Phone: 01491 520002
Whatsapp: 07537127365
email: info@moosecanoehire.com
Canadian Canoe Hire Safety
Safety Manual Canadian Canoes– 2020 – To be carried out prior to each new Hire of Canoes. A copy of the Hirer Terms and Conditions will also be supplied.
Covid-19
The current rules allow for one household to share a boat.
Staff should remain at least 2 metres from hirers at all times where practical.
Staff are cleaning kit prior to hires.
Hirers should remain aware and try to keep a distance between themselves and members of the public.
At locks and public places, ask members of the public to give space when moving boats and not to help moving boats.
Buoyancy Aids/Life Jackets
All participants will be sized and visually check by staff but fit their own and should all be able to swim at least 10 metres (unless a young child who must wear a Life Jacket of 100N)
Hirers will fit their own and staff will do a visual check for correct sizing and fitting.
Buoyancy Aids 50N/ life jackets to be worn at all times when on or handling canoes near the water.
Entering and Exiting A Canoe
Canoes are by nature unstable
When getting in and out of a canoe place your weight/ foot in the middle of the boat and gently step in (never jump in and out of canoes)
Never stand up in a canoe unless getting in or out and keep your weight low in the boat
Always have at least one other able person holding tightly on to the boat or the bank
Always get in and out from a stable platform
Never enter a canoe near a weir or very fast flowing part of a river
Do not push off into a river until two paddlers are ready to paddle
Children
Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 21 yrs in a canoe.
Youngest allowed person in our canoes is 4 years – or totally at our discretion.
All children up to 8 yrs must be accompanied by 2 adults 21 yrs or over.
Children 9-18 yrs to be accompanied by one adult 21 yrs or over.
A minimum of 2 people must paddle a Canadian canoe.
River Thames Rules
Always keep to the RIGHT hand side of the river when paddling along
Slower craft (such as canoes) should keep closer to the bank – faster craft should over-take on your left down the main channel of the river
Always give way to sailing vessels
Canoes have right of way over motor craft
Keep checking for boats behind you
Rowing boats can often not see behind them and can approach quickly, so best to keep out of their way
Always give all craft plenty of room as boats tend not to stop quickly and can be affected by stream and wind
Weirs
All Weirs are marked Dangerous and a safe distance should be kept both at the top and bottom.
Never go close to any weir or sluice as there are unseen currents at work
Never try to unload or load near to a weir unless in an emergency
Locks
At present the lock keepers are not working.
The locks can be operated by public power and canoes can use the locks if they want.
Our canoes are all licensed to use the locks and we suggest you go through them.
When approaching a lock, always look out for the directions given by the lock keeper or assistant with hand signals.
Do not push in front of other traffic in locks, unless asked to by a lock keeper or boat owner
When in the lock, stay SEATED in your boat and either hold on to the sides of larger boats if directed to do so, or the chains in the lock – but always ask for advice from the lock keeper if unsure.
We recommend that you are the last craft in to a lock. If you hold on to a bigger vessel in a lock, let the skipper know.
Do not tie your canoe on
Portage (Carry Area to avoid going through Locks)
Every lock has a portage route
These routes should be signed clearly (They are NEVER at the top of a weir!) and normally very close to the entrance of the lock.
If you are unable to follow the instructions on how to use a lock we recommend that you portage.
There are usually other boat owners on the river, and we suggest you ask them to operate the lock for you so you stay in and with your canoe.
Emergency
In the event of an emergency, we recommend that you call 112 (or 999). The 112 number will take you to the emergency services.
If possible get to the nearest bank or place where emergency services can reach you.
Man Overboard
Our boats are relatively stable, but in the unlikely event of a man overboard situation, first make sure that the remaining passengers stay in the canoe and paddle – if safe to the person in the water.
Do not try to haul the person into the boat over the side or climb in from deep water as you will all likely capsize
Direct the person to hold the side of the canoe and paddle the person to the bank to safety and they can climb out there.
Capsize
In the event of a capsize (everyone falling in) try to keep hold of your paddle. Our canoes will float even when swamped and so will you (with your buoyancy aid on)
Keep hold of the canoe and swim with it to the nearest safe bank where you can climb out.
Only try to turn the boat over and carry on if you are able to in a safe manner.
If conditions are cold and you do not have spare dry clothes, we suggest that you stop and call for help, as hypothermia can be a risk.
Common sense must prevail and your safety is paramount, so if in a dangerous situation, do not deal with the canoe and swim to safety first and then seek help.
Alcohol
Alcohol and boats especially canoeing do not mix well – so please do not drink excessively whilst on the river.
If we think that anyone in the party is over a safe limit, we reserve the right to deny access and no refund will be given – 100% our discretion.
Swimming
If you are going to swim in the river then always find a calm area with easy access to get in and out of the river at a bank and not on a blind bend or where there is a fast flow.
Do not use our canoes as toys for jumping in and out of.
Never jump blind in to a river – there are often unseen hazards just under the surface
Never swim by a weir or lock
Do not swim in front of boats or when river traffic is busy or in darkness
Fishing and Fishermen
To fish in the River Thames, a Permit is required.
Please respect fishermen along the banks and give them distance whilst remaining quiet when you see them
Weil’s Disease (Very Rare)
Cover cuts and abrasions with waterproof plasters
If submerged, suggest a shower after at home and wash hands.
Wash or wipe hands with antibacterial solution before eating or drinking.
If you suffer flu like symptoms after your trip and need to go to a doctor mention that you have been on the river.
Lightening
In the event of lightening nearby, hirers should exit the water and find a safe place to shelter away from the river and wait half an hour after the last nearby flash before re-entering.
Injury
Customers should advise a member of staff if they suffer any injury whilst on site or as a direct result of using our kit.
End of Hire
You will be met by a member of our staff and must exit on to the designated space.
Customers will be directed back to their cars.
Should a member of staff not be there for some reason, leave boats upside down and exit the site along the same way you came in.
And participants must contact the company either whatsapp on 07537127365, call 01491 520002 or email on info@moosecanoehire.com to advise you are off the water safely.
Kayak Hire Safety
Safety Manual Kayaks– 2020 – To be carried out prior to each new Hire of Kayaks. A copy of the Hirer Terms and Conditions will also be supplied.
Covid-19
The current rules allow for one household to share a boat.
Staff should remain at least 2 metres from hirers at all times where practical.
Staff are cleaning kit prior to hires.
Hirers should remain aware and try to keep a distance between themselves and members of the public.
At locks and public places, ask members of the public to give space when moving boats and not to help moving boats.
Buoyancy Aids/Life Jackets
All participants will be sized and visually check by staff but fit their own and should all be able to swim at least 10 metres (unless a young child who must wear a Life Jacket of 100N)
Hirers will fit their own and staff will do a visual check for correct sizing and fitting.
Buoyancy Aids 50N/ life jackets to be worn at all times when on or handling canoes near the water.
Entering and Exiting A Kayak
During self distancing, customers are asked if staff can help with launching – which involves getting lose to boats
Kayaks are by nature unstable
Always keep your centre of gravity low.
Always have your paddle nearby to be able to reach.
From a beach area put the boat in he water and hold the sides and lower your self in
From a hard bank, we suggest sitting on your bum, legs in and lower yourself in.
If possible get someone else to hold the boat when getting in.
Always place your weight/ feet in the middle of the boat and shuffle step in (never jump in and out of kayaks)
Never stand up in a kayak
Always get in and out from a stable platform
Hold the side and shuffle bum out if bank is level or higher.
If a beach – hold sides and awing legs out first.
Never enter a kayak near a weir or very fast flowing part of a river
Do not push off into a river until you have your paddle in your hand and are ready to paddle.
Children and Kayaks
Minimum age is 14 yrs in a single kayak and must be accompanied by an adult over 21 yrs in a vessel nearby.
Youngest allowed person in our double kayaks is 8 years – or totally at our discretion.
2 people must paddle a double kayak.
River Thames Rules
Always keep to the RIGHT hand side of the river when paddling along
Slower craft (such as canoes) should keep closer to the bank – faster craft should over-take on your left down the main channel of the river
Always give way to sailing vessels
Canoes have right of way over motor craft
Keep checking for boats behind you
Rowing boats can often not see behind them and can approach quickly, so best to keep out of their way
Always give all craft plenty of room as boats tend not to stop quickly and can be affected by stream and wind
Weirs
All Weirs are marked Dangerous and a safe distance should be kept both at the top and bottom.
Never go close to any weir or sluice as there are unseen currents at work
Never try to unload or load near to a weir unless in an emergency
Locks
Our recommendation is to Portage, however kayakers can use locks if they are confident in their boat and there is someone to operate the lock for them.
At present the lock keepers are not working.
The locks can be operated by public power and canoes can use the locks if they want.
Our kakas are all licensed to use the locks
When approaching a lock, always look out for the directions given by the lock keeper or assistant with hand signals.
Do not push in front of other traffic in locks, unless asked to by a lock keeper or boat owner
When in the lock, stay SEATED in your boat and either hold on to the sides of larger boats if directed to do so, or the chains in the lock – but always ask for advice from the lock keeper if unsure.
Position yourself in the rear or centre of a lock.
We recommend that you are the last craft in to a lock. If you hold on to a bigger vessel in a lock, let the skipper know.
Do not tie your kayak on
Portage (Carry Area to avoid going through Locks)
Every lock has a portage route
These routes should be signed clearly (They are NEVER at the top of a weir!) and normally very close to the entrance of the lock.
If you are unable to follow the instructions on how to use a lock we recommend that you portage.
There are usually other boat owners on the river, and we suggest you ask them to operate the lock for you so you stay in and with your canoe.
Emergency
In the event of an emergency, we recommend that you call 112 (or 999). The 112 number will take you to the emergency services.
If possible get to the nearest bank or place where emergency services can reach you.
Man Overboard
Our boats are relatively stable, but in the unlikely event of a man overboard situation, first make sure that the remaining passenger id a double stay on the canoe and paddle – if safe to the person in the water.
Do not try to haul the person into the boat over the side or climb in from deep water as you will all likely capsize
Direct the person to hold the side of the canoe and paddle the person to the bank to safety and they can climb out there.
Capsize
In the event of a capsize (the whole boat tips over) try to keep hold of your paddle. Our kayaks will float even when swamped and so will you (with your buoyancy aid on)
Keep hold of the kayak and swim with it to the nearest safe bank where you can climb out.
Only try to turn the boat over and carry on if you are able to in a safe manner.
If conditions are cold and you do not have spare dry clothes, we suggest that you stop and call for help, as hypothermia can be a risk.
Common sense must prevail and your safety is paramount, so if in a dangerous situation, do not deal with the canoe and swim to safety first and then seek help.
Alcohol
Alcohol and boats especially canoeing do not mix well – so please do not drink excessively whilst on the river.
If we think that anyone in the party is over a safe limit, we reserve the right to deny access and no refund will be given – 100% our discretion.
Swimming
If you are going to swim in the river then always find a calm area with easy access to get in and out of the river at a bank and not on a blind bend or where there is a fast flow.
Do not use our canoes as toys for jumping in and out of.
Never jump blind in to a river – there are often unseen hazards just under the surface
Never swim by a weir or lock
Do not swim in front of boats or when river traffic is busy or in darkness
Fishing and Fishermen
To fish in the River Thames, a Permit is required.
Please respect fishermen along the banks and give them distance whilst remaining quiet when you see them
Weils Disease (Very Rare)
Cover cuts and abrasions with waterproof plasters
If submerged, suggest a shower after at home and wash hands.
Wash or wipe hands with antibacterial solution before eating or drinking.
If you suffer flu like symptoms after your trip and need to go to a doctor mention that you have been on the river.
Lightening
In the event of lightening nearby, hirers should exit the water and find a safe place to shelter away from the river and wait half an hour after the last nearby flash before re-entering.
Injury
Customers should advise a member of staff if they suffer any injury whilst on site or as a direct result of using our kit.
Should a member of staff not be there for some reason, leave boats upside down and exit the site along the same way you came in.
End of Hire
You will be met by a member of our staff and must exit on to the designated space.
Customers will be directed back to their cars.
Should a member of staff not be there for some reason, leave boats upside down and exit the site along the same way you came in.
And participants must contact the company either whatsapp on 07537127365, call 01491 520002 or email on info@moosecanoehire.com to advise you are off the water safely.
SUP Hire Safety
Safety Manual SUPs– 2020 –A copy of the Hirer Terms and Conditions and COVID-19 Terms is also be supplied in the digital form to follow.
Covid-19
The current rules allow for one household to share a boat.
Staff should remain at least 2 metres from hirers at all times.
Staff are cleaning kit prior to hires.
Hirers should remain aware and try to keep a distance between themselves and members of the public.
At locks and public places, ask members of the public to give space when moving boats and not to help moving boats.
Buoyancy Aids/Life Jackets
All participants will be sized and visually check by staff but fit their own and should all be able to swim at least 10 metres (unless a young child who must wear a Life Jacket of 100N)
Hirers will fit their own and staff will do a visual check for correct sizing and fitting.
Buoyancy Aids 50N/ life jackets to be worn at all times when on or handling our craft near the water.
Wear the Leash
We supply a leash which should be attached to the users’ ankle and avoids separation from the board if you fall in – it should be worn at all times when using our SUPs
Safe Use of a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP)
SUPs are by nature unstable
When getting on or off a SUP start on your knees until you are in deep water and away from pontoons, boats, the bank or any hard object (never jump on or off SUPs)
Never get on a SUP near a weir or very fast flowing part of a river
Do not push off into a river until you are ready to paddle and the passage is clear
Do not stand up or jump off near or in shallow water, as injuries can happen easily.
We recommend that some form of water shoe is worn when using our SUPs
We suggest you take a phone with you – we can supply dry bags if required at an extra charge.
Children
The youngest age allowed to hire a SUP from our base is 12 Years.
Anyone under 21 years must be accompanied by an adult 21 yrs+ who is also on the water – therefore being able to assist if required.
Correct Dress
It is highly likely that you will fall in the water using a SUP. You must be suitably dressed and prepared. Either swimming clothes, wetsuits or quick drying clothes.
River Thames Rules
Always keep to the RIGHT hand side of the river when paddling along
Slower craft (such as SUPs) should keep closer to the bank, but in deep water – faster craft should over-take on your left down the main channel of the river
Always give way to sailing vessels
Keep checking for boats behind you
Rowing boats can often not see behind them and can approach quickly, so best to keep out of their way
Always give all craft plenty of room as boats tend not to stop quickly and can be affected by stream and wind
Weirs
All Weirs are marked Dangerous and a safe distance should be kept both at the top and bottom.
Never go close to any weir or sluice as there are unseen currents at work
Never try to unload or load near to a weir unless in an absolute emergency
Locks
Do NOT go though locks on SUPs.
Look for the Portage Signs (Carry Area to avoid going through Locks)
Every lock has a portage route
These routes should be signed clearly (They are NEVER at the top of a weir!) and normally very close to the entrance of the lock.
Emergency
In the event of an emergency, we recommend that you call 112 (or 999). The 112 number will take you to the emergency services.
If possible get to the nearest bank or place where emergency services can reach you.
Falling In
Our SUPs are relatively stable, but it is likely that you will fall in.
It is normally possible to climb back on the board from deep water, but if not possible, use the SUP as a float and swim to the nearest safe bank and climb back on.
Paddlers can always pick the board up and carry along a foot path, or call us for assistance, should wind conditions become too difficult.
Alcohol
Alcohol and boats do not mix well – so please do not drink excessively whilst on the river.
If we think that anyone in the party is over a safe limit, we reserve the right to deny access and no refund will be given – 100% our discretion.
Swimming
If you are going to swim in the river then always find a calm area with easy access to get in and out of the river at a bank and not on a blind bend or where there is a fast flow.
Never jump blind in to a river – there are often unseen hazards just under the surface
Never swim by a weir or lock
Do not swim in front of boats or when river traffic is busy or in darkness
Fishing and Fishermen
Please respect fishermen along the banks and give them distance whilst remaining quiet when you see them
Weils Disease (Very Rare)
Cover cuts and abrasions with waterproof plasters
If submerged, suggest a shower after at home and wash hands.
Wash or wipe hands with antibacterial solution before eating or drinking.
If you suffer flu like symptoms after your trip and need to go to a doctor mention that you have been on the river.
Lightening
In the event of lightening nearby, hirers should exit the water and find a safe place to shelter away from the river and wait half an hour after the last nearby flash before re-entering.
Injury
Customers should advise a member of staff if they suffer any injury whilst on site or as a direct result of using our kit.
End of Hire
You will be met by a member of our staff and must exit on to the designated space.
Customers will be directed back to their cars.
Should a member of staff not be there for some reason, leave boats upside down and exit the site along the same way you came in.
And participants must contact the company either whatsapp on 07537127365, call 01491 520002 or email on info@moosecanoehire.com to advise you are off the water safely.
Using The Locks
At the moment the locks are not manned, but are on public power.
Canoeists and Kayakers can go through the locks, and as explined, our recommendation is to allow other boat users to work the lock for you.
Should you need to operate yourselves, here are the instructions:
How to operate the lock:
PATIENCE IS THE KEY! DO NOT PRESS AND HOLD THE BUTTONS OR YOU WILL TRIP THE POWER!
If the BLUE ‘Power Available’ light is OFF, please follow the instructions on the side of the control pedestal. If the BLUE ‘Power Available’ light is ON, follow the instructions below.
1 To fill or empty the lock, make sure that all gates and sluices are closed and the RED light is ON.
If not, please follow procedures 3 and 4 below before continuing.
IF THE LOCK IS EMPTY and the GREEN light is OFF you must follow this operation before you can open the gates.
Press the ‘OPEN SLUICES’ button Once. The sluices will gradually open automatically and the GREEN light will flash while the lock is Filling or Draining. This will take several minutes.
IF THE LOCK IS FULL and the GREEN light is OFF you must follow this operation before you can open the gates.
Press the ‘OPEN SLUICES’ button Once. The sluices will gradually open automatically and the GREEN light will flash while the lock is Filling or Draining. This will take several minutes.
2 To open the gates, wait until the GREEN light has stopped flashing and is ON.
Press and hold the ‘OPEN GATES’ button.
3 To close the gates, Press and hold the ‘CLOSE GATES’ button.
4 To close the sluices, make sure the gates are properly closed. Press the ‘CLOSE SLUICES’ button
Once. The GREEN light will go out and the sluices will close automatically until the RED light comes ON.
When you leave the lock, please CLOSE the gates behind you and leave the tail sluices OPEN.