Kayaking Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Participants' limited swimming abilities — Assess participants’ swimming capabilities before the session and provide additional buoyancy support for weaker swimmers. Keep close supervision over less confident swimmers and restrict their activities to shallower areas if needed.
• Strong currents — Assess water conditions before the session, particularly in areas with strong or unpredictable currents. Instructors should identify safe paddling zones and brief participants on how to handle themselves in fast-moving water, including paddling techniques and self-rescue methods.
• Injury from sharp objects in water — Instruct participants to avoid areas with known debris or sharp objects. Equip them with water shoes to protect their feet, and conduct a pre-session check of the water for hazards such as broken glass, metal, or fishing gear.
• Poor participant communication — Ensure clear communication between participants and instructors by using whistles, hand signals, or radios in larger groups. Teach participants a set of basic hand signals for situations where verbal communication may be hindered by distance or noise.
• Equipment malfunction — Regularly inspect kayaks, paddles, and buoyancy aids for signs of wear, ensuring repairs or replacements are made as needed. Keep spare equipment on hand during sessions and remove faulty equipment from use immediately.