Operating Procedures
Q: Are you still taking precautions against Covid-19?
Our operations are largely back to where they were pre-Covid. We no longer have the restrictions on numbers that existed in 2020/early 2021. The biggest differences compared with pre-Covid are:-
a) We ask folk to continue to maintain social distance and wear face masks in the buildings. (This is voluntary, not mandated)
b) Our changing facilities are only lightly used. Generally folk are arriving changed for paddling and leaving in their paddling kit. If folk get very wet, then the changing rooms may be used, but we recommend that only one family uses one room at a time.
c) Hand gel and cleaning spray are available for use as required.
Otherwise activities are running largely as they did prior to Covid.
Q: Do you have Standard Operating Procedures?
A: The Canoe Club operate under the Deben Watersports Centre SOPs 2022 v1.0.pdf to keep things simple. These SOPs have been agreed with AALA, the Adventure Activities Licencing Authority. The Term "Chief Instructor" aligns with the club term "Lead Coach" and the term "Group Instructor" aligns with the clubs "Club Coach".
Q: Do you have a Child Protection Officer?
A: Yes. Please see the Committee page on this website for details. Any issues or concerns should be raised with the Coach leading the group or the Child Protection Officer directly.
Q: What changing facilities are available at the DWSC?
A: Segregated changing facilities are provided at the Watersports Centre for Men and Women. The Centre does not have separate facilities for Adults and U18s. As the club runs mixed adult/U18 sessions most evenings, it is not practical to full segregate Adults and U18s. hence the following policies have been agreed.
- Gender specific changing rooms are available and should be used as marked.
- Children U8 may use the other gender changing facilities if accompanied by their parent.
- Where U18 and Adults are sharing a changing room, it is good practice to avoid having One adult in the changing room with one U18. Ideally more than 1 adult should be present.
- Mobile phones, cameras or any other recording devices MUST NOT be used in changing rooms at any time.
- Where possible, coaches are encouraged to use the second building at Woodbridge for changing, particularly where groups are predominantly U18s. However, this is not always possible, and is rarely practical for lady coaches.
- Any changing room incidents should be reported to the Child Protection Officer.
Q: Does the club require Parental Consent?
A: The Club membership form acts as a simple Parental Consent form to cover activities undertaken at Woodbridge. If U18s are taken away from Woodbridge without their parents being present, then a Nominated Responsible Adult Form and a Parental Consent Form must be completed for the activity.
Nominated Responsible Adult Form
Q: Does the Club have an Equality Policy?
A: The Club is fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and aims to ensure that everyone has a genuine and equal opportunity to participate in Paddlesport at all levels and in all roles of the sport, irrespective of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex and sexual orientation. In addition, the Club will endeavour to ensure that all are given the same opportunities regardless of their socio-economic background.
If there is anything we can do to assist you in taking part in our clubs activities, please discuss with one of our Lead Coaches or the Committee.
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