Paddling the waters of SW Florida and beyond

 1. Post trip details on club website and e-mail group:

        - Date and Time

        - Location and driving directions

        - Length of paddle

        - Indication of skill and fitness level appropriate to the trip

        - Trip leader’s name and contact telephone and email address

2.     Record names and phone numbers of those who communicate intent to participate in the trip. Notify these individuals in a timely manner if the trip is to be Changed or cancelled.

3.     Check weather conditions 24 hours before the trip and determine whether to Cancel or postpone the event in case of a     forecast of hazardous conditions.

4.     Be familiar with the launch site in advance. Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled.  Launch time to inspect the put-in area for hazards and direct arriving paddlers  appropriately.

5.     Record names of participating paddlers on a trip list. Obtain waivers from all who paddle.

6.     Help paddlers prepare for launch. Assess skill levels of new paddlers and request.  Experienced paddling buddies accompany them if appropriate.

7.     Brief the group about the trip. Ask an experienced paddler to follow the group to help.  Prevent stragglers (sweep). Advise paddlers to stay together. Check to ensure no one is missing during the trip as well as at the end of the paddle.

NOTE THAT THE TRIP LEADER HAS THE AUTHORITY TO:

        1. Propose, cancel or postpone their paddling trip

        2. Designate the trip to be only for club members.

        3. Make a trip open only to individuals they choose to invite.

        4. Exclude someone from their trip because of a safety concern.

11/06 dl