain the balance of the boat.

The process repeats until all paddlers are ashore.

At the Boathouse

Maneuvering the canoe into, around and out of the Boathouse brings additional risks to FLCC members. Be particularly aware of the need to:

Work together to manage the weight of the canoe and trolley and maneuver around the other boats and equipment in the boathouse

Control the launch speed of the canoe into the water – always ensuring that the bow or stern line is effectively held or tied before letting go of the hull.

Avoid standing on the sloping, moving ramp, particularly when it is wet. As the weight of the boat slides down the ramp, more of the ramp will become submerged, greatly increasing the risk of slipping.

Ensure that no paddler remains in the canoe when it is being launched or recovered.

When the boat is safely back in the boathouse, ensure that:

no personal or club belongings are left inside the canoe is left clean and ship-shape for the next users all incidents7 - whether boating accidents, adverse public interactions,

violence, theft, etc - are correctly recorded and reported Any repairs required are reported to the Voyageur rep

Voyageur Hoist

To facilitate additional storage of 2 Voyageurs, a purpose-built hoist8 has been installed in the Canoe boathouse.Detailed instructions for its safe use are attached as appendix 4.

In the Pub or Coffee Shop

After a good paddle, with the beautiful scenery and fresh air that we all enjoy, many paddlers retire to a coffee shop or pub.

Because of the way we dress – yes, look at us – we are easily identified as members of the rowing and paddling community. As such, we should recognise the facilities that we are able to use and the impact, both good and inconvenient, that we have on the community.

So, please, ensure that all paddlers’ behaviour reflects well upon the club.

Incident - Man over board (MOB)

Basics:

It can happen - although it is not common in our recreational voyageuring.7 FLCC has an online incident reporting form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSef1Mm2RXmbRlAujIhV_fluGG6smd5s4BgNi9T0nrg4fhP2Iw/viewform8 Instructions for use in Appendix 4

A plan helps- having a basic understanding, in advance, of what must be done will greatly help the recovery and reduce the panic that may be experienced.

One person in control- people are people, and some will automatically tell others what to do. Ensure that the loudest voice is doing the right things or help them to keep silent and let the quiet ‘expert’ take control.

Stay with the canoe- no-one should ever leave the canoe to collect paddles, clothes, even wallets. The only exception might be to swim to the aid of a non-swimming, possibly unconscious MOB. The canoe is the best rescue vehicle.

Maneuvering the canoe to reach a MOB:

If there is a MOB, or possibly a swimmer that needs assistance, use the canoe as the rescue vehicle.

Maneuver alongside so the MOB is amidships.

If you need to back-up the canoe, it is faster to back paddle than to go forward and turn around.  

If you need to move the canoe sideways, it is faster to back-up the canoe to get behind the MOB and then turn as you move forward. It is slow and tiring to move long distances with draw strokes.

In a faster current, it is preferable to paddle downstream of the MOB and then approach heading upstream. This gives better control of the speed differential and easier control of the canoe.

It might be necessary to use a throw-bag to get the MOB near the canoe.

Recovering the MOB into the canoe:  

Once the MOB is alongside the canoe, the recovery can begin. It is important to ensure that the recovery does not constitute a further danger to either the MOB or the crew onboard.

One or two members of the crew may be used to try to get the MOB into the canoe. All the rest of the crew needs to concentrate on balancing the canoe.

If it is not possible to get the MOB into the canoe quickly, get as much of the MOB out of the water as possible and then, while one or two paddlers hold the MOB, the rest of the crew will paddle to the closest open shore where the MOB can board.

Have the MOB check that their PFD is fastened and adjusted as correctly as possible. The straps of the PFD may be used to pull the MOB. The MOB should keep their elbows below their shoulders to prevent the PFD from sliding off over their head.

Optional techniques for recovery:

1. If the MOB is conscious and strong enough to partially lift themselves into the canoe -

a. first have the crew on the opposite side of the canoe scoot sideways towards the middle of their seats. This will cause the gunwale on the MOB’s side to be closer to the water.

b. then, on a count of 1-2-3, the paddlers on the opposite side move back to their original positions against the gunwale and at the same time the MOB pulls themselves up into an empty seat in the canoe.

2. If the MOB is conscious but unable to get in on their own –a. first have a crew member - alone on a seat – warn the MOB that

they will be rescued by using the buoyancy of the PFD.This will involve the MOB being pushed down a little into the water.

b. the rescuer will then grab the MOB firmly by the PFD straps, push down on the MOB and then, using the momentum of the PFD being pushed up by the water, pull the MOB into the canoe.

3. If the MOB in unconscious –a. have one crew member alone on one bench turn the MOB’s back

to the canoe, kneel down and grab the MOB by the PFD strapsb. then the rescuer pulls the MOB up and over the side, falling

backwards into the canoe with the MOB.

Incident - Capsize  

Voyageur canoes can capsize.

It is not common in normal use, but avoidance is always the best approach.

To minimise the likelihood of a capsize:

Avoid overloading the canoe

Ensure the canoe is properly balanced. If it has not been bailed and/or holds a lot of heavy bags etc, this additional weight can move around in an uncontrolled way and a small rocking motion might become a capsize incident.

Keep away from waves when possible, but handle them correctly when unavoidable, usually by trying to cross them at a 90 degree angle.

Avoid excess speed when turning. Follow procedures appropriate for the conditions when changing positions

in the canoe. Eg Brace, move one row at a time, paddlers first and then their ‘stuff’.

If a capsize does occur:

Do not panic. Help others not to panic. Be aware of the risks of hyperthermia9 and recognise the signs. One person must take charge. Usually this will be steersperson, or the trip

leader. Work to stop everyone talking and shouting out vague instructions to each other.

Account for all paddlers. Look for your seat partner. The front pair checks for the single seat ‘stroke’. The back pair checks for the single seat steersperson.

Before setting off, procedures identify who are non-swimmers or uncomfortable in the water. Pay special attention to identify them and keep them calm.

First have the crew swim over to touch the canoe, holding the gunwale which will now be just under the water level.

Count off from the front to ensure no one is missing. Often, a paddler could be under the canoe. They will have a large pocket of air, but should be pulled out from underneath.

Ensure non-swimmers are safe. Ascertain any medical problem.   Remind everyone that the canoe will not sink and they are wearing a PFD In almost all cases, the best policy is to STAY WITH THE CANOE!  Recovering from a capsize:

Realize that the recovery is not a simple, or quick, process. Recognize the physical limitations of the crew.

Righting the canoe Count off the crew. Check for non-swimmers. Have ‘buddies’ team up. Ascertain any injuries that need immediate support. If there is a current, have any crew in the water keep to the upstream side

to protect them from being swept into objects in the water. After a capsize, the canoe will likely be upside down. The crew can flip it

by pushing up on the gunwale on one side and down on the opposite side.

9 For a better understanding of Hyperthermia watch this short video on the FLCC website:https://www.fortlangleycanoeclub.ca/safety/cold-weather-paddlingAn excerpt from the BC WorkSafe Manual is included as Appendix 1

If the canoe is flipped upright, it will be full of water.  If the gunwales are above the water it can be bailed. A canoe full of water can still be paddled but it is very heavy. It will be warmer in the canoe than in the water.

Get crew into the canoe as soon as possible. It is easier to get in when the gunwale is low in the water. Keep everyone bailing or paddling to keep warm - don’t let anyone sit and get cold.  

When all paddlers are back in the canoe, determine whether it is appropriate to continue or immediately return to dock.

If some paddlers cannot get in, have some crew hold them while the rest of the crew paddles the canoe to shore, as in a MOB situation.

Determine if a 911 call is needed. Review this continually.

If the canoe cannot be righted Work with all the crew to determine as a group what is to be done. Paddlers should hold on to the canoe and use it as a float to get to shore. Angle the canoe, so it will ferry downstream towards the shore. With the help of the paddlers kicking, beach the canoe, then flip it. It can now be re-launched. Determine whether it is appropriate to

continue or immediately return to dock. Determine if a 911 call is needed. Review this continually.

Abandoning the canoe In almost all cases, the best policy is to STAY WITH THE CANOE!   If paddlers remain in the water and cannot get the canoe to shore, it may

be decided to abandon the canoe - but this must be done as a group. Before leaving the canoe determine a landing spot that is down current. Identify a meeting place to ensure everyone gets to shore. Before leaving the canoe retrieve the medical bag.   If there is a current, paddlers should float on their backs with their feet

downstream so they are not swept head-first into obstacles.   Count off the crew again once ashore. Re-assess the crew for any injuries or medical problems. Determine if a 911 call is needed.Incident - Swamping

If the canoe is swamped and the gunwales are below water, a few crew members must get out of the canoe in order to let the boat float higher, before bailing can begin.  

Remember that if the swamping was caused by waves, it is quite possible for the next wave to swamp the boat again. Try to point the canoe into the waves and bail quickly to increase the freeboard as rapidly as possible.

As the canoe rises, get the crew back in the canoe as it will be warmer in the canoe than in the water. Do not have paddlers in the water any longer than necessary.  

A canoe full of water can still be paddled but it is very heavy.

When all paddlers are back in the canoe, determine whether it is appropriate to continue or immediately return to dock.

If some paddlers cannot get in, have some crew hold them while the rest of the crew paddles the canoe to shore, as in a MOB situation.

Determine if a 911 call is needed. Review this continually.

Making a 911 call

If an urgent medical condition requires attention, a 911 call must be made to the Emergency Services.

Many of the pull-out locations do not have physical addresses but these have been identified to the Emergency services and “Common Names” agreed.

A map of the pull-out locations around Macmillan Island and up to the airport is carried in each medical bag carried in every voyageur. Also enclosed are the instructions to be used when making a 911 call.10

. 

Freshet Rules

Freshet is the name given to the increase in the height of the river and the speed of its flow during the period of the spring thaw further up-river. It usually runs from early May into July, but no two years are alike.

It is the responsibility of each and every paddler to decide for themselves whether they, and their intended crew-mates, are sufficiently skilled and equipped to cope with the current and potential weather and river conditions.

FLCC will announce when Freshet rules apply through its website, newsletters, bulletins and word-of-mouth. If in doubt about conditions – ask.

10 A copy of the Emergency pull-out stops map and instructions is attached as Appendix 2.

Minimum Number of Paddlers:

FLCC requires a minimum number of experienced paddlers in each canoe on the river.  

Weather and water conditions must always be considered as the minimum numbers are set for moderate conditions of temperature and wind and usual freshet river speed.

Fast and high water also require you to consider the weight of the crew - overloading for the conditions may result in the canoe taking on water and swamping. 

It is the responsibility of the Steersperson to ensure that the crew always complies with the minimum and maximum loads on the canoe during high/swift water practices.

The minimum number of paddlers in a voyageur during freshet is 8.The steersperson must be experienced in freshet conditions.At least 4 paddlers must be experienced in freshet conditions.

Basic Freshet Rules:

Do not turn canoes between the orange buoy and the bridge.  All canoes must leave from the north side of the docks. Always leave and approach docks heading upstream into the current. Work with the current to carefully and slowly approach the dock. To return to the Canoe Dock heading downstream, first pass under the

north end of the bridge, turn downstream of the bridge, then head upstream passing under the south end of bridge to return to the dock.  

Winter Paddling

FLCC recommends that no paddlers venture out on the water when the temperatures are between 0 and -4 degrees Celsius (including wind-chill).

Paddlers are not allowed on the water in FLCC canoes in temperatures below -4 degrees Celsius (including wind-chill)

It is the responsibility of each and every paddler to decide for themselves whether they, and their intended crew-mates, are sufficiently skilled and equipped to cope with the current and potential weather and river conditions.

If you are going out in cold weather BE PREPARED. Be cautious as docks and ramps may be very slippery.

How Cold is Cold?

Always wear protective clothing when: 

Both the water temperature and the air temperature are below 15 degrees Celsius

You will be more than 1/2km from shore and the water temperature is below 15 degree Celsius

Dressing for Cold Water Paddling:1 Layering Paddlers should wear layers that can be added to, or removed, throughout the day to readily adjust your clothing to the changing outdoor temperature. Several thin layers are more easily adapted than one thick layer.

Most importantly, no clothing should be worn if retains water if it gets wet, otherwise you lose a tremendous amount of body heat warming the water in your clothes. For this reason, cotton clothes should be strictly avoided. The inner/base layer should consist of wicking synthetic fabrics like polypropylene. This layer should draw sweat and moisture away from your skin and evaporate quickly. Underwear should be a wicking fabric. The second layer is for insulation, so it can consist of fleece, wool, or other insulating, non-absorbing materials. Again, one or two thin layers are more easily adjusted to suit varying conditions. The outer layer is for protection from the elements. Here you will choose a paddling jacket, drysuit, or whatever you need to avoid the rain, sun, wind and anything else that comes your way. 2 Wetsuits & Neoprene PaddlewearA wetsuit is a neoprene garment that traps a thin layer of water between itself and your skin and reduces circulation of this water. Because this water layer must be thin, a wetsuit must fit snugly to properly protect you during immersion and the paddler should not wear thick clothes underneath this suit. The three major heat loss areas are the inner thighs (near the femoral artery), under the arms (near the brachial artery) and the head and neck. Suits that fit poorly under the arms and around the thighs may allow too much water to collect there, robbing you of your body heat. The wetsuit is not outerwear, it is a base layer and wearing anything under your wetsuit (other than polypro underwear) compromises its ability to keep you warm. Layer clothes on top of the wetsuit to keep warm. 

3 Drysuits & Paddling SuitsA drysuit is a waterproof garment with latex gaskets at all openings (ankles, wrists and neck) to keep out all water. No water circulates across your skin during immersion, and the insulating layers worn under the suit decrease heat loss in the water. Because drysuits are made of breathable materials,

they trap less sweat inside the garment than traditional, non-breathable fabrics like urethane-coated nylon. Therefore, drysuits are comfortable in a wide range of air temperatures. Under your drysuit you will want to layer. The danger here is wearing too much, resulting in overheating. Often a single lightweight or mid-weight base layer is sufficient. 

Keeping your Hands ,Head and Feet warm Keeping your hands warm is critical. Neoprene winter paddling gloves are recommended. A hat that doesn’t absorb water and dries quickly will keep you head dry while also holding onto your body heat. Neoprene booties are recommended. However, layers of socks and warm shoes/boots can also be worn. If there is a chance that you could go in the water you need to consider the best footwear for that possibility. There are neoprene booties that have a thick rubber sole to protect your feet while walking and paddling. 

Cold Weather Effects on Paddlers11

At least two hazards to paddlers present themselves during the cold season. 

Falls due to slippery conditions on the docks due to rain saturation, frost, snow or ice buildups

Hypothermia – due to: Air temperature (particularly wind chill effects Water immersion 

Appendix 1 Excerpt from WorkSafe BC ManualAccident investigations have shown again and again that a person’s physical fitness or ability to swim in warm water will not save him or her from drowning in cold water. Hypothermia can be a factor but that takes time – usually more than 30 minutes. The killing factor is often that first shock of cold water on the body. The effects are so powerful that you may not be able to help yourself. Exposure to cold water changes your body functions. The first shock takes your breath away. Within a few minutes, your hands are so cold you cannot hold onto anything. You cannot pull yourself out of the water. Swimming becomes difficult or impossible as your breathing and muscles are affected by the cold. Eventually hypothermia sets in. Even if you are rescued, you may still die. Keep yourself safe by being aware of what could happen to you in cold water. Know what to do to prevent you or other crewmembers from falling into the water and what to do if that occurs. 

What happens when you fall into cold water.

11 See also the extract from the Worksafe BC manual in Appendix 1

The effects of cold water on the body happen in four stages. Cold shock (Stage 1), swimming failure (Stage 2), hypothermia (Stage 3) or post-rescue collapse (Stage 4) 

1. Cold Shock

Cold shock occurs immediately – as you enter the cold water. It lasts three to five minutes but it can result in quick drowning because of the way the body reacts. You cannot control these reactions: 

A large intake of breath A rapid increase in breathing rate (up to 4 times as fast)  A reduced ability to hold your breath (to as little as 10 seconds)  A massive increase in heart rate and blood pressure

Drowning may result from cold shock reactions. If your head goes below the surface, you might breathe in water with that first large intake of breath. As little as half a cup of water in your lungs can cause drowning. Problems with breathing can lead to panic, which only reduces your chance of survival. You are most likely to survive stage 1 if you: 

Do not inhale water Stay afloat Keep your head above water

A PFD or Life jacket is essential. 

2. Swimming Failure 

Swimming failure occurs after you have been in the cold water for 5 to 30 minutes. Its effects include: 

Loss of manual dexterity Inability to match breathing rate to swimming stroke Loss of coordination in the muscles in your arms and legs as they get

cooler, increasing your swimming angle |Increased swimming angle, requiring more energy to keep your head

above the water  Drowning

Being a good swimmer in warm water will not help you in cold water. In warm water, a swimmer takes one breath per stroke. In cold water, the breathing rate and stroke rate increase but not together. Your muscles and joints also get stiffer in the cold water and your strokes get shorter. These changes result in an increase in the body’s swimming angle, with more of your body farther under the water instead of near the surface. There is now more drag on your body, and you must use more energy to swim. Finally,

you swimming strokes become totally uncoordinated and ineffective, and you may drown.

3. Hypothermia

Hypothermia is the cooling of the body’s core. It affects your brain, heart and other internal organs .Your body begins to cool as soon as you enter the water, but the full effect of hypothermia usually takes at least 30 minutes. The effects of hypothermia are: 

A reduction of blood flow to the hands, feet and surface of the body Intense shivering in the early stages, as the body tries to maintain body

core temperature.  Lack of shivering in the later stages  Loss of consciousness  Heart failure 

The body loses heat four times faster in water than in air. As the body cools, the will to survive decreases. Eventually you lose consciousness and drown, or your heart fails. 

4. Post-Rescue Collapse

The effects on your body after you are pulled from the water can include the following: 

Loss of hydrostatic pressure from the water causes a sudden drop in blood pressure. This can cause heart or brain failure.

Your heart is cold and cannot pump cold blood effectively to maintain blood pressure 

Your lungs are damaged from the water you inhaled. This can cause pneumonia-like illness. 

Fatal bleeding from injuries may occur as your body warms up and your blood flows more freely. You may have internal injuries or injuries to your head and neck that you and your rescuers are not aware of. 

People should be recovered from cold water horizontally rather than vertically. Rescue may not mean survival, however. Up to 20 percent of all survivors die during rescue or shortly after. 

Wear a PFD, or Life Jacket

If there is a risk of entering the water, be prepared to stay afloat to survive the effects of cold shock, reduce the need to swim, and give rescuers time to react. Wearing a flotation device can be the difference between living and dying because it can hold your head above the water. It also helps to maintain your body temperature. 

Appendix 2 Emergency Pull-out locations

FLCC has worked with the Emergency Health Services to identify the locations around Fort Langley where we might most easily take a canoe in the event that a paddler needs emergency medical assistance.

The pull-out spots on the map are known as COMMON PLACE NAMES.

When you contact 911 tell the operator you need an ambulance at . . . “Common Place Names, Fort Langley Canoe Club, pull-out number xx”

For example, the Salmon River confluence, is “Common Place Names, Fort Langley Canoe Club, pull-out number 9”

In ALL cases you will need to send someone to the nearest main road to direct emergency vehicles to the pull-out area.

If, and only if, the dispatcher is unsuccessful in pulling up the Common Place Names data use the descriptions below.

1. McMillan Island Docks/Old Albion Ferry Dock, North end of Glover Road at Fraser River, 9500 Glover Road (49.179067°, 122.568163°)

2. North End of 252nd Street at Fraser River, Off 88th Ave 8809 252 Street

3. East end of Fort Langley Airport, 24599 River Road, Private Rail Crossing, Locked vehicle gate but pedestrians gate can be opened from the inside. (49.165335°, 122.541869°)

4. Shore of Fort Camping, 9451 Glover Road, Fort Campground at Brae Island Regional Park

5. Tavistock Point, west end of McMillan Island, accessible via 9451 Glover Road, Fort Campground at Brae Island Regional Park. Only use if capsize incident as ambulance access if extremely difficult.

6. 23945 River Road & west end of Fort Langley Airport Private Rail Crossing, Yellow House & west end of Airport. Not easy to use because of rip rap. Get someone to 88th Ave. (49.165896°, 122.557033°)

7. Multiple locations on Soccer Field access, un-named road between Glover Road and Gabriel Lane. Continues to 23900 Block of Gabriel Lane. Best pull-out is boat launch

8. Muench Private Dock, 10119 Houston Road or 10114 Allard Crescent. Road extends off Allard Crescent at 10000 Block to Fraser River – Get someone up to the main Allard Crescent to direct emergency vehicles down to dock area. (49.186306°, 122.590170°)

9.

East shore of Salmon River at Fraser River. Access Road is at 22969 Coulter Court, with a locked gate. Get someone to the gate. (49.175943°, 122.586347°)

10. Paddlesport Dock – north of Lelem Café at 23285 Billy Brown Road (49.171288°, 122.578217°)

11. Canoe Dock – north end of Church Street at Fraser River. Nearest cross street is Mavis. (49.170652°, 122.575782°)

Appendix 3 Glossary of Boating and Nautical terms

There are many hundreds of terms associated with boats, boating and the water. It is not essential that all are used, but this selection may often be heard around our club and sport.

Amidships At or around the side of the canoe, between the bow and stern.

Bailer A device for removing water that has entered the boat.

Bend A knot used to join two ropes or lines. See also hitch.

Bow The front end of the canoe and the sides at the front.

Bowline A knot producing a strong loop of a fixed size

Brace To hold a paddle so that the blade lies on the surface of the water in order to minimize the rocking of a boat. Typically used when crew are changing places in the boat.

Buoy A floating object of defined shape and color, which is anchored at a given position and serves as an aid to navigation.

Capsize When a boat lists too far from side to side and rolls over, exposing the keel.

Cleat A fixing on the dock or boat used to secure a line.

Clove hitch A bend used to attach a rope to a post or bollard.

Deadhead A snag in the water. Typically for FLCC, this is a partially sunken tree that has stuck in the river-bed.

Fender A flexible bumper used to protect boats from banging into docks or each other.

Ferry glide To hold a vessel against and at an angle to the current/stream such that the vessel moves sideways over the bottom due to the

effect of the current operating on the upstream side of the vessel.

Flotsam Debris in the water. Eg trees, branches.Jetsom Articles thrown into the water. Eg drink cans

Freeboard The height of a boat's hull above the waterline.

Groyne A wall or barrier built into the river to check silting and erosion.

Gunwale The upper edge of the hull. Named for the ‘whale’ (a strong band around a ship) placed on the top deck of a ship to which the guns could be mounted.

Hitch A knot used to tie a rope or line to a fixed object. See also bend.

Line The nautical term for a "rope" on a boat. A line will always have a more specific name, such as ‘spring’ specifies its use.

PFD Personal flotation device. Designed to keep a wearer afloat in water. Note that it is not specifically designed to keep the head out of the water. By comparison, a Lifejacket is designed to hold the wearer upright when in water.

Port The side of the ship usually alongside the dock in port – to keep the steering board away from the dock. More traditionally, this was known as the Larboard side (which came from the ‘Load and Board” side).

Rip rap The man-made pile of rocks and rubble protecting the river bank from erosion.

Steering oar or steering board A long, flat board or oar that went from the stern to well underwater, used to steer vessels before the invention of the rudder. Traditionally on the starboard side of a ship (the "steering board" side).

Steersperson The person who is steering the canoe.This is a legally responsible position and the steersperson’s instructions must be promptly obeyed.

Stern The back end of the canoe and the sides near the back.

Tail The loose end of a rope that was secured to a winch or a cleat. The end that we need to keep tidy on the docks.

Throw Bag or Heaving Line A rescue device with a length of rope stuffed loosely into a bag so it can pay out through the top when the bag is thrown to a swimmer.

Wake Turbulence behind a vessel. Not to be confused with wash.

Wash The waves created by a vessel. Not to be confused with wake.

Way The speed at which there is sufficient water flow past the steersperson’s paddle, to enable them to steer the canoe.

Whipping The binding of the loose end of a rope to prevent it unravelling.

Windage The wind resistance of the boat, particularly the sideways forces.

Appendix 4 Voyageur Hoist – Operation and SafetyFLCC Equipment No. EQ-2141

Basics:

For safety never operate the hoist with people under the boats.

Do not use if the winch, pulleys or cables are damaged.

When the boats are left raised, do not depend on the winch alone- always install the safety slings- lower the boat to contact the safety slings- lock the wheel in place using the chain and padlock.

Operating the hoist:

1. Turn the 1 metre diameter wheel clockwise to raise (it clicks) and counter-clockwise to lower (it is silent). The operation seems quite slow but it takes just 2 minutes to lower a boat and 3 minutes to raise it.

2. The spreader bars (painted high visibility orange) are heavy because the winch must carry a load at all times to keep the wheel from turning off when turned counter-clockwise. When the slings are hanging without boats, tie them together with one of the slings to keep them clear of the walkway. The hoist can support two boats, one above the other. The upper boat slings are webbing and the lower boat is supported by the 1 1/2" rope slings.

3. Centre the boats under the slings before installing the slings around the boats. The lower boat nests under and overlaps the upper boat a few inches to gain headroom. The boats do not slide easily on the 1 112" rope so lift each end of the boat in turn to slide the rope slings under the boat after the boat is in position.

4. Lower the boats and launch them one at a time after removing the slings. The 1 1/2" rope sling should be removed from under the boat to make it easier to slide the boat on the plastic floor strips.