Firstly, I hope you are all well and finding things to do under the current requirements of staying at home.
British Canoe have updated the advice on Personal and Independent paddling this is now much stricter advice than previously issued. In reads as follows:
“personal and independent paddling, this should only be considered as an exception – as a form of exercise – if the activity is in line with all government advice and measures and;
A paddler lives within a close proximity to a river or waterway;
No non-essential vehicle travel is required to a river or waterway, a club, centre, facility or a stored boat shed;
The activity is once a day and is for a short period of time;
Activity is conducted alone or with household members, not in groups, with paddlers following social distancing measures and being two metres apart;
Consideration is given to the weather and water conditions and that both are well within your capabilities;
That a personal safety framework is put in place whilst on the water;
Tell someone where you are going and how long for – as well as letting them know when you’re off the water;
Only experienced and competent paddlers should be on the water independently;
You can safely paddle to and from your workplace – if you are unable to work from home.
With all government guidance pointing towards a period during which the nation is being urged to act responsibly to fight the spread of Coronavirus, and the unprecedented burden currently on our emergency and public services, we believe this is the most responsible, and only, course of action we can take at this moment.
We fully appreciate the effect that this recommendation will have on the paddlesport community, particularly for clubs, centres, coaches, providers and retailers whose businesses will be greatly affected by the further measures introduced by the government.”
I’m not sure how many of you had been able to take to the water in the past few days but I think this advice will prevent almost all of us from now on.
Best Regards , Stay safe and well
David
Health and Safety Officer”