Rafting
Includes
- Coracle building
- Home made rafts
- Rubber rafts
- Inflatable Toys
- Home made Water Slides
Description
A raft is a flat buoyant structure that has been created using pioneering and teamwork skills to float and carry a group on grade 1 or 2 water within reach of shore rescue. This does not include white water rafting.
Grade 1: Easy
Slow to medium flowing water with very small, regular waves or riffles. This would include very small dams, small rapids that all participants can handle and sheltered edges of large dams.
The water will have relatively few obstacles, with an easy path to find and follow. It is suitable for novices.
Grade 2: Medium
Rapids are straightforward with medium sized, regular waves. The path through rapids can be clearly seen from the water and is often indicated by well-defined chutes or vs of water. There are some obstacles that require manoeuvring around, but paddlers with a good command of basic strokes can easily miss them.
Who Can participate
- Open to all.
- Some Activity Providers may have additional age or height restrictions.
- Age and experience must be considered in light of conditions at the time of the activity.
Safety Rules
Download the Australian Standards – inland water paddle craft GPG
- The minimum dress requirements are: T-shirt, and mid-thigh length shorts, aqua shoes or well-fitting sneakers. Shirts must be tucked in. Hair to be tied back. Jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets, long earrings, rings and watches must be removed.
- Participants need to be able to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for three minutes wearing shirt, shorts, shoes, and a life jacket OR hold the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia Swim and Survive level 3 or higher (or equivalent). In special circumstances, eg special needs members, it may be possible for individual non-swimmers to participate in activities in carefully controlled situations at the discretion of the Activity Leader/Instructor.
- One adult present must have knowledge of and ability to perform first aid procedures and have current qualifications in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. At the discretion of the LIC and depending on the nature of the activity, this person may be on the shore or on the water.
- Participants when on the water must wear a life jacket at all times.
- In special circumstances, eg special needs members, it may be possible for individuals to participate in sailing activities in carefully controlled situations at the discretion of the Activity Leader/Instructor.
- State Department of Transport and Marine regulations should be adhered to at all times.
- Should there be inclement weather the LIC/ Instructor will decide if the activity should proceed or be postponed.
- All other bodies of water
Supervision Requirements
Refer to Girl Guides Australia Ratios at a Glance
A lifesaver with appropriate qualifications must be present. Refer to Girl Guides Australia’s Lifesaving Policy to see the specific rules for Lifesavers.
Sea, rivers and other open water
RLSSA Patrol Lifeguard OR Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Bronze Medallion or higher award.
Leader in Charge
- It is suggested that the LIC provide ground training prior to the commencement of the activity if relevant.
- Obtain permission from relevant authorities for access and use of land and waterbodies. Examples are: National Parks, State forests and private landowners.
- The LIC must ensure that all participants are informed of appropriate clothing and/or personal equipment prior to the activity.
- The LIC must organise and collect the ADM.27 from youth members and ADM.28 from adults. The LiC must inform the Activity Instructor of any health conditions or behaviour issues with participants.
- The LIC must have an appropriate first aid kit suitable for the activity present at the activity venue.
- The LIC must ensure participants have water and food appropriate to the activity.
- The LIC is responsible for all participants when they are not participating in the activity.
Notification Forms Required
ALL FORMS CAN BE ACCESSED HERE
For Approval – Prior to the Activity
- OUT.01 Camp/Adventure-based/Event Notification Application 2017
- ADM 56B Risk Assessment Plan for Outdoor Activities Events Camps
- The Activity Provider’s Risk Management Plan
At the Activity
- Participants are required to have completed: ADM.27 For youth Members or ADM.28 for Adults
- Girl Guide Incident Report
After the Activity
- OUT.03 Camp/Adventure-based/Event Report 2017
Last Modified: 10/09/22 at 12:32 AM