Chapter Five |
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Canoeing |
Canoeing is an enjoyable activity but it is not without risks. Accidents often occur through parties being ill-prepared or failing to observe necessary safety precautions.
The Kai'mia Way Code for Canoeists
If you do the right thing traveling to and on the river, environmental impact can be minimal. |
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Keep vehicles to formed roads and tracks. Craft must be carried to the water.
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If other groups are there, stagger launchings to avoid congestion and social impacts.
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When you camp, try to avoid camping with other groups and choose a site with a robust bank or beach on which landing and launching of craft will have least impact.
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- Respect all flora and fauna and do not remove any Aboriginal artifact. Leave only your footprints and take your litter home with you.
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Safety on the River
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Ensure river heights are suitable before departure.
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Ensure all craft are designed for the type of paddling you intend to carry out, are adequately equipped with fixed buoyancy, handholds, spraycovers (if necessary) and are in good order.
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Carry appropriate group equipment including repair kit, comprehensive first aid kit, spare food and matches.
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Carry appropriate individual equipment including throw rope, buoyancy/life vest, helmet, personal first aid kit, adequate protection against cold, wet, hot and sunny weather.
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Keep the party in sight of one another at all times.
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Keep well away from trees, snags and other obstacles.
Be familiar and comply with the Australian Canoeing safety code .
Planning Your Trip
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Keep your party small. Large parties (of more than eight people) have more environmental impact and can adversely affect the experience of other visitors.
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Ensure prior knowledge of the river. The leader of the trip should have experience of the river and have leadership skills
- Only take appropriately skilled party members. Be sure your party members are capable of:
- swimming confidently; and
rescuing themselves and other party members from a capsize.
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Protect yourself and other group members against sunburn, cold, wind and rain. Protect your skin and always wear a long-sleeved top, a hat and sunscreen.
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Plan your escape routes. Carry maps and be familiar with potential escape routes should a mishap occur which necessitates walking out. Have appropriate walking gear (shoes, day pack, map, compass, torch) in case this should be needed.
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Let someone know before you go on the river. Tell them about your party, your planned day of return, and the equipment you are carrying. Remember to contact them when you return.
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In remote country where there are no toilet facilities, minimise your impact by taking a hand trowel for burying toilet wastes. Bury at least 100 metres away from watercourses.
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Carry enough drinking water for your trip.
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• Exec Summary 
Sutherland Shire Environment Centre | Suite 4 (1st Floor), 2-4 Merton Street, Sutherland NSW 2232