Paddle Trails Canoe Club Safety Protocol

The safety of its members and trip participants is Paddle Trails Canoe Club's top priority. With that in mind, the Club has adopted the following rules to promote a safe and enjoyable experience on Club trips. We recommend them for personal trips as well.

• Well fitted, Coast Guard approved PFDs must be worn at all times while on the water.
• Helmets must be worn while paddling Class II+ rapids or higher and are recommended for Class II rapids.
• Hardshell canoes and kayaks must have appropriate bow and stern flotation on Class II rivers and higher.
• You are responsible for determining your own fitness for any trip.
• You are responsible for your own safety during a trip.
• A minimum of three boats is required unless help is immediately available (e.g., urban or crowded settings).
• Intoxication (alcohol, cannabis, etc.) is not allowed.
• Any incident which occurs on a Club event that was a significant threat to the health or safety of a person or persons or resulted in a serious injury must be reported to a member of the board of directors as soon as possible.
• Abide by State and Federal guidelines for the prevention of communicable diseases.

Paddle Trails strongly encourages all members and paddlers to educate themselves by whatever means necessary about the hazards of paddling. We strongly recommend becoming familiar with the Safety Code of American Whitewater.