Hope you are keeping well and safe during these difficult times
Following the recent statement from the Government, the Canal and Rivers Trust and British Canoeing, some types of limited paddling can now commence.
Government guidance is:
1. You may take unlimited amount of exercise
2. Drive to exercise if you want
3. Play sports but only with someone from your household
4. It is permitted to meet ONE person not from your household but always maintaining the 2 m social distancing rule.
Taking this Government and British Canoeing guidance into consideration Glanford and Scunthorpe CC club have updated it as follows: Members are asked to adhere to this.
The club will still NOT open for club or coached sessions and the Boathouse facilities will remain locked down. Paddling is only for exercise and will not be supervised by the club. Club equipment is still not available for general use, which means you will need to use all your own equipment, and not lend equipment to others outside your household.
Only paddle in household groups, if you are planning on meeting anyone else only meet ONE person from out of your household, this means a group of two is the maximum number of non household paddlers permitted.
It is vital that when meeting others that you ensure the 2 m rule is followed at all times both on and off the water. ( I have read some anecdotal evidence that if you are following in the wash of a non household paddler it may be advisable to stay much further away than 2 meters). K2 and Canadian type paddling should only be with members of your household.
Please do NOT artificially create informal training groups / large groups of paddlers on the water as it likely to attract criticism of the club by the local community.
If your boat or any other piece of equipment needed for exercise is in the boathouse and you wish to use it, please contact a member of the committee to arrange a mutually suitable time to collect any items. Following removal from the boathouse, items must be taken away and will not taken back into the boathouse until the situation changes further.
Paddlers are reminded that a waterways licence is required to paddle on licensed waterways. Members of clubs who are not full members of British Canoeing are only licensed and insured to paddle on waterways when taking part in organised club activity, as no club activity is allowed currently, paddlers, to ensure they are insured and licensed, may want to take out full British Canoeing membership.
If you are planning to exercise on the river please remember you have not paddled for a while and hence you will be somewhat “out of practice”, even very experience paddlers should therefore keep activities to those well within their capabilities and it is also strongly recommended that a BA is used at all times.
Remember the river has not been maintained during lockdown and wildlife and vegetation will be more in evidence, take care and respect any other river inhabitants and users you see.
The British Canoeing advice should be read in full before you consider returning to the river.
This is a link to British Canoeing paddling guidelines:
A return to paddling in England
If you need any additional advice, please do not hesitate to ask .
Stay safe and Keep Well
David Riley
Safety Officer