Fell Foot - Windermere Health & Safety

Risk Assessment

Fell Foot - Windermere risk assessment was reviewed by Hollie Evans (Captain) on 25 June 2025.

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
All Activities	Paddlers	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Participants must comply with AquaPaddle/Club Policies and therefore with certain British Canoeing Policies	Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by Crew. Ensure each member/visitor has access to a current copy of the AquaPaddle Policies, via the website.
Children	Paddlers	Constant	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Children are only allowed to take part in AquaPaddle if accompanied by a parent/guardian or coach if part of an organised club training session. Prior notice should be given to the Captain that they will be attending	Crews need to be aware of the presence of minors on the event and future events.
Personnel Limitations	Paddlers	Constant	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Limitations for water activities are as per our Safety Policy. People on the pontoons are to be kept to a minimum – only officials are permitted access. Unless there is an exceptional event there are no land restrictions on personnel.	For the event if there are officials for that event (such as Canoe Polo) the referees are to ensure that the water activities under their control are safe, paddlers are to follow the instructions of the referee/officials in all safety matters without question.
Safeguarding	Paddlers, Spectators	Minority	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	All members and people on our site agree to follow our AquaPaddle/Club Policies and procedures, of which safeguarding and code of conduct is one of them. An Event Captain/Safeguarding Officer is to have oversight over the Safeguarding of the event.	Crew and other Volunteers who have regular contact with U18 are to be DBS checked and attend a safeguarding course.
Safety Cover	Paddlers	Majority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Crew are to either have a Captain present or be in a minimum number of four Crew that are at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others; one person is aged over 18 or a coach (Land or Water) is in the vicinity. Compliant with the AquaPaddle/Club Safety Policy. The Captain and or an Event Safety Officer is to have oversight over the Health And Safety of the event.	British Canoeing Awards set an appropriate level for standards, such as 2 Star, Explore awards and higher. However other factors can be taken into account such as experience, competition level and paddlers being at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others, while paddling on the water.

Off Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Boat and Manual Handling	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Briefly	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	If carrying a boat alone, paddlers are to ensure it is within the limits of their limitations and experience.	All paddlers are advised that two people should lift boats at least. Attention should be given to keeping a straight back when lifting and communication should be clear between those lifting to prevent injury, particularly when lifting and setting boats down. Failure to do so could lead to injury.
Car Park	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	People are to be made aware of traffic within parking areas. Vehicles are to park safely so as not to obstruct access routes. Club officials are to control cars in the venue at the start and the end of the event when the traffic flow requires it. Cars are to adhere to the speed limit of 5mph during the event.	The car park is also accessed by other users. AquaPaddle Crew are to wear high-visibility clothing to ensure the cars can see the marshals.
Changing rooms	Paddlers	Minority	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Changing rooms are to be kept as dry as possible and tidy to prevent trips and falls.	No food waste is to be left within changing rooms.
Spectating	Spectators	Majority	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Spectators are not to encroach over the perimeter fencing or water's edge. Instructions will be issued. On-site induction.	AquaPaddle Crew to monitor and advise the spectators when they are not acting in the best manner.

Event Specific hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Changing	Paddlers	Majority	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Adequate changing facilities for Male and Female is to be available – if alternative changing facilities are required paddlers to inform Crew Members. AquaPaddle/Club Safeguarding rules apply to all visitors – specifically regarding the Changing Room Guidance/Rules.	If required there is an accessible changing room space for event paddlers with separate genders.
Engine and fuel	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Engines are to be routinely serviced. Fuel to be securely stored on both the boat and at the boat shed.	Crew training.
Event Contact Point	Paddlers	Constant	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	There is to be an event contact point for all matters for the event. This is usually going to be the “Time Lord” who is at the Start/Finish Line.	There is to be a first aid box available at this location, also this is to be the point of contact for the First Aider, Event Safety officer and the Event Safeguarding Officer – these roles may all be undertaken by one person.
Propeller Danger	Paddlers	Minority	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	The safety boat will be fitted with a kill cord to ensure the engine cuts out if needed (as RYA advise). Paddlers to be briefed to avoid the stern of safety boats and advised regarding the risk of propellers.	Kill cord to be fitted to the engines and used at all times, Crew training given.
Safety Boat	Paddlers	Majority	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Safety Boat to be used for various activities or to transport Paddlers to river locations that are safely out of the wind/tidal pull if deemed necessary. Also, to be used in the event of an emergency. Only exceed the maximum manufacturer's limit in an emergency. Collisions are to be reported to AquaPaddle HQ and the local waterway Governing Body.	All EC Partners to have completed the RYA Powerboat level 2 qualification. In-house Crew training to all other employees.
Toilets	Paddlers	Briefly	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Toilets are to be provided for the event and are to be cleaned to a suitable hygienic standard before the event and stocked with the essentials. All Participants to ensure they clean after themselves to ensure hygienic standards do not fall.	Through the event and post-event club officials are to ensure the facilities are kept hygienic and stocked with essentials.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Collision with mooring buoys and other static objects	Paddlers	Majority	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Instructor and assistants to give clear guidance and path to avoid obstacles.	Review path/crossing annually and ensure Crew are fully trained.
Collision with other waterway users	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers instructed to be aware of other lake users and how to take appropriate/avoiding action.	All members of the group are to be informed as to possible other lake users and locations, what to do when boats approach
Effect of Hot, Cold and wind from Weather and Environmental	Paddlers	Majority	Probable chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Captain and Location Safety Team to assess the weather before getting on the waterway.	The event is to be cancelled if not considered safe. Captain should consider instructing participants to bring: drinking water, hats, sunscreen, windproof clothing, or extra layers as appropriate
Entrapment	Paddlers	Minority	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	Paddlers are to either have a Crew member present or be in a minimum number of three that are at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others; one person is aged over 18 or a coach (Land or Water) is in the vicinity. Spray decks are to be appropriate for kayaks. Paddlers are to be competent to wear a spray deck if one is used. Crew to carry safety knives.	British Canoeing Awards set an appropriate level for standards, such as 2 Star, Explore awards and higher. However other factors can be taken into account such as experience, competition level and paddlers being at the standard that to self-rescue and rescue others, during paddling on the water.
Environment	Paddlers	Constant	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers are to be aware of other water users and keep away from powered craft. Paddlers are to be aware of wildlife on and surrounding the water system and steer clear of any floating rubbish, which is to be cleared from pitches before use.	Captains, Crew and Experienced Paddlers are to stay vigilant and ensure they have a plan to get to safe water at all times to mitigate the risks when they occur.
Equipment Failure - board deflates while on the water - fall in and hit head or get injured, Leash Snaps causing them to come detached from their board if they fall in. Paddle snaps and unable to paddle back to launch point	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	All equipment will need to be checked before launching into the water. Crew are trained in how to tow Paddlers if issues arise with boards. Dynamic risk assessment to be carried out on the water to monitor any issues that may arise with equipment. Buoyancy aids worn by all Paddles will ensure they remain buoyant in the case of boat deflating or leash snapping.	Before Paddlers enter the water a visual check of all craft needs to be carried out.
Falling from inability to stand	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	During the AquaPaddle Briefing, Check that all Paddlers can self-rescue, if not, talk through the correct way to fall and climb back on a board or kayak.	Bring Paddlers to a safe spot near the shore and assist back on the vessel. Make Paddlers aware of how to alert the Crew for assistance.
Fog and poor visibility	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Captain to check the forecast and, if in doubt, go to the location to check the conditions.	Assess by Captain and Crew, check weather forecast.
Hazard from prevailing wind and weather conditions	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Events will not operate over 18 mph standing wind (depending on the wind direction) unless a safe location is found and agreed upon by two Event Safety Team (Captain, Time Lord and experienced on-water Crew Member).	Assess by Captain, check weather forecast. If thunderstorms occur after an event has begun, ask the Paddlers to return to a safe area on the bank, if there are less than 7 seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder. This follows the BC guidance.
Launching / Landing Areas and Sides	Paddlers	Minority	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers are to use the primary Launching area at our ramp, paddlers are not to exit on pontoons unless required to fulfil official duties for the event. When embarking and disembarking from the water from a Kayak, Canoe, or SUP ensure that care is used with help if necessary, using the correct technique. Crew are to be inducted to location of safe evacuation locations.	Standing in SUPs is prohibited when within falling distance to an object – including walls. Kneeling when embarking and disembarking the SUP. Helmets may be used for SUPs.
Moorings and ropes	Paddlers	Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Advise Paddlers where ropes/boats/moorings are and direct them to a clear spot. Access to Local Area Users Risk Assessment.	Local direction given.
Other water users including power boats, sails, kayakers etc	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Crew to ensure the group maintain a safe distance from other vessels where possible. Always move and keep clear of shipping and other river users.	Conduct training with Crew.
Over hanging branches	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Make group aware that there are over hanging branches along the lake shoreline.	Make Paddlers aware of potential overhanging branch hazards.
Pollution and risk of infection	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Advised to wash hands with hot water and soap before eating or drinking and shower at the end of the event, especially after immersion and made aware of flotsam.	Crew to assess waterway condition on the day. Avoid intentional capsizes in poor conditions.
SUP Leashes and entanglement	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	SUP leashes are to be worn at all events unless it is deemed to be an entanglement risk. Entanglement from submerged plant life.	Quick-release belts are advised and assessment of the conditions/abilities of the group to determine the route. Specific pocket knife to be carried by Crew on duty.
Water Quality	Paddlers	Constant	Possible chance of a Serious incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Water quality is regularly monitored and the results are held with the Responsible Authority	Paddlers are to report any concerns to AquaPaddle Crew Members to contact the Responsible Authority to raise the concerns.
Wildlife	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Brief Paddlers about approaching wildlife, and maintaining a safe distance whenever possible. ‘If it's free, let it be’	Ensure Crew relay information to the AquaPaddlers.

Medical hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Drowning. (see also Safety Cover - Off Water Section )	Paddlers, Crew	Majority	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	Paddlers are required to be able to swim and wear a buoyancy aid on the water. Sole people on shore or pontoons must wear buoyancy aids if there are no other people nearby. Site induction, visitors are to be advised of any danger areas.	Life Buoys & throw lines are available on shore for people to throw to the causality when a person needs assistance. Paddlers are to either have a Crew member present or be in a minimum number of three that are at the standard to self-rescue and rescue others; one person is aged over 18 or a Crew (Land or Water) is in the vicinity with a throw line if on land. For the event, the Crew are to ensure that water activities under their control are safe, and paddlers are to follow the instructions of the Crew in all safety matters without question.
Emergency situation	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	Ensure that the casualty and group are all called to a designated assemble/exit point. Call appropriate FHC/Coastguard/Partners/emergency services if required.	Annual emergency drills to be conducted. Signed terms and conditions by AquaPaddlers. Follow EC emergency action plan and brief AquaPaddlers at the start of the session.
Exhaustion/Fatigue	Paddlers	Minority	Possible chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Advise paddlers to bring a drink and have eaten appropriately prior to paddling.	Water safety team will assist and help them ashore. Team to keep a vigilant eye on Paddlers to identify any who may be struggling.
First Aid / Injuries	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Probable chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Paddlesport is an “assumed risk sport”. There will be a designated First Aid AquaPaddle/club official on site.	All Crew are qualified first-aiders. All injuries should be reported on the incident report. Means of contact for emergency services to be available at the venue. Defibrillator is available on site.
Handling of boats and paddles and accidental falls whilst in/on the craft leading to Head Injuries	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Helmets are advised to be worn whilst on the water and carrying craft.	Captain and Crew could set a good example and wear a helmet when the activity or conditions dictate. Crew to carry Walkie Talkie Radios and/or a mobile phone to summon emergency services and be able to relay where they are on the waterway and the nearest access point.
Hazard from slipping or tripping	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Brief Crew and AquaPaddlers on the danger of slipping and tripping at all entry and exit points if necessary.	Briefing/checklist of Crew used at start of the session.
Hypothermia / Hyperthermia	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	AquaPaddlers to be given info about appropriate dress and Crew to give the AquaPaddlers a wetsuit if deemed necessary.	Carry foil blanket (if the instructor sees fit). Make sure the AquaPaddlers are out of the water and taken to an appropriate assemble/exit point and call for emergency assistance if need be.
Injury from damaged equipment	Paddlers	Minority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Check PSI regularly. Ensure regular equipment checks are carried out.	Daily/monthly Crew checks. All equipment checked regularly.
Manual handling leads to Sprains, Strains and Soft Tissue Injuries	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers trained to lift correctly with straight backs and ask for help when lifting heavy craft. Encourage paddlers to paddle correctly. Paddlers advised to carry boats between 2 people or more for heavy canoes	Ongoing training and regular checks of procedures. Appropriate checks on storage facilities. Crew and helpers to set a good example and not carry boats (even small ones) on their own. Crew to carry a basic first aid kit.
Pre-existing medical conditions	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Serious incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Terms and conditions require the person making the booking to notify of any relevant medical conditions for their group before arrival. If the AquaPaddler has NOT informed the Captain or Time Lord or Crew, those parties are NOT responsible for any incident involving said condition.	Captain/Crew only to authorise event admission where safety precautions can be put in place. DO NOT TAKE AQUAPADDLER OUT IF UNSURE OR WITHOUT A DOCTOR'S NOTE. Captain/Crew to ask about medical conditions during land base intro.
Spinal injury	Paddlers	Minority	Improbable chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Lost Time incident	Ensure all AquaPaddlers fill in medical information form.	Teaching techniques and awareness of fall techniques and potential hazards.
Weil’s Disease	Paddlers, Crew	Minority	Remote chance of a Lost Time incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Equipment is to be washed after use according to the NOP. If on static water, such as lakes and reservoirs, sampling should be carried out at regular intervals, including both micro and algae testing. Procedure in place for actions to be taken in the case of a poor water quality test, including Event Cancelation. Participants are encouraged to wash their hands as soon as possible after the activity. Participants are encouraged to cover any cuts and avoid ingesting the water.	Waterway owners are to monitor the water and publish the results so that all Crew can comply with safe working practices.