East Coast Sea Kayaking Club

[b][u]Easing of COVID19 Restrictions from 8th June[/u][/b]

Phase 2 of Canoeing Ireland’s Return to Paddling Guidelines come into force from Monday 8th June 2020 and on Friday the government made changes to Phase 2 rules. The key changes are the extended range (to 20Km or your county) from home you can travel to go paddling and an increase in the maximum size of gatherings (to fifteen persons).
Club meets are being organised through the ECSKC website in a controlled manner. You are asked to follow the policy for club led trips (see below) and leaders’ instructions during those trips:

• Club members should not attend meetings if they have been exposed to or are suffering from any of the symptoms of COVID-19.
• Club meets limited to a maximum of 15 participants at any one time.
• Club members will practice social distancing both on and off the water.
• Members are requested to travel individually to the club trips and avoid gathering in groups larger than four at one venue.
• It is the duty of every paddler to avoid conditions and scenarios where capsizes are likely.

On the Water:

• Helmets will be worn;
• Paddle leash will be used;
• All paddlers must wear a neck gaiter, buff or scarf;
• In the event of a capsize, paddlers are expected to self rescue. If self rescue attempts fail, assistance may be provided, if necessary (e.g. Coast Guard, RNLI or assisted rescue). In the event of paddler assisted rescue the heel hook rescue technique is recommended;
• Helmets will be worn.

Good hand hygiene to be observed throughout;
The Committee recommends that club members on non-club trips (peer paddles) follow these guidelines.
I refer paddlers to the  published on the ECSKC website.

These measures will be amended for future phases. For example, it is expected that Phase 3 (from 29th June) allows travel outside your ‘region’.

Club Committee,
East Coast Sea Kayaking Club