Insurance and Leading Events

Insurance 

The club is insured through the WCA so that official club events led by competent leaders are insured. 
 
If you are taking part in our activities you are advised to obtain your own insurance for personal injury, death, disablement  and/or loss of boats or equipment or third party losses, as these losses would only be covered if it could be proved that the Club has been negligent in the organisation or delivery of the event.
 
The Club Rules require that all paddling activities must have at least three boats on the water at all times and appropriate safety equipment and precautions must be used/taken.  Any events run with fewer boats are not covered by the WCA insurance. 

Leading Events 

Anyone posting an event on the club website must ensure that they have the experience and equipment to run and lead the event safely.  Therefore leaders must decide whether any particular individual can take part and should be aware that the Club will always support any decision to exclude anyone who in the leaders opinion cannot safely take part.  The Club will also fully support any decision not to run an event for safety reasons. 

If the leader allows or encourages others to take part and they are unable to participate safely due to inexperience or lack of ability then the leader will be responsible for any accident that may occur.  If you are the most experienced participant, even if you are not the leader, you will still be responsible at law for any accident due to negligence if your level of experience should enable you to ascertain that the activity is unsafe and you did not intervene to prevent the accident.
 
Leaders should remember that beginners cannot safely judge dangers due to lack of experience and will often overestimate their own ability or will remain silent even though they lack the skill to proceed.   Anyone leading an event must satisfy themselves that they are able to deal effectively with the worst case scenario that might occur on the activity they want to lead.  This will include, as a minimum, first aid knowledge and kit, means of attracting attention, and a mobile phone.  In addition leaders must familiarise themselves with standard safety practice for the particular activity and ensure this is followed.  You must also read and follow the appropriate club risk assessments for the activity.  You should continue to assess the risks throughout the activity and be ready to abort at any time if you consider it appropriate.