In Paddlesport activities, keeping people safe is all about risk assessment and minimising the potential risks involved at all levels of participation and involvement.

The Club recognises that it has a Duty of Care to safeguard those taking part in Paddlesport and will take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of individuals participating in all activities of The Club.

The Club is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.

As outlined by Paddle UK, all those involved in Paddlesport, as a coach or leader, paddler, club official, volunteer or event organiser, are expected to ensure their actions or lack of action do not compromise the safety of themselves or others. We as a club and provider have a “Duty of Care” that we owe to our ‘neighbours’, not to cause them injury by our negligent acts and omissions.

A neighbour can be classified as “someone who is so closely and directly affected by the act that one ought to have them in contemplation as being so affected when directing one’s mind to the acts or omissions in question.” A Dictionary of Law (7 ed.)

All those in a position of control within the club should take reasonable steps to safeguard those directly taking part in organised club activities; and at any time may be deemed responsible for those under their charge. Please refer to our safety and safeguarding policies for detail.

All club members, volunteers, including trustees, committee members, club coaches, activity leaders or club officers with responsibility for our club facilities, club sections or organised events have a duty to see that premises, equipment and activities are safe for all participants, officials and spectators, including members of the public. If an accident occurs, failure to implement these policies or follow guidelines could be construed as negligence.

All club members have a duty of care to themselves, to other members and members of the public when they are taking part in any organised club activity or any individual activity conducted at or from the club site. They must take reasonable care to be fully aware of club safety and operating policies and current safety guidance and inform themselves of the risks associated with the activity they participate in.