Leeds Health & Safety

Notes

Waterloo Lake is located in Roundhay Park ,Leeds.
Access to the lake is via Carriageway Drive (Fully Pedestrianised) so caution should be taken carrying all craft as this can be a very busy area at times.
White Rose Canoe Club is located beneath the Lake side Cafe & the area is shared with Leeds Rowing Club .
For Most event paddlers please walk slightly past the stepped / ramped entrance to the Club Area and head for the Grassed area just beyond.
If you require Level Pontoon access (Kayaks) then please enter the Club Area (Sliding Gate , please close behind you)
please do not block the Wooden Decking area as The rowing club will be tiding down from there morning session as you arrive.
The Grassed area at times can be very slippery in places , so please be careful & follow any directions given .
AqP Leeds Team / Crew will all be wearing Orange Crew Tops.
Event Registration / sign In - at the end of the wooden decking / grass area.
Craft Hire Available £10 (cash only)- if you require hire please arrive early 0900hrs-0920hrs. as after this time the team will be busy & may not be able to support.
Event Safety Brief 0945hrs.
Start 1000hrs.
The Route
from behind 4 post area (on the water) it is 3 slightly shorter laps of the lake ,staying mainly with in 10mtrs of the edge ,inside the buoyed markers. There will be a Crew Member around the bottom turn buoy area to direct you.
Then the 2nd-3rd laps start from in front of the 4 posts (Yellow Buoy) please ignore all other Buoys (White & Pink)
Finish line 3rd Lap is between the 4 posts & The Yellow Buoy.
Please call out your name or number as you get to this area so the Time Lord can register you finish time correctly.

on the Water assistance. Hopefully all paddlers can self rescue , but on the off chance of capsize falling in or needing any general assistance through out the event , please in the first instance try and make your way to the lake edge (Shallow & Waist Deep) where we will promptly come to support you once safe to do so.
In the unlikely event of Immediate / Emergency Assistance being Required - Please use your Paddle Whistle / shout & let all around you know support is required. (Other Paddlers please be aware the Rib / Sib's will be coming in at speed and creating a wake/ waves)

AqP Leeds Team are all First Aid & Paddle Safety Qualified , the majority holding numerous Paddle UK - Instructor , Leadership, Coaching & Swimmer Safety & Rescue Awards, (inc some of the Team with their RLSS NPLQ - OWLQ) as well as there Power Boat 2 award or higher.

Basic Toilet & Shower Facilities are available in the Stone Boat House, Also Hot drinks (Donations & please bring a Mug).

AqP is a charity and all donations are welcome to help support this great Paddling cause & help maintain the ethos of all AqP events.

Risk Assessment

Leeds risk assessment was reviewed by Dean Jordan (Captain , WRCC Safety Officer.) on 03 November 2025.

On Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
All Activities	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	falled tree near the end of the main tree line. tree has been trimmed back but still some branches submerged & marked off with a large white 20ltr buoy, on the upper branches also has several used Cylums visible( glow sticks) that we use as markers during evening Dragon boat sessions. Potential fin strikes on a paddle board if they try to paddle on the inside edge of the buoy . Event on water marshal will be in the area during the first lap. We are awaiting for Leeds City Council , forestry to remove.	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.
Effect of Hot, Cold and wind from Weather and Environmental	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Captain and Location Safety Team to assess the weather before getting on the waterway. Paddlers to wear appropriate clothing for the weather.(Drysuit - Wet suit) carry sun cream , Drinks , as appropriate.	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
Environment	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers are to be aware of other water users and keep away from the support powered craft - Paddlers are to be aware of wildlife on and surrounding the water system and steer clear of any floating Debri / Rubbish & make the ream aware to be removed Environmental issues with Blue Green Algae - water Quality issues , event may be cancelled at short notice	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. paddlers to be breifed to stay within 5-10 mtrs of the edge of the lake at all times and if an incident occurs to make them self to the bank side	Sewagemaps.co.uk Open Water swim Quality - water Quality Tests before our major events ,(ironman , Tri-athlons )
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, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote 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.	Before Padders enter the water a visual check of all craft needs to be carried out
Falling from inability to stand	Paddlers	Briefly	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote 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.	Safety Brief , paddlers to stay within 10mtrs of the side unless at the bottom end of the lake at the turn Buoy (Crew member in place)in case of ingress & the inability to self rescue please swim self & craft to the edge where it is around waist deep. other paddlers to help if safe to do so . safety team is available but may not be of immediate support , whistles advised to be worn & used to call for support . Make Paddlers aware.
Wildlife	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote 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.

Off Water hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Boat and Manual Handling	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Briefly	Remote chance of a Minor 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. Please ask for help & support especially around the grassed lake side area Please be aware of all other park users whilst carrying craft around & just as importantly other vehicles when putting on or of vehicles for transportation.	All paddlers are advised that two people should lift boats at least. Failure to do so could lead to injury. If the park area is busy . please be verbal and ask for a safe carrying space to be made. or use a banks man to help guide you through any groups .
Car Park	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Briefly	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	People are to be made aware of traffic within parking areas. Vehicles are to park safely . Cars are to adhere to the speed limit of 5mph.	The car park is also accessed by other users(Pay & Display). Parking also available on the hill (Free).
Changing rooms	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	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. Safeguarding in & around the respective designated changing areas is to stay constant. if using the Club Facilities please pull the main sliding gate across for access then slide back closed instantly to restrict Public access into our areas. There are no PUBLIC Changing /Toilet Areas. Club use only .	No food waste is to be left within changing rooms. Please ensure all items are removed after use as they may be disposed of on post event tidy up.
Spectating	Spectators	Briefly	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Spectators are not to encroach onto the water's edge.to support there paddlers , Buoyancy aids required at all time . Instructions will be issued. On-site induction.	AquaPaddle Crew to monitor and advise the spectators when they are not acting in the best manner.
Tripping or Slipping on access steps or pontoons. (see also Drowning - Medical section)	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Briefly	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Advised to wear suitable wet footwear with a non-slip sole, or training shoes, when using the access steps to the Wooden Decking / pontoons and whilst stepping on and off the pontoon . Decking walking surface wood is specific non-slip construction. But care needs to be exercised to avoid algae or, bird deposits etc. particularly when wet. Grassed area at times is slippery please follow any instructions given by the Team.	Ongoing Housekeeping Maintenance to ensure the minimum build-up of growth or droppings by AquaPaddle Crew when the risk is increasing. Ongoing continual review that all conditions are being observed and adhered to by AquaPaddle Crew.

Event Specific hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required	Notes
Catering – Food / Drink	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	AquaPaddle Crew involved in food handling/preparation are to ensure they are hygienic. There is to be a Crew member present with a suitable food safety qualification to ensure high standards are adhered to. Officials are to ensure all food is well cooked/prepared. Hot Drinks Available (Donations) your own Cup / Mug is also required to help cut down on our wastage.	A Fire Extinguisher is to be in the vicinity for the Crew Member in the event of a fire. Crew are to be briefed regarding the environmental risks at the event. Any Electrical items are to have a valid PAT Test - Kettles / Boilers/ Microwave etc. Water Supply to have been ran prior to use if an occasional use tap (legionella Process).
Engine and fuel	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Improbable chance of a Minor 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.
Safety Boat	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Possible chance of a Minor incident	Safety Boat to be used for various activities or to transport Paddlers 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. Powered craft only to operate in tick over to ensure that the Wake / waves do not hinder the events paddlers in any way. They do travel right across the lake . Only to progress under power in an immediate emergency requirement.	RYA Powerboat level 2 qual or RYA Safety Boat License holders- if In-house Crew training to have been signed off by the WRCC Training Officer & looking at obtaining the RYA Accreditations in the near future.	PB2 / Paddle Craft - WRCC in house Training sign off completed Feb 2026 . (Dean J) RYA PB2 awards will be taking place over the next few months (AP Gair)
Toilets	Paddlers, Crew	Briefly	Remote chance of a Minor 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. Areas to be Kept Dry /Mopped as soon as possible , Mop available.	Through the event and post-event club officials are to ensure the facilities are kept hygienic and stocked with essentials.

General hazards

Hazard	Who is at risk?	Duration	Inherent risk	Residual risk	Control measures	Further action required
Children	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Children are only allowed to take part in AquaPaddle is accompanied by are 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 WRCC policy is that no junior paddler under the age of 13 can be on the water without an appropriate adult paddler	Crews need to be aware of the presence of minors on the event and future events.
Personnel Limitations	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote 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 Captain / Safety Officers are to ensure that the water activities under their control are safe, paddlers are to follow the instructions of the Team / Crew in all safety matters without question.
Safeguarding	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote 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. All AqP Leeds Team members have Paddle UK - Introduction to Safeguarding Award as a minimum, Most have with Children & Vulnerable adults , The Team also has several Members who also hold the NSPCC /UK Coaching Welfare Officer accreditation. Paddle UK Volunteers EDBS inc Barring. or Works equivalent.	Crew and other Volunteers who have regular contact with U18 are to be DBS checked and attend a safeguarding course.
Safety Cover	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor 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. at present all AqP Team members hold Appropriate Qualifications / Accreditations. these include Paddle Sport Safety & Rescue Award. or Paddle Safer / SUP Safer. WWSR Paddle Sport Instructor Or above . Leadership Awards Swimmer Safety & Rescue Award or equivalent. some of the Main team also hold there RLSS NPLQ CPD training inline with Paddle UK requirements including Club CPD Training sessions.	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. As a minimum all team members will hold the Paddle UK - Paddle Safer award (2hr)

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, Spectators, Crew	Briefly	Improbable chance of a Major incident	Improbable chance of a Minor incident	Paddlers are required to be able to swim and wear a buoyancy aid whilst on the water. Support people on shore or pontoons must wear buoyancy aids . Site induction, visitors are to be advised of any danger areas.	Life Buoys & throw lines are available around the Lake Side for people to throw to the causality when a person needs assistance. Paddlers are all to wear a BA / PFD at all times . For the event, the Crew are to ensure that all water activities under their control are safe, and paddlers are to follow the instructions of the Crew in all safety matters without question.	If Throw lines are to be used - team training must be recorded as this element is no longer covered in the Paddle UK - Paddle Sport Safety & Rescue Framework.
Exhaustion/Fatigue	Paddlers, Spectators, Crew	Briefly	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote 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.
First Aid / Injuries	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Paddlesport is an “assumed risk sport”. There will be a designated First Aid AquaPaddle/club official on site. All AqP Leeds Team Members are Qualified First aiders.	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. Community Defib is available & is located at the Ramped main entrance to the Lakeside Cafe. First Aid Kit stored in the Stone Boat house as well as Medical Privacy Screen / Shower if required.
Pre-existing medical conditions	Paddlers, Crew	Constant	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Remote chance of a Minor incident	Terms and conditions require the person making the booking to notify 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.