National Livery Safety System: risk management in recreational river paddling.

Alex and Seth arrived at the park excited about the canoe trip that they had been talking about ever since college got out two weeks ago. Both were athletic and enjoyed water sports and activities. Waterpark rides were their passion, but this canoe trip was their first real experience on a natural river. The trip was a six-mile run down the area's wild and scenic river and sounded so adventurous.

On arrival at the outfitters, they signed a release form, received life jackets and paddles, and were pointed in the direction of the water's edge.

The 15-foot aluminum canoe was on the river's bank, with a "Wear Your Life Jacket" decal stuck on the bow plate of the craft and another which read "Return This Canoe To The Edgewater Park Canoe Rental." The two young men readied for launch without waiting for assistance from the staff person.

The two boys delighted at being on the water All of their past "adventure-based" experiences were in controlled situations in water parks; however, a waterpark ride is hardly the same as a trip down a natural river. Alex and Seth did not really think about possible danger, nor were they verbally warned of it. Additionally, they had signed the release form without reading it and saw no warning posters or signs prior to launch.

The staff person at the put-in was busy with a larger group at the time of the boys' launch and did not include them in the pre-trip safety talk. The boys believed there was nothing dangerous about this river. After all, their friends had paddled it without incident.

Having received no direction on how to wear their life jackets, the boys placed them in the bottom of the canoe. They stepped in, sat down, and grabbing a paddle, they shoved off and entered the river Caught up in the current and unschooled in how to paddle and control the craft, the boys' canoe was carried directly into the downed tree with surprising force. The boat swung sideways against the tree's branches as the force of the water gushed under the craft. Almost immediately, the canoe rolled upstream against the current; and the boys were tossed into the cold water and carried against the downed tree.

Neither boy was a strong swimmer, but they both had been told the river averaged only three feet deep. The water against the tree was much deeper and both boys tried to gain a foot hold on the bottom in order to climb up into the tree. They struggled to swim upstream against the river's power.

In their struggle, both boys were pushed through the underwater web of branches and exited coughing, gasping, cold but alive, in the quick moving downstream current. They barely made it to shore as the cold water zapped what energy they had from them. 7hey had no idea where to go or how to summon help.

Accidents generally occur in situations where there is exposure to risk that has not been checked to its safe level. The National Association of Canoe Liveries and Outfitters estimates that 20 million people rent canoes each year. The majority of them launch on moving water without a guide, armed only with the paddling information that is provided to them at the time of the rental.

While the majority of the canoe liveries provide ample safety advice and direction, it is possible that during periods of peak use, customers may "slip through the cracks" and launch on the water without attending the pre-trip safety talk standard in many operations. To provide a consistent "baseline" of safety information for the new paddler, the National Livery Safety System (NLSS) was developed.

NLSS Comes to the Rescue

The National Livery Safety System is a public education program dedicated to recreational river paddling. The program is geared not only for use by canoe livery operations but also by individuals, groups, or organizations to better prepare for river trip activities. The NLSS consists of two videos and posters aimed at informing the general public, while a third video and an 85-page risk management manual are for use in training livery staff.

By viewing the videos and following the checklist found in the NLSS "Tips For a Good Trip" brochure, the canoeist will learn how to prepare and what to expect on a typical river outing under a variety of weather and water conditions. Me two public education videos, "You're in Control...A Guide to Safe Paddling" and "Accepting the Responsibility ... A Guide to Safe Paddling," address personal responsibility on a paddling trip.

Before You Leave the House...

Experienced river trip participants know the importance of being well prepared to handle unexpected or expected situations or problems. They know the trip begins at home with pre-trip preparations and plans. This includes some important keys:

* Know your swimming skills. Be a competent swimmer with the ability to handle yourself underwater and in a current. Dress for the water temperature and be prepared to get wet. Wear layers of clothing which can be added or taken off during the day. Bring additional dry clothes to change into if paddling during cooler weather. Clothes should be packed in a waterproof container.

* Use a strap to secure your eyeglasses or sunglasses. Wear shoes (old gym shoes with tops and sides offer the most protection), not sandals.

* Bring drinking water in non-breakable containers. Alcohol should not be taken on the river.

* Use sun screen even on cloudy days.

* Take food and snacks along in a waterproof container which can be fastened to the boat.

* Remember that all items not fastened to the boat are at risk of getting lost. No Styrofoam coolers or glass containers should be taken on the river.

* Wear only waterproof watches.

* Use a sun hat on bright warm days. Wearing a wool stocking hat helps slow heat loss from your body on cool, wet days.

* Take along a windbreaker or rain gear.

* Take necessary allergy or other medications with you on the river. In case of mishap, it could be several hours before help arrives in inaccessible locations.

* Paddling is a physical exercise. Consult your physician before undertaking any program of physical exercise. Get plenty of rest prior to your outing. Wear comfortable clothing that will keep you warm if you get wet.

* Eat a good meal before leaving on your trip, and plan to drink plenty of fresh water while on the river to prevent dehydration.

* Do not use alcohol or drugs.

On Arrival...

On arrival at the livery, attend the pre-launch safety briefing. Ask the livery operator any questions you may have regarding the trip. Carefully read and sign the Waiver or Agreement to Participate Form. Leave all items not needed on the river locked in the trunk of your car or in a secure area. Leave your car keys with the livery operator or in another safe place. Take cameras in sturdy waterproof containers.

Before you prepare to launch, be certain to put on a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) as provided by the livery operator. Check your PFD for a proper, snug fit; and do not accept a device if it is torn or if buckles or fasteners are not functioning properly. As PFDs come in a variety of sizes, make sure you have a proper fit. Adult sizes are for persons of any age weighing 90 pounds or more. Child medium sizes are for persons of any age weighing 50 to 90 pounds. Children under 50 pounds need a child small or possibly infant-sized device.

Reviewing a river map is essential. It also is important to know where your float trip will take you, where to get out, and where emergency routes are located. Make sure you understand how to identify and avoid any hazards marked on the map.

Choosing a paddle of the proper size is essential for rowing accuracy and comfort. And as a visitor on the river, it is important to be a considerate guest and bring a litter bag for all debris and garbage.

It is important to ensure up front that your boat is in good shape. Once you are confident that your boat is fit for the trip, do not overload or improperly load the boat. This can lead to an unexpected capsize. Steady the boat for your partner while loading and unloading.

On the River...

While on the river, it is recommended that you leave your PFD on at all times, even when swimming. Never dive headfirst into the water.

Again, you are a visitor; and it is important to be considerate: Respect private property. Do not trespass. Respect anglers. Always paddle to the shore opposite their lines and pass by as quietly as you can.

Keeping your craft under control is key, and this takes some skills and advance education and a knowledge of your boat's ability. Control must be good enough at all times to stop or reach shore. Do not enter an area of fast current unless you feel sure you can safely paddle through it.

When paddling in a group, assign a boat to lead and a sweep boat to paddle in the rear. Both the lead and sweep positions should be held by experienced paddlers with knowledge of the river being traveled. Never get ahead of the assigned lead or behind the assigned sweep boat.

Keeping an appropriate distance between canoes helps ensure safety. While distance will vary depending on water conditions, a good rule of thumb is to keep the boat behind you within view. If it lags behind, pull over and wait for it to catch up.

Keep a lookout for river hazards and avoid them. Watch the pre-launch videos to learn about hazards such as downed trees, rocks, dams, and current force. Walk around any hazard about which you have doubts.

It is recommended that you do not paddle alone or in flood conditions. During periods of heavy rain, the river levels can rise quickly. Recognize when the Water level and current speed exceed your abilities. If you must abandon your canoe, leave it pulled high on the shore and attempt to mark the spot along the river bank. Walk along a designated evacuation route and contact the livery as soon as possible.

Above all, remember that you are in control of your rented boat while on the water. Expect no river guides or safety patrols on the water. The river is a natural environment with downed trees, rocks, and fluctuating levels, depth, and current speeds. Man-made obstructions -- such as bridge piers and dams -- should be avoided. Be prepared for the possibility of temperature and weather changes.

While the individual's trip preparation cannot be overestimated, the livery staff plays a significant role in setting the overall tone of responsibility for the trip. In the National Livery Safety System, the video, "So Take the Time... A Guide to Risk Management Training for Outfitters," is aimed directly at livery operators, trip leaders, and others responsible for the organization of the Outing. It sets a serious tone for the responsibility to inform trip participants of the risk involved in paddling a free flowing river. The video introduces information on assumption of risk, outfitter responsibilities, accidents, cold water, water levels, current force, alcohol, staff training, and emergency plans.

In the accompanying manual Introduction to Risk Management for Livery Operators, information is given on safe operation, waivers and participant assumption of risk, the pre-launch briefing, the American Whitewater Affiliation Safety Code, and safety audits. There are also blank forms for use in documenting staff training, equipment maintenance, participant incidents, and accidents.

If you want to prevent accidents, you must manage the risk. Any well-planned outdoor operation will have a risk management plan. This plan starts with the realization that risk is present. Whenever you cannot avoid, eliminate, or manage a hazard or a risk, try to reduce exposure to an acceptable level. Developing an effective risk management plan involves the examination of the operation, staff training, emergency procedures, and customer information.

Safe operation can be subjectively evaluated with a safety audit. A safety audit is the examination of the activity from a risk management perspective. A safety audit can provide some very important information - what is being done properly, poorly, or not at all. Information gathered in a safety audit forms the basis of your risk management plan.

The information provided in the NLSS will prevent accidents. It focuses on identifying the risk associated with on-the-water paddling activities and reducing the chances of something going wrong by effectively informing and educating the participants who are exposed to that risk.

If Alex and Seth and the staff at the livery through which they arranged their trip had viewed NLSS videos and had the benefit of NLSS materials, they could have avoided an unhappy - and dangerous - ending to their trip. But others can be spared similar fates, thanks to information that everyone planning a river trip should have.

To order a copy of the National Livery Safety System, contact: American Canoe Association, 7432 Alban Station Blvd., Suite B-226, Springfield, VA 22150; [phone].