Risk Assessment: Pool Sessions
Risk Assessment carried out by: WAM Committee
Canoeing is “an assumed risk‟, “water contact‟ activity however serious accidents are very rare. More people drown whilst cycling than canoeing. Accidents can be avoided by a combination of training, based on the accepted code of technique and safety; and experience gathered over a number of years, where techniques are acquired and practiced under the shadow of a leader.
Accidents can be placed in three broad categories:
- Lack of knowledge – as the saying goes “fore-warned is fore-armed‟. You can never know enough.
- Over-estimation of ability – common with inexperienced canoeist.
- Carelessness – may affect both novice and expert. Ensure you have sound knowledge of the skills, techniques and equipment you are using by undertaking adequate training and practice.
SEVERITY: 1 – minor injury; 2 – injury needing medical attention; 3 – injury needing 5 days off work/school; 4 – Serious injury/long term sickness; 5 – fatality.
LIKELIHOOD: 1 – impossible; 2 – unlikely; 3 – even chance; – 4 – likely; 5 – certain.
RISK SCORE is calculated as Injury Severity multiplied by the Likelihood.
Risk Rating Result:
Maximum risk score 25
High risk score 17 to 24
Medium risk 9 to 16
Low risk score 1 to 8
A “Responsible Club Member” is considered to be either a member of the club committee or a long-term member of the club who has either coaching qualifications or sufficient experience.
Significant hazards |
Persons at risk |
Severity 1-5 |
Likelihood 1-5 |
Rating |
Controls/Actions required |
Risk of drowning as associated with water sports |
All |
5 |
2 |
10 Medium |
|
Entrapment in boat/on ski |
All, but especially beginners |
5 |
2 |
10 Medium |
|
Collision with other paddlers |
All |
2 |
2 |
4 Low |
|
Banging head or other body parts on poolside or other boats |
All, especially playboaters |
3 |
2 |
6 Low |
|
Collisions between paddlers and swimmers |
Anyone swimming |
3 |
2 |
6 Low |
|
Slippery pool side |
All |
3 |
2 |
6 Low |
|
Moving and handling boats |
All |
2 |
3 |
6 Low |
|