Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Equipment

All paddlers should wear the following PPE throughout the activity:

• A CE approved Personal Flotation Device, suitable for them, in good condition, with a whistle attached.
• Clothing suitable to the water temperature. Below 12°C, a wetsuit or drysuit should be worn.
• Suitable footwear such as paddling boots/booties having tough soles with treads.
• A suitably fitting spray-deck
• A suitable, well fitting, helmet with proper closure/chin strap should be carried, and should be used as/when circumstances indicate.

Leaders Equipment

Leaders within the group should collectively also carry the following equipment:

• First aid kit with appropriate contents, in a suitable waterproof container – easily accessible.
• Mobile phone (in waterproof case).
• Contact towline.
• Long towline/throw-tow.
• Handheld marine VHF radio.
• Emergency rations and drinking water.
• A safety knife.
• A nautical chart, map or equivalent means of navigation.
• A steering compass or/and suitable hand-bearing compass.
• A basic repair kit
• Buoyant manual pump.

Other Considerations

Consideration shall be given to carrying the following items:

• Group emergency shelter/s
• Personal Locator Beacon
• Flares/day-signal or/and Electronic Visual Distress Signal.
• A drogue or sea-anchor.
• A sound signalling device.
• Suitable navigation light or head torch.
• Additional clothing in a suitable dry container/bag.