bell boating - Safety

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Astley CAAW Bell-Boat Club - Safety

Suitable Clothing

Always bring a COMPLETE change of clothes.

T-shirt and shorts are all that are needed on a hot summer evening.

Remember, children get cold quickly and should take a fleece or jumper wrapped in a carrier bag.

A fleece and cagoule and even over-trousers will be required on cooler nights.

Footwear should be non-slip trainers (old ones) or black school pumps. Neoprene shoes are currently available in shops as beachwear for under £5.

NEVER WEAR WELLINGTONS when canoeing

bouyancy aid - must be a snug fit Buoyancy aids must be worn and the club provide them in a range of sizes.

It must be a snug fit.

Denim jeans are not recommended because when wet they are heavy and cold.

If you bring along a camera do remember that young children are apt to splash when paddling - so a plastic bag is useful protection.

	Leptospirosis and Weil‘s Disease (Extracted from the British Canoe Union information sheet.)
	Generally, it is not a good idea to swallow river or canal water. There is always the possibility of catching a tummy bug. It is also possible, although rare, to contract Leptospirosis (see below), which can lead to Weil's Disease. For these reasons it is best to discourage splashing of water.
	The level of risk Each year, an average of 9 watersports people contract Leptospirosis, among whom 3 on average, are canoeists. Fortunately, Leptospirosis is very rare, and its deterioration into Weil‘s Disease is even more rare. Weil‘s Disease is, however, a very serious illness, and must be swiftly diagnosed and treated. Leptospirosis is an animal infection. After recovery the animal excretes the organisms in the urine. the bacteria survive for days or even weeks in moist conditions, but only for a few hours in salt water. the infection is caught by direct contact with the urine or polluted environment. bacteria enter through skin abrasions or via eyes, nose or mouth.
	The illness The usual incubation period is 2 to 12 days. Usually a 'flu‘ like illness occurs which resolves in 2-3 weeks. there may be fever, severe headache, pains in the back and calf and prostration. A few cases develop jaundice, when the condition is known as Weil‘s disease. Although death may occur in about 15% of the jaundiced patients, death without jaundice is virtually unknown. Antibiotics during the first few days help in limiting infection. many cases recover without specific treatment.
	What to do If you think you may have the infection, go to your doctor and tell him/her that there may be a risk of Leptospirosis. The diagnosis is by clinical suspicion. Blood tests can rarely confirm the illness in time to affect treatment. They may subsequently confirm it. The microbiologist at the local hospital is the best source of advice.
	Preventative measures Cover all cuts and abrasions with waterproof plasters Always wear footwear to avoid cutting the feet Avoid capsize drill or rolling practice in suspect waters Where possible, shower soon after canoeing If in doubt contact your doctor early