Safety
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NSW Legislation - LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved Lifejacket (PFD) for all Wednesday night time trials. For a plainer english version visit: the service NSW website and scroll down till you find the relevant commentary re kayaks etc.
NSW Legislation - LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved Lifejacket (PFD) for all Wednesday night time trials. For a plainer english version visit: the service NSW website and scroll down till you find the relevant commentary re kayaks etc.
More information at Maritime NSW
More information at Service NSW
LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved Lifejacket (PFD) for all Wednesday night time trials. For a plainer english version visit: the RMS website and scroll down till you find the relevant commentary re kayaks etc.
LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved Lifejacket (PFD) for all Wednesday night time trials. For a plainer english version visit: the service NSW website and scroll down till you find the relevant commentary re kayaks etc.
All members must familiarise themselves with the club's safety practices.
Paddlers are responsible for their own safety and should familiarise themselves with the club’s risk management and emergency procedures (see PDF here)
October 2021 - COVID 19 Return to Wednesday Night Time Trials
The following guidelines are the short version of the 10 page LCRK Covid Safety Plan (dated 22.10.2021). These serve as a quick checklist for having a safe paddle, and remaining compliant with common sense and current Government requirements.
- Do not attend if you are unwell
- Attendance only available for double vaccinated (unless medical exemption).
- Evidence of vaccination must be sighted on first attendance
- Maintain 1.5m physical distancing – specifically when off the water
- Changerooms will have limits on number of occupants – observe the signs
- No congregation around the boat shed or car park.
- Access to the shed is restricted to those accessing a boat and/or carrying out admin duties
- Access to the shed requires QR code check- in/out.
- Use supplied hand sanitiser when accessing the shed
- Arrive ready to paddle. ‘Get in, paddle, get out’*
- Suggest BYO washing stools, bucket, towels
LCRK Committee 26 October 2021
The following guidelines serve as a quick checklist for having a safe paddle and remaining compliant with common sense and current Government requirements.
- Arrive ready to paddle. ‘Get in, paddle, get out’*
- Do not attend if unwell
- Maintain physical distancing
- Doubles partners allowed
- Bring all accessories required so no need to borrow (e.g gaffer tape, lights)
- Do not share personal equipment including consumables (e.g gaffer tape)
- Be careful if you have not been training during the break, to gradually return to your pre-covid TT times to avoid injury
- Maintain social distancing and avoid physical contact
- No shed registrations, payments or refreshments
- Access to shed for boat rack holders/hirers only
- Use hand sanitiser when entering and leaving the shed (supplied)
- Changerooms and showers available if you must. Maximum two people per changeroom plus one person per shower cubicle.
- BYO washing stools, bucket, towels: Preferably set them up between cars in the carpark or spaced appropriately on the lawns
The following guidelines are the short version of the 10 page LCRK Covid Safety Plan (dated 22.10.2021). These serve as a quick checklist for having a safe paddle, and remaining compliant with common sense and current Government requirements.
- Do not attend if you are unwell
- Attendance only available for double vaccinated (unless medical exemption).
- Evidence of vaccination must be sighted on first attendance
- Maintain 1.5m physical distancing – specifically when off the water
- Changerooms will have limits on number of occupants – observe the signs
- No congregation around the boat shed or car park.
- Access to the shed is restricted to those accessing a boat and/or carrying out admin duties
- Access to the shed requires QR code check- in/out.
- Use supplied hand sanitiser when accessing the shed
- Arrive ready to paddle. ‘Get in, paddle, get out’*
- Suggest BYO washing stools, bucket, towels
20 October 2020
26 October 2021
July 2020 - COVID 19 Return to Wednesday Night Tim Trials
October 2021 - COVID 19 Return to Wednesday Night Time Trials
- Arrive ready to paddle. ‘Get in, paddle, get out’*
- Do not attend if you have visited Victoria in the last 14 days
- Do not attend if you have visited any of these locations in the last 14 days (Sydney hotspots https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates#latest-covid-19-case-locations-in-nsw)
- Limit use of share cars to get to training unless from same household
- Maintain physical distancing if using public transport
- Maintain physical distancing
- Arrive ready to paddle. ‘Get in, paddle, get out’
- Do not attend if you are at risk of capsize, to avoid other members being required to assist you and break social distancing rules
- Bring your regular craft. Do no bring your shiny new challenging tippy boat
- Wash (or sanitise) hands prior to arrival, after getting off the water and prior to leaving
- Washriding is covid-safest beside rather than following boats. Maintain distance at all times on and off the water so that no physical contact occurs between paddlers
- Should a paddler capsize, allow them to re-enter their craft on their own, whilst remaining with that member until they are safely back in their boat and paddling
- No spitting or clearing nose either on or off the water
24 July 2020
20 October 2020
- Do not attend if unwell
- Limit use of share cars to get to training unless from same household
- Maintain physical distancing if using public transport
- Doubles partners allowed
- Arrive ready to paddle. ‘Get in, paddle, get out’
- Do not attend if you are at risk of capsize, to avoid other members being required to assist you and break social distancing rules
- Bring your regular craft. Do no bring your shiny new challenging tippy boat
- Bring all accessories required so no need to borrow (e.g gaffer tape, lights)
- Do not share personal equipment including consumables (e.g gaffer tape)
- Be careful if you have not been training during the break, to gradually return to your pre-covid TT times to avoid injury
- Wash (or sanitise) hands prior to arrival, after getting off the water and prior to leaving
- Maintain social distancing and avoid physical contact
- Washriding is covid-safest beside rather than following boats. Maintain distance at all times on and off the water so that no physical contact occurs between paddlers
- Should a paddler capsize, allow them to re-enter their craft on their own, whilst remaining with that member until they are safely back in their boat and paddling
- No spitting or clearing nose either on or off the water
- No use of communal facilities (shed or changerooms).
- No access to shed
- No shed registrations, payments or refreshments
- No showering
- BYO washing stools, bucket, towels: Preferably set them up between cars in the carpark or spaced appropriately on the lawns
- Do not attend if unwell
- Do not attend if you have visited Victoria in the last 14 days
- Do not attend if you have visited any of these locations in the last 14 days (Sydney hotspots https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates#latest-covid-19-case-locations-in-nsw)
- Limit use of share cars to get to training unless from same household
- Maintain physical distancing if using public transport
- Doubles partners allowed
- Arrive ready to paddle. ‘Get in, paddle, get out’
- Do not attend if you are at risk of capsize, to avoid other members being required to assist you and break social distancing rules
- Bring your regular craft. Do no bring your shiny new challenging tippy boat
- Bring all accessories required so no need to borrow (e.g gaffer tape, lights)
- Do not share personal equipment including consumables (e.g gaffer tape)
- Be careful if you have not been training during the break, to gradually return to your pre-covid TT times to avoid injury
- Wash (or sanitise) hands prior to arrival, after getting off the water and prior to leaving
- Maintain social distancing and avoid physical contact
- Washriding is covid-safest beside rather than following boats. Maintain distance at all times on and off the water so that no physical contact occurs between paddlers
- Should a paddler capsize, allow them to re-enter their craft on their own, whilst remaining with that member until they are safely back in their boat and paddling
- No spitting or clearing nose either on or off the water
- No shed registrations, payments or refreshments
- Access to shed for boat rack holders/hirers only
- Use hand sanitiser when entering and leaving the shed (supplied)
- Changerooms and showers available if you must. Maximum two people per changeroom plus one person per shower cubicle.
- BYO washing stools, bucket, towels: Preferably set them up between cars in the carpark or spaced appropriately on the lawns
July 2020
24 July 2020
- Arrive ready to train. ‘Get in, train, get out’
- Arrive ready to paddle. ‘Get in, paddle, get out’
Wed 17 June - COVID 19 Return to Wednesday Night Training: Level B Restrictions
July 2020 - COVID 19 Return to Wednesday Night Tim Trials
9 June 2020
July 2020
Wed 17 June - COVID 19 Return to Wednesday Night Training: Level B Restrictions
The following guidelines serve as a quick checklist for having a safe paddle and remaining compliant with common sense and current Government requirements.
- Do not attend if unwell
- Limit use of share cars to get to training unless from same household
- Maintain physical distancing if using public transport
- Doubles partners allowed
- Arrive ready to train. ‘Get in, train, get out’
- Do not attend if you are at risk of capsize, to avoid other members being required to assist you and break social distancing rules
- Bring your regular craft. Do no bring your shiny new challenging tippy boat
- Bring all accessories required so no need to borrow (e.g gaffer tape, lights)
- Do not share personal equipment including consumables (e.g gaffer tape)
- Be careful if you have not been training during the break, to gradually return to your pre-covid TT times to avoid injury
- Wash (or sanitise) hands prior to arrival, after getting off the water and prior to leaving
- Maintain social distancing and avoid physical contact
- Washriding is covid-safest beside rather than following boats. Maintain distance at all times on and off the water so that no physical contact occurs between paddlers
- Should a paddler capsize, allow them to re-enter their craft on their own, whilst remaining with that member until they are safely back in their boat and paddling
- No spitting or clearing nose either on or off the water
- No use of communal facilities (shed or changerooms).
- No access to shed
- No shed registrations, payments or refreshments
- No showering
- BYO washing stools, bucket, towels: Preferably set them up between cars in the carpark or spaced appropriately on the lawns
LCRK Committee 9 June 2020
- White lights only
- White light on the front, red light on the back (but both white if at locations other than Lane Cove River)
- Visible from all directions. Ensure your front light is not concealed behind your bow upturn as it makes you invisible to oncoming paddlers.
- Ensure your front light is not concealed behind your bow upturn as it makes you invisible to oncoming paddlers.
- Ensure your front light is not shining in your eyes - it ruins your night vision.
See this link to NSW government document Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 and to the later Road Transport (General) Amendment (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2015 (accessed 2 Mar 2016) both of which have near identical wording
See this link to NSW government document Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 and to the later Road Transport (General) Amendment (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2015 (accessed 15 Oct 2017) both of which have near identical wording
NSW Legislation - LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved Lifejacket (PFD) for all Wednesday night time trials. Look out for emails from the committee on this. For more information visit: http://www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
NSW Legislation - LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved Lifejacket (PFD) for all Wednesday night time trials. For a plainer english version visit: the RMS website and scroll down till you find the relevant commentary re kayaks etc.
LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved Lifejacket (PFD) when paddling between sunset and sunrise. Lifejackets (PFDs) are required for all Wednesday night time trials outside of daylight savings time, and any other times you are going to finish after sunset. Look out for emails from the committee on this. For more information visit: http://www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved Lifejacket (PFD) for all Wednesday night time trials. Look out for emails from the committee on this. For more information visit: http://www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
Personal Flotation Device (aka PFD or Life Jacket)
Lifejacket (aka PFD or Personal Floation Device)
LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved PFD when paddling between sunset and sunrise. PFDs are required for all Wednesday night time trials outside of daylight savings time, and any other times you are going to finish after sunset. Look out for emails from the committee on this. For more information visit: http://www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
LCRK require that all paddlers wear an approved Lifejacket (PFD) when paddling between sunset and sunrise. Lifejackets (PFDs) are required for all Wednesday night time trials outside of daylight savings time, and any other times you are going to finish after sunset. Look out for emails from the committee on this. For more information visit: http://www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
A single LED light (e.g. a keychain LED) placed inside a white film canister makes an effective light.
A single LED light (e.g. a keychain LED) placed inside a white vitamin/film canister makes an effective light.
See this link to NSW government document Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 and to the later Road Transport (General) Amendment (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2015 both of which have near identical wording
The relevant part would appear to be on page 7 where it says:\\
See this link to NSW government document Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 and to the later Road Transport (General) Amendment (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2015 (accessed 2 Mar 2016) both of which have near identical wording
The relevant part of the latest document would appear to be on page 7 and 8 where it states:\\
(b) there is carried at the extreme rear of the loading or equipment a red flag or other suitable object, in either case not less than 300 millimetres square, and the flag or object is kept clearly visible as a warning to persons on the roadway in the near vicinity of the vehicle or trailer, and
(b) there is carried at the extreme rear of the loading or equipment a red flag or other suitable object, in either case not less than 300 millimetres square, and the flag or object is kept clearly visible as a warning to persons on the roadway in the near vicinity of the vehicle or trailer, and
(:if false:)
These requirements also apply to any load or equipment that projects less than 1.2 metres if it projects in such a way that it is not readily visible to a person following immediately behind the vehicle.
These requirements also apply to any load or equipment that projects less than 1.2 metres if it projects in such a way that it is not readily visible to a person following immediately behind the vehicle.
(:if end:)
Subclause(2) It is not a contravention of subclause (1) (a) (iii) for any loading or equipment to project more than 1.2 m to the rear of a motor vehicle or any trailer drawn by the vehicle if:
Subclause(2) It is not a contravention of subclause (1) (a) (iii) for any loading or equipment to project more than 1.2 metres to the rear of a motor vehicle or any trailer drawn by the vehicle if:
(b) there is carried at the extreme rear of the loading or equipment a red flag or other suitable object, in either case not less than 300mm square, and the flag or object is kept clearly visible as a warning to persons on the roadway in the near vicinity of the vehicle or trailer, and
(c) between the hours of sunset and sunrise or when there is insufficient daylight to render a person dressed in dark clothing clearly discernible at a distance of 100 m, there is affixed at the extreme rear of the loading or equipment:
(b) there is carried at the extreme rear of the loading or equipment a red flag or other suitable object, in either case not less than 300 millimetres square, and the flag or object is kept clearly visible as a warning to persons on the roadway in the near vicinity of the vehicle or trailer, and
(c) between the hours of sunset and sunrise or when there is insufficient daylight to render a person dressed in dark clothing clearly discernible at a distance of 100 metres, there is affixed at the extreme rear of the loading or equipment
See this link to NSW government document Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 (advised by Thomson Reuters Insight Team on May 8, 2014 as still being current law)
The relevant part would appear to be on page 30 (clause 53) where it says:
Clause 53 Projection of loading or equipment of vehicles
Subclause(1) A person must not drive on a road or road related area:
(a) any motor vehicle (not being a motor bike or a mobile crane that is 9.5 m or less in length) if the loading or equipment on the vehicle or any trailer drawn by the vehicle:
See this link to NSW government document Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 and to the later Road Transport (General) Amendment (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2015 both of which have near identical wording
The relevant part would appear to be on page 7 where it says:
50L Projection of loading or equipment of vehicles
Subclause(1) A person must not drive on a road::
(a) a motor vehicle (not being a motor bike or a mobile crane that is 9.5 metres or less in length) if the loading or equipment on the vehicle or any trailer drawn by the vehicle:
See the NSW government document Vehicles Standards Information 5
On page 17 it says:
Warning devices for projecting loads or equipment – light vehicles
A light vehicle, or a light vehicle and trailer combination, may have a rear projection exceeding 1.2 metres if the overall length of the vehicle or combination, together with the loading or equipment on it, is within the relevant limits fixed by the Regulation i.e.
- 12.5 metres in the case of a light vehicle
- 19.0 metres in the case of a light vehicle and trailer combination.
If the rear projection is greater than 1.2 metres, the rear of the load or equipment must have attached a brightly coloured flag or piece of material not less than 300 mm square. In addition to the flag, when travelling at night or in adverse weather conditions that restrict visibility, a red light or at least two red reflectors must be attached:
- the red light needs to be seen for 200 metres
- the reflectors need to be capable of projecting a red reflection of light.
These requirements also apply to any load or equipment that projects less than 1.2 metres if it projects in such a way that it is not readily visible to a person following immediately behind the vehicle.
See this link to NSW government document Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 (advised by Thomson Reuters Insight Team on May 8, 2014 as still being current law)
The relevant part would appear to be on page 30 (clause 53) where it says:
Clause 53 Projection of loading or equipment of vehicles
Subclause(1) A person must not drive on a road or road related area:
(a) any motor vehicle (not being a motor bike or a mobile crane that is 9.5 m or less in length) if the loading or equipment on the vehicle or any trailer drawn by the vehicle:
.....
.....
Subclause(2) It is not a contravention of subclause (1) (a) (iii) for any loading or equipment to project more than 1.2 m to the rear of a motor vehicle or any trailer drawn by the vehicle if:
(a) the overall length of the vehicle or of the combination of vehicle and trailer, together with the loading or equipment on it, is within the relevant limit fixed by Schedule 2 to the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2007, and
(b) there is carried at the extreme rear of the loading or equipment a red flag or other suitable object, in either case not less than 300mm square, and the flag or object is kept clearly visible as a warning to persons on the roadway in the near vicinity of the vehicle or trailer, and
(c) between the hours of sunset and sunrise or when there is insufficient daylight to render a person dressed in dark clothing clearly discernible at a distance of 100 m, there is affixed at the extreme rear of the loading or equipment:
Warning devices for projecting loads or equipment – light vehicles
A light vehicle, or a light vehicle and trailer combination, may have a rear projection exceeding 1.2 metres if the overall length of the vehicle or combination, together with the loading or equipment on it, is within the relevant limits fixed by the Regulation i.e.
* 12.5 metres in the case of a light vehicle
* 19.0 metres in the case of a light vehicle and trailer combination.
If the rear projection is greater than 1.2 metres, the rear of the load or equipment must have attached a brightly coloured flag or piece of material not less than 300 mm square. In addition to the flag, when travelling at night or in adverse weather conditions that restrict visibility, a red light or at least two red reflectors must be attached:
* the red light needs to be seen for 200 metres
* the reflectors need to be capable of projecting a red reflection of light.
These requirements also apply to any load or equipment that projects less than 1.2 metres if it projects in such a way that it is not readily visible to a person following immediately behind the vehicle.
The Basics.
Paddling is for fitness, challenge, relaxation – or simply to get you into beautiful places. But do you know how to paddle safely – so things don’t go wrong? PaddleNSW has worked with Transport NSW to produce a range of videos examining key ways you can paddle safely, and enjoy your paddling feeling confident and security
The most important aspect of safety is looking out for each other. If for any reason you suspect a paddler is in trouble, stop. If someone is in the water the first person to arrive must stay with them until they have re-entered. (Times will be adjusted)
The most important aspect of safety is looking out for each other, particularly during our Time Trials. If for any reason you suspect a paddler is in trouble, stop. If someone is in the water the first person to arrive must stay with them until they have re-entered. (Times will be adjusted)
Self Recovery
Paddlers should be comfortable with their ability to recover in the event of capsize. At the most basic level this may involving simply swimming to the bank for a 'conventional' shore based remount. More experienced paddlers have mastered techniques for deepwater recovery and this skill can be acquired in your own time at suitable locations. A range of 'how to' videos such as those below, are available from the usual sources.
For Skis:
- How to remount your surf ski
- Essential surf ski skills - the remount
- Surfski remount - detailed
- 4 second remount from waist deep
- Rough water remount
For Kayaks:
- Kayak remount techniques
- Kayak remount \\
The most important aspect of safety is looking out for each other. If for any reason you suspect a paddler is in trouble, stop. If someone is in the water the first person to arrive must stay with them until they have given the all-clear. (Times will be adjusted)
The most important aspect of safety is looking out for each other. If for any reason you suspect a paddler is in trouble, stop. If someone is in the water the first person to arrive must stay with them until they have re-entered. (Times will be adjusted)
If the rear projection is greater than 1.2 metres, the rear of the load or equipment must have attached a brightly coloured flag or piece of material not less than 300 mm square. In addition to the flag, when travelling at night or in adverse weather conditions that restrict visibility, a red light or at least two red reflectors must be attached:
If the rear projection is greater than 1.2 metres, the rear of the load or equipment must have attached a brightly coloured flag or piece of material not less than 300 mm square. In addition to the flag, when travelling at night or in adverse weather conditions that restrict visibility, a red light or at least two red reflectors must be attached:
If the rear projection is greater than 1.2 metres, the rear of the load or equipment must have attached a brightly coloured flag or piece of material not less than 300 mm square. In addition to the flag, when travelling at night or in adverse weather conditions that restrict visibility, a red light or at least two red reflectors must be attached:
If the rear projection is greater than 1.2 metres, the rear of the load or equipment must have attached a brightly coloured flag or piece of material not less than 300 mm square. In addition to the flag, when travelling at night or in adverse weather conditions that restrict visibility, a red light or at least two red reflectors must be attached:
Paddling up-stream from the start there are four left turns. Just after the first and second there are rocks on the left. They are visible at low tide, submerged at high tide. While these rocks are unlikely to harm paddlers they have damaged many boats over the years. Take care.
Paddling up-stream from the start there are four left turns. Just after the first and second there are rocks on the left. They are visible at low tide, submerged at high tide. While these rocks are unlikely to harm paddlers they have damaged many boats over the years. Take care.
At the narrowing immediately south of Blackman Park it may be tempting to cut between the green Maritime pole and the point. Fine at high tide, impossible at low, risky in between!
At the narrowing immediately south of Blackman Park it may be tempting to cut between the green Maritime pole and the point. Fine at high tide, impossible at low, risky in between!
Paddling up-stream from the start there are four left turns. Just after the first and second there are rocks on the left. They are visible at low tide, submerged at high tide. While these rocks are unlikely to harm paddlers they have damaged many boats over the years. Take care.
"C" on map below
"B" on map below
"E" on map below
The sandbars at the bottom of the course are only visible at very low tides. They are not likely to cause injuries but may scratch your boat and slow you down. Learn where they are, it may be helpful if you find yourself in the water.
"A" on map below
The time trial turns at Fullers Bridge but if you go exploring a little further up-stream look out for the rocks on the right between the bridge and the weir.
Paddling up-stream from the start there are four left turns. Just after the first and second there are rocks on the left. They are visible at low tide, submerged at high tide. While these rocks are unlikely to harm paddlers they have damaged many boats over the years. Take care.
"B" on map below
"C" on map below
At the narrowing immediately south of Blackman Park it may be tempting to cut between the green Maritime pole and the point. Fine at high tide, impossible at low, risky in between!
At the narrowing immediately south of Blackman Park it may be tempting to cut between the green Maritime pole and the point. Fine at high tide, impossible at low, risky in between!
"D" on map below
"A" on map below
The time trial turns at Fullers Bridge but if you go exploring a little further up-stream look out for the rocks on the right between the bridge and the weir.
"E" on map below
The sandbars at the bottom of the course are only visible at very low tides. They are not likely to cause injuries but may scratch your boat and slow you down. Learn where they are, it may be helpful if you find yourself in the water.