Welcome to the electronic version of the Hoofers Outing Club Water Safety Code. This is an ongoing project to make the code more accessible and up to date. Please bear with us while we get the code on-line, proofread, and updated.
Michael C. Giddings, Chairman
Water Safety Board
June, 1996
This updated edition of the Water Safety Code contains all the rules and revisions that reflect the contemporary views of the Outing Club. A new section on Expeditionary and Exploratory Canoeing has been included. Much of the material presented in this code is based on that which is contained in previous codes accompanied by changed since the last edition during the Spring of 1978.
The thrust of this Water Safety Code is to provide a comprehensive manual for leaders of Wisconsin Hoofers Outing Club water trips. The Manual contains rules and regulations to ensure that all boating activities of the Club are accomplished safely.
The rules and regulations presented in this code are minimum requirements which must be adhered to at all times. The Water Safety Chairperson or a river leader may, in the interest of safety, be more conservative than this code requires.
All violations of this Water Safety Code should be reported to the Water Safety Chairperson as soon as possible. Irresponsible conduct or other violations may result in a hearing before the Water Safety Board. Demotion in leader rating and/or the assessment of a Club service project may be imposed by a two-thirds majority vote at a Water Safety Board meeting.
This document has been duly approved by the Water Safety Board and will henceforth serve as the official Water Safety Code of the Wisconsin Hoofers Outing Club.
Michael J. Sklavos, Chairman
Water Safety Board
April, 1986
Basic Test for Lake Mendota Paddling (Lake Test)
In order to paddle an Outing Club boat 1) on quiet water off Lake Mendota or 2) whenever (on or off Lake Mendota) the water temperature is less than 55 deg. F, an individual must pass a basic skills (Lake) test as outlined below.
Test Categories
Open Canoe Lake Test - The requirements of the Open Lake Test include:
1. Familiarity with the Outing Club Lake Rules.
2. Location and meaning of the light and flag system.
3. Location of the proper boats and paddles.
4. Sign-out and sign-in procedure.
5. Definition of bow, stern, gunwale, etc.
6. How to get into and out of the boat properly.
7. Strokes: the ability to paddle in a relatively straight line forward and backward and demonstrate a knowledge of the sweep and draw strokes and the low brace turn.
Kayak Lake Test - The requirements for the Kayak Lake Test include those listed under 1 through 7 above as well as the following:
1. Proper adjustment of a sprayskirt and placement of flotation bags. How to "bail out" of a capsized boat. The proper methods to empty water out of a boat.
Decked Canoe Lake Test - The requirements for the Decked Canoe Lake Test include all of the items listed above for the Open Canoe and Kayak Lake Tests.
Test Administration
Anyone who is a current Outing Club member and has a paddler rating of at least R-1 may administer the Lake Test for the same type craft he/she is rated for (i.e., C-1, C-2, K-1, open canoe). The rating nomenclature and grading system is discussed in detail in this and the next chapter.
In order to participate in a Club rapids or whitewater trip, or to paddle on quietwater (including lake Mendota) without a life-preserver being worn at all times, a club Swim Test is necessary.
The requirements of this test may be satisfied in one of three ways:
1. By presenting proof of passage of a Red Cross lifesaving or Water Safety Instructor Course.
2. In the lake (Lake Mendota) or other suitable water body, swim 50 yards in three (3) minutes or less, demonstrating the side stroke at some point, and continue to remain afloat for a total of five (5) minutes. This swimming should be done while dressed in a long sleeved shirt, long pants and tennis shoes or a facsimile thereof.
3. In a swimming pool, swim 100 yards in three (3) minutes or less, demonstrating the side stroke at some point, and continue to remain afloat for a total of ten (10) minutes. Swimming may be done in a swimsuit. This test is to be used only when the test must be given indoors due to inclement weather, e.g., late Fall through Spring.
During the test, the person giving the test should be alert and ready to perform a rescue if needed. Administering the test to more than one person at a time is not recommended.
Swim Test Administration
This test may be given by anyone who is a current Outing Club member and holds a paddler rating of at least R - 3p. Alternatively, the water safety chair can authorize individuals who do not yet have a 3p to give the swim test based on lifeguarding, water safety, or related water rescue experience.
Paddler Classification/Rating System
The following are descriptions of the paddler classifications which are granted as a result of proficiency demonstrated while on a trip.
Basic Classifications
Lake Canoe Rating - This rating is achieved by passing the Open Canoe Lake Test previously discussed. This rating entitles the individual to paddle quietwater on or off Lake Mendota when the temperature is above 55 deg. F, or when the temperature is below 55 deg. F, this rating allows you to paddle on Lake Mendota. The individual may paddle certain Grade I rapids if an R-l is in the boat and if he/she has passed the swim test.
R - l - This rating is achieved by passing the R-l test previously described, as well as the swim test. Also, R-1 paddlers must be practiced in wet exit, rope rescue, and paddling strokes in current. This rating allows the person to paddle Grade I rapids. Grade II rapids may be paddled if an R-2 is in the boat.
R - 2p - This rating signifies the paddler can handle Grade II water competently with a similar R-2p paddling partner, but would have difficulty paddling Grade II with an R-1 rated partner. The R-2p paddling team should be able to paddle Grade II water fairly confidently.
Advanced Classifications
The remaining classifications are assigned by the Water Safety Chairperson upon receiving a recommendation from a Water Safety Board Member who has observed the paddler in question on the river. An individual may be promoted one grade of rating while on a river trip at the discretion of the river leader. The promotion is subject to subsequent approval by the Water Safety Chairperson as outlined above, however. No paddler may advance more than one rating while on a trip without specific prior approval by the Water Safety Chairperson.
R - 2 - This rating is given to an individual who has consistently demonstrated proficiency in all open canoe paddle strokes. The individual also possesses good river-reading ability. Additionally, the individual should:
1. Have a general knowledge of river safety and the water safety code.
2. Handle Grade II water with relative ease, with an R-1 paddling partner.
3. Be able to ferry and eddy-out at will on Grade II water.
R-3p - This rating is a provisional rating given to an R-2 who has demonstrated proficiency in handling Grade II water and is ready to attempt Grade III. This rating entitles the individual to paddle certain Grade III water when accompanied with an R-2 partner or better.
R - 3 - This rating is granted to an R-3p who has consistently demonstrated proficiency in paddling Grade III water. The individual must also know how to use a low brace to guide a swamped canoe through rapids and maneuver it to shore. An R-3 should have a very good river reading ability and be able to handle all Grade III water with an R-2 paddling partner.
R - 4p - This is a provisional rating given to an R-3 who has demonstrated proficiency on Grade III water and is judged ready to attempt paddling Grade IV with an R-3 partner or better.
R - 4 - This rating is the highest open canoe rating used by the Club and in effect, suggests the paddler is qualified to paddle on any water boated by the Club when paired with an R-3 partner or better.
Basic Classifications
Each paddler may be granted up to three classifications indicating his/her competency in each of three types of boats: canoe (C-2), solo canoe (C-l) and kayak (K-l). Craft distinctions are made because each type of boat requires certain skills which are unique to that craft.
Lake Rating - This rating is achieved by one who has passed the basic skills lake test in the given craft (C-2, C-l or K-1). This rating enables the paddler to paddle on Lake Mendota, Prairie du Sac, and on certain quietwater trips.
R - l - This rating is achieved by one who has passed the swim test and is practiced in wet exit, rope rescue, and paddling strokes in current. This rating enables the paddler to boat on Grade I or II rapids trips.
Advanced Classifications
The remaining ratings are assigned by the Water Safety Chairperson upon receiving a recommendation from a Water Safety board Member who has observed the paddler in question on the river. An individual may be promoted one grade of rating while on a river trip at the discretion of the river leader. The promotion is subject to subsequent approval by the Water Safety Chairperson as outlined above, however. No paddler may advance more than one rating on a trip without specific prior approval by the Water Safety Chairperson.
R - 2 - This rating is given to one who has demonstrated a knowledge of basic river safety to a Water Safety Board Member and has demonstrated the following skills:
1. Possesses some directional control on Grade II water.
2. Is able to ferry and eddy out.
3. Attempts to avoid rocks and hit chutes though not always successful.
4. Capable of calmly handling a capsize of his/her craft.
R - 3p - This is a provisional rating given an R-2 paddler who has demonstrated the following:
1. Ability to handle Grade II water with relative ease.
2. Possesses good directional control in Grade II water.
3. Actively avoids rocks and hits chutes successfully.
4. Ability to ferry and to turn into and out of eddys successfully.
5. Calm in water and effectively self rescues after a bale out.
6. Possesses a knowledge of using a throw rope and how to assist in rescue.
R - 3 - This rating is granted to an R-3p who has demonstrated proficiency in reading and paddling Grade III water. In addition to those skills outlined for an R-3p, the paddler must have at least a working knowledge of an eskimo roll and actively attempt to use it on the river.
R - 4p - This is a provisional rating for an R-3 paddler who has demonstrated proficiency in reading and paddling Grade III water, including the following:
1. Possesses very good directional control on Grade III water.
2. Avoids rocks, hits chutes and negotiates Grade III rapids successfully.
3. Possesses a reasonably consistent eskimo roll.
4. Competent in self rescue on Grade III water. 5. A general ability to handle Grade III water with relative ease.
R - 4 - This rating is the highest rating given by the Club for decked canoes and kayaks and suggests that the paddler is competent to paddle most any whitewater attempted by the Club. In addition to the skills outlined for an R-4p, this rating requires that a paddler possess the following:
1. Good directional control an Grade IV water.
2. Ability to ferry and turn into and out of
eddys on Grade IV water and brace as necessary to maintain an upright position.
3. Has a consistent eskimo roll and for the few times it is necessary, is capable of effectively self-rescuing.
Basic Classifications
Lake Rating - This rating is achieved by one who has passed the basic skills lake test in either a sea kayak or whitewater kayak.This rating enables the paddler to paddle on Lake Mendota and organized trips on quietwater rivers and small inland lakes. The paddler may also attend instructional trips to Prairie du Sac, Lake Michigan, or similar, after passing a swim test.
SK-1 - This rating is achieved by a paddler who has met the following requirements in a sea kayak:
1. Demonstrated, in waves of 1-2 feet, the paddle strokes/skills learned in the basic skills lake test.
2. Demonstrated the ability to brace and surf on waves.
3. Demonstrated the ability to re-enter a swamped kayak with assistance.
4. Passed the Club swim test.
The SK-1 requirements can be met by a demonstration of these skills on an appropriate R-1 whitewater trip in a sea kayak (e.g. Prairie Du Sac).
Advanced Classifications
The remaining ratings are assigned by a Water Safety board Member who has observed the paddler in question on the water. Promotion in ratings may only be assigned after completion of a trip, i.e., no mid-trip promotions (note this difference from the whitewater rules).The promotion is subject to subsequent approval by the Water Safety Chairperson. No paddler may advance more than one rating after a trip without specific prior approval by the Water Safety Chairperson.
SK-2 - This rating is achieved by a paddler who has met all requirements for the SK-1 rating and has met the following additional requirements in a sea kayak:
5. Attended a water safety board approved sea kayak safety seminar. The sea kayak safety seminar consists of a combination of lecture and on-water time to review safety equipment, rescue methods, and navigational and seamanship skills.
6. Demonstrated proficiency in surf landings and launches in breaking waves of at least 2 feet.
7. Demonstrated endurance sufficient to paddle 10 miles in single day in a cross or head wind without the assistance of river current.
8. Demonstrated capacity to maintain one's composure while paddling in waves of at least 3 feet.
SK-3- This rating is achieved by a paddler who has met all requirements for the SK-2 rating and has also met the following additional requirements in a sea kayak:
9. Demonstrated proficiency in rolling a fully loaded single sea kayak in calm conditions.
10. Demonstrated ability to navigate using map and compass.
11. Demonstrated proficiency at surf landings in breaking waves of at least 3 feet.
12. Demonstrated ability to assist in rescue of capsized boaters.
Tandem Applications
Assuming the lower rated paddler has at least an SK-1 rating, the combined rating equals the higher rated paddler's rating. In the case of someone with a Lake Rating and a swim test, the combined rating is one rating lower than the higher rated paddler's rating.
Transfer of Whitewater Ratings Equivalent whitewater paddler ratings may be used as evidence in granting sea kayak paddler ratings. However, the paddler must still meet the navigation and safety and rescue requirements required of the sea kayak paddler rating. For example, a paddler with an R-3 rating may be granted an SK-3 paddler rating upon completion of a safety seminar and demonstrated proficiency with a map and compass.
Refer to Appendix D.
Any boating trip to occur on any water body other than Lake Mendota must be organized and accomplished under the direct supervision of an approved river leader. The river leader is ideally not only a very competent paddler, but also a person with good judgement and a knowledge of river hazards and safety precautions. A number of river leader classifications are employed by the Outing Club for various levels of river difficulty and for open boat and decked boat trips.
Quietwater Leader- A quietwater leader must:
1. have gone on one prior club boating trip,
2. have received a water safety briefing and taken a short test from the Water Safety Board Chairperson and
3. have at least a R-1 paddler rating.
ROC - I - This leader classification requires at least an R-1 paddler rating (in an open canoe). Additionally, the person must pass a safety test administered by the Water Safety Chairperson concerning the contents of this Manual as well as river safety in general. To attain the rank of ROC-1 also requires that the individual must have been on at least one Club trip. This leader rating may be assigned by the Water Safety Chairperson upon satisfactory completion of these prerequisites. Anyone with a WW-2 or above leader rating and has obtained the paddler rank of R-1 in an open canoe may be assigned the rank of ROC-1 by the Water Safety Chairperson.
ROC - 2 - This leader rating requires at least an R-2 paddler rating and a current ROC-1 leader rating. Additionally, the individual must know how to rescue pinned boats, and must have participated on an open canoe trip as assistant river leader at least once on Grade II water. Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements, this leader rating is assigned by a majority vote at a Water Safety Board meeting.
ROC - 3 - This leader rating requires at least an R-3 paddler rating and a current ROC-2 leader rating. Additionally, the individual must have participated as assistant river leader on an open canoe trip on Grade III water at least once. Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements, this leader rating is assigned by a majority vote at a Water Safety Board meeting.
ROC - 4 - This leader rating requires at least an R-4 paddler rating and a current ROC-3 leader rating. Additionally, the individual must have participated as assistant river leader on an open canoe trip on Grade IV water at least once. Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements, this leader rating is assigned by majority vote at a Water Safety Board meeting.
WW - l - This leader classification requires at least an R-3p paddler rating (in a decked boat). Additionally, the person must pass an oral safety test administered by the Water Safety Chairperson concerning the contents of this manual as well as river safety in general. To attain this rank of WW-I also requires
that the individual must have been recommended by a Water Safety Board Member. This leader rating may be assigned by the Water Safety Chairperson upon satisfactory completion of these prerequisites.
WW - 2 - This leader rating requires at least an R-3 paddler rating and a current WW-I rating. Additionally, the individual must have served as river leader under the direct supervision and evaluation of another leader of equal or higher rank. This leader rating must be assigned by a majority vote of the Water Safety Board Members present at a meeting after satisfactorily fulfilling the given prerequisites.
WW - 3 - This leader rating requires at least an R-4 paddler rating and a current WW-2 rating. The individual must have demonstrated good judgement while satisfactorily river leading under the direct supervision of another leader of equal or higher rank, on Grade III water. This leader rating must be approved by a majority vote of the Water Safety Board Members present at a meeting.
WW - 4 - This leader rating is given to a former WW-3 who has consistently demonstrated good judgement and leadership ability and has been elected by a 2/3 majority vote at a Water Safety Board meeting.
The leadership requirements for WW-3 and WW-4 may be satisfied under supervision on private trips which are conducted in accordance with Club water safety policies, with the exception of paddler skill requirements.
Quietwater Leader - A quietwater leader must:1. Have gone on at least one prior Club boating trip.
2. Have received a water safety briefing and taken a short test from the Water Safety Board (WSB) Chair.
3. Have at least an SK-1 or R-1 paddler rating.
SKL-1 Rating - A Sea Kayak Leader 1 (SKL-1) must:
1. Possess an SK-2 paddler rating.
2. Pass an oral safety test administered by the WSB Chair or the WSB Chair's designee.
3. Lead under the direct supervision and evaluation of a current SKL-1 or higher leader on a trip encountering Sea Level 1 conditions and have demonstrated leadership abilities at the SK-1 level.
4. Be recommended by a WSB member.
5. Be approved by the WSB Chair.
Note: SKL-2 and above are automatically voting members of the Water Safety Board.
SKL- 2 - A Sea Kayak Leader 2 (SKL-2) must:
1. Possess an SK-3 paddler rating.
2. Pass a written exam on safety, navigation, and seamanship administered by the WSB Chair or the WSB Chair's designee.
3. Possess a current SKL-1 rating.
4. Lead under the direct supervision and evaluation of a current SKL-2 or higher leader on a trip encountering Sea Level 2 conditions and have demonstrated leadership abilities at the SKL-2 level.
5. Be approved by a majority vote of the WSB.
SKL- 3 - A Sea Kayak Leader 3 (SKL-3) must: 1. Possess an SK-3 paddler rating.
2. Have significant experience in rough water conditions, long crossings, and inaccessible coastlines.
3. Possess a current SKL-2 rating.
4. Lead under the direct supervision and evaluation of a current SKL-3 leader on a trip encountering Sea Level 3 conditions and have demonstrated leadership abilities at the SKL-3 level.
5. Be approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the WSB.
ACA Certified Leaders and Translation to Club Leader Ratings
Quietwater Leader: Any club member who can show evidence of being a current ACA-certified (American Canoe Association) open boat instructor on moving water shall be granted the quietwater leader rating after showing familiarity with the club checkout procedures for river trips, river leading skills, and with the Water Safety Code.ROCII. Any club member who can show evidence of being a current ACA-certified open boat whitewater instructor shall be eligible the ROCII leader rating. This person must demonstrate good leadership skills, familiarity with the club checkout procedure for river trips, and with the Water Safety Code. This leader rating also must be approved by a majority vote at a meeting of the Water Safety Board
ROCIII. Any club member who can show evidence of being a current ACA-certified open boat whitewater instructor-trainer shall be eligible the ROCIII leader rating. This person must demonstrate good leadership skills, familiarity with the club checkout procedure for river trips, and with the Water Safety Code. This leader rating also must be approved by a majority vote at a meeting of the Water Safety Board.
WWII. Any club member who can show evidence of being a current ACA-certified decked canoe or kayak whitewater instructor shall be eligible the WWII leader rating. This person must demonstrate good leadership skills, familiarity with the club checkout procedure for river trips, and with the Water Safety Code. This leader rating also must be approved by a majority vote at a meeting of the Water Safety Board
WWIII. Any club member who can show evidence of being a current ACA-certified decked canoe or kayak whitewater instructor-trainer shall be eligible the WWIII leader rating. This person must demonstrate good leadership skills, familiarity with the club checkout procedure for river trips, and with the Water Safety Code. This leader rating also must be approved by a majority vote at a meeting of the Water Safety Board.
Raft
Refer to Appendix D.
To maintain an achieved leader rating from season to season requires that a person must have river led or at least participated in a river trip for which he/she was qualified to lead during the preceding calendar year. For example, to maintain a leader rating of WW-3 from 1994 for 1995 requires that the individual must have led or at least boated on a Grade III river trip during 1994.
This is a minimum requirement and river leaders are strongly urged to maintain their paddling and judgement skills by boating and/or leading regularly.
A leader not satisfying this minimum requirement will be demoted to the next lower rating automatically. To regain the previous rating, the individual must comply with Club procedures as outlined in the previous section.
RIVER LEADER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of a river leader extend throughout all phases of a river trip. An outline of major duties and responsibilities during each is included below:
I. During Organization of the Trip
a. Obtain information on the rivers to be paddled including current water levels (refer to river guides, fellow paddlers, etc.)
b. Announce trip plans at an Outing Club meeting with appropriate requirements regarding paddler abilities, equipment required, etc.
c. Confirm that all trip participants are current Outing Club members and possess necessary paddling skills (check paddler ratings).
d. OBTAIN APPROVAL FOR THE TRIP FROM WATER SAFETY CHAIRPERSON !!!
e. Inform trip participants of expected weather and water conditions.
f. Organize a pre-trip work party with the Club Boat Repair Chairperson.
9. Make certain that all necessary boating equipment is available and in serviceable condition for the trip.
II. Prior to Departure from Madison
a. Collect boat user deposits from all participants using Club boats.
b. Complete and deposit trip information sheet with the Outdoor Programs Office.
c. Check to ensure that all equipment being taken on the trip is in serviceable condition and has been checked out properly!
d. Check to ensure that at least one (1) first-aid kit and throw rope are taken for each river group as well as a block and tackle when appropriate.
e. Take at least one (1) extra paddle for each type of craft on the trip, including a breakdown kayak paddle if needed, for use as spare paddles while on the river.
f. Take extra paddles, helmets, lifejackets and sprayskirts as deemed necessary and available as space permits.
9. Make certain that each paddler has the necessary personal and paddling gear.
h. Take along a river guide for the area.
III. At the Put-in
a. Make certain that all paddlers have all gear needed on the river out of the cars to be used for the shuttle.
b. Run the shuttle.
c. Give a "river talk" concerning paddling techniques, river character and river safety. This is especially important on beginner trips!
d. Assign a river order.
e. Assign the first-aid kit and throw rope to competent paddlers.
IV. On the River
a. Maintain order and group spacing.
b. Make an effort to instruct in paddling technique and river safety throughout the trip.
c. Observe paddlers and consider each for promotion in paddler rating.
d. Decide which section of river requires scouting.
e. Exercise discretion and authority in deciding which trip participants may paddle a given rapid. This applies to those with private equipment too.
V. After the Trip
a. Ensure that all Club equipment is returned to its proper place.
b. Inspect all Club boats to determine if any boat damage has been incurred.
c. Inform paddlers of any damage they are responsible for repairing.
d. Complete the boat user sheet, collect any outstanding fees and file the sheet with the Boat Repair Chairperson. Deposit any collected fees with the Outing Center or the Boat Rental Center.
e. Inform paddlers of any promotion in rating after confirmation with the Water Safety Chairperson.
A few general river leader responsibilities are of particular importance and are outlined below:
The river leader is the final authority on the river. He/she may exceed the requirements of this safety code at any time in the interest of safety, but at no time may he/she lower them.
The river leader shall comply with specific instructions given by the Water Safety Chairperson, but is always free to act in the direction of greater safety.
The river leader determines the river classification on the spot and determines who may run any given rapids.
The river leader may delegate his/her responsibility to another individual. However, he/she shall be responsible for all decisions made by the person to whom authority has been delegated.
The purpose of the Water Safety Board is to ensure that appropriate water safety procedures are employed in all aspects of the Outing Club boating program. To this end, the Board is responsible for conceiving and administering the necessary rules and regulations such as those outlined in this Code.
The Water Safety Board is established on a year by year basis (calendar year) and will consist of all current Outing Club members who hold river leader ratings of at least ROC-2 or WW-2.
At the first meeting of each calendar year, the Board for the coming year will be established. Members of the Board during the preceding year who have maintained their leader ratings as outlined previously will be included at their previous rating. Members who have dropped to a lower rating as a result of insufficient boating activities will be included at their new, lower rating. The Board is responsible for drafting the safety regulations in this Code and revising them when necessary. A meeting at which rule changes may be made must be announced at a Water Safety Board meeting or a general Club meeting and the proposed rule changes posted at least one week in advance. A 2/3 majority of the members present plus designated proxies at a Water Safety board meeting is required for revisions. Rule changes do not become effective until they have been posted on the Outing Club bulletin board and put on file, or published in the Water Safety Manual.
On matters concerning general boating policy, the Water Safety Board makes recommendations to the Executive Board of the Outing Club, which then determines policy.
A meeting may be called by any board member at any suitable time as long as a reasonable effort has been made to contact all other Board Members.
Those members present at a meeting constitute a quorum. Absent members may submit proxy votes on specific agenda items. A majority shall consist of a majority of members present at a Water Safety board meeting, plus proxies.
A Water Safety Chairperson is elected by the Board to direct its activities and generally oversee the safety aspects of the Outing Club Boating Program.
Selection
The Water Safety Chairperson must hold a leader rating of at least WW-3 or ROC-3 and must be elected by at least a 2/3 majority of a Water Safety Board meeting that has been announced at least one week in advance.
The Chairperson shall be regularly elected at the first meeting of the calendar year, but the Board may elect a new Chairperson at any time.
The elected Chairperson shall appoint another Water Safety Board Member to serve as temporary Chairperson during his/her absence, for a period not to exceed four (4) weeks. For longer periods of absence, the Board must elect the replacement.
In the event the chairperson position becomes vacant, a simple majority may select an acting Chairperson, whose term shall not exceed one month, until such time as a permanent Chairperson is elected.
The Water Safety Chairperson may be removed for cause or demoted by a 2/3 majority vote at a meeting posted one week in advance.
The Water Safety Chairperson shall make certain that all the requirements set forth in the safety code are fulfilled. He/she may raise the standards in the interest of greater safety at any time.
He/she, shall approve the river leader for each boating trip and make certain the personnel are appropriate for the river to be run.
He/she, or a designated individual shall maintain Club water safety equipment in serviceable condition and make it readily available to river leaders.
The Water Safety Chairperson shall maintain a public roster of all active Club paddlers including their current paddler ratings.
The Chairperson shall examine candidates for the Water Safety Board on their knowledge of this Water Safety manual and river safety in general.
The Chairperson presides at Water Safety board meetings.
The Water Safety Chairperson, or his/her designated substitute, is the representative of the Board to the Executive Board of the Outing Club.
The WSB chair shall appoint an alternative WSB member to administer ROC1, WW1, QW tests. This person shall be approved by a majority of the WSB.
Outing Club boating activities may be divided into three categories depending on where they occur: (l) Lake Mendota, (2) Club swimming pool sessions, and (3) river trips. This section concerns itself with the third and major category of river trips. A discussion of regulations and policies concerning Lake Mendota and Club swimming pool sessions have been included in Appendix B and C.
An Outing Club boating trip is defined as any trip not on Lake Mendota on which Outing Club equipment is used and on which all participants are Outing Club members or approved guests thereof. Every person who uses equipment, food or transportation provided for such a trip is considered a participant on that trip and shall observe the regulations outlined in this safety code. This applies to Club members and/or guests who are using private equipment also.
All Outing Club boating trips must be approved by the Water Safety Chairperson.
The Outing Club and this Code use the International Scale of River Difficulty in classifying rivers. On this scale, river difficulty varies from Grade I which is easiest to Grade VI which is the upper limit of navigability. The grade of difficulty is influenced by a variety of factors such as water flow, temperature, etc. Table 1 provides the information necessary to classify a section of river according to this scale.
TABLE 1A - POINTS ACCORDING TO RIVER FEATURES
TABLE 1B- RIVER RATING BASED ON POINTS
If a particular length of river cannot be characterized properly by one grade number, or if it alternated between a lower and a higher grade, two numbers are used, e.g. II-III. If a few short sections of a river which can be portaged easily are considerably more difficult than the rest of the river, their severe grade of difficulty is indicated by a subscript, e.g. II(IV). A rise or fall in the water level always alters the appearance and often the rating of a river or individual rapids. In the Wisconsin area most rivers are about one grade higher in the spring over that of the average summer level.
For many rivers in the United States and elsewhere, guide books are available which provide detailed river descriptions including their difficulties. These guidebooks generally cover a fairly small geographic area, in some cases, just a single river. For the Wisconsin area, detailed river descriptions may be found in several guides, including Whitewater/Quietwater by Palzer and Palzer.
It is extremely important to recognize that river classifications are meant only as a general tool to convey the approximate difficulty of a section of river from one individual to another. Despite the guidelines set forth for classifying a section of river, differences in individual river assessments and interpretations often yield different classifications for the very same section of a river under the very same conditions. Further, conditions change with time, in many cases drastically, resulting in changes in the river difficulty. Additionally, certain rivers have been paddled a limited number of times and some not at all, and detailed descriptions and difficulty classifications are not available. The paddler and especially a river leader must be aware of the limitations of a river classifications and be capable of assessing the difficulty and hazards of a given stretch of water "on the spot".
In general, for Club purposes, a river will be classified according to the most difficult section of water which has to be negotiated (i.e. cannot be portaged). River classifications and special instructions for river leaders for many rivers commonly paddled by the Club have been included in Appendix E of this Code.
PADDLER AND LEADER REQUIREMENTS
A summary of the paddler and leader requirements for various levels of river difficulty is presented in Table 2.
TABLE 2. MINIMUM PADDLER AND RIVER LEADER REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIOUS LEVELS DF RIVER DIFFICULTIES
a. For 2-person canoes, if the 2 paddlers possess different skill ratings, the team may paddle river sections one grade higher than the lower rated paddler. An R-2 and an R-4 may paddle Grade III e.g. When two people paddle as a team and both have a rating of R-2p, they may paddle grade two water together providing they show good directional control and have the ability to self rescue.b. For certain Grade II rapids, a ROC-1 may qualify as leader if he/she possesses a paddler rating of at least R-2 and all trip participants or paddler teams possess paddler ratings of at least R-2p.
c. For Grade III rapids, a WW-2 may qualify as leader if he/she possesses a paddler rating of at least R-4p and all trip participants possess paddler ratings of at least R-3.
d. For Grade IV rapids, a WW-3 may qualify as leader if he/she possesses at the least the paddler rating of R-4 and all trip participants possess paddler ratings of at least R-4p.
e. An unexplored river is considered to be any river which has not been previously paddled by the Outing Club or for which a complete, reliable description is not available.
GENERAL TRIP RULES AND POLICIES
The following rules and policies apply to all Club boating trips:
1. All boating trips must be approved by the Water Safety Chairperson.
2. The boater and trip leader requirements outlined in the previous section must be satisfied.
3.A minimum of three (3) boats are required on whitewater river trips at all times. A minimum of two (2) boats and three (3) paddlers are required on river trips.
4. Life jackets must be worn when paddling in rapids and at other times as the river leader directs.
5. At least one first-aid kit must be carried while on the river.
6. All paddlers should wear foot protection while boating. Tennis shoes or wetsuit boots are recommended.
7. If the water temperature is less than 55 deg.F, appropriate clothing, possibly including wetsuits must be worn by all boaters on all rapids trips.
8. Ropes, spare paddles and other Club equipment are the responsibility of those carrying them.
9. The group plans, expected hazards, number of rapids which are likely to require scouting, location of special equipment, and expected rescue procedures are part of the knowledge every trip participant should have. It is the river leader's responsibility to convey this information to the group.
10. The river leader determines the order and spacing of boats and has the authority to decide who may run a given rapids.
11. The lead boat on the river sets the pace, should not be passed, is on the lookout for possible hazards and has the delegated authority of the river leader to make decisions in the interest of safety.
12. The sweep boat is always in the rear. It is recommended that the sweep boat carry a rescue rope and first-aid kit.
13. Each boat is responsible for keeping the one behind in sight, stopping to wait if necessary.
14. After trips, each person is responsible for repairing any damage incurred to the boat he/she was paddling before the next weekend.
The following rules and policies apply to the type of trip indicated.
Quietwater Trips
A serviceable life jacket must be carried for each paddler and in such a manner as to be readily accessible if needed. Persons who have not passed the Club swim test must wear a life jacket at all times while on the river.
At least one rescue rope and one first-aid kit must be carried.
If the water temperature is below 55® F, all paddlers must wear life jackets at all times while on the river.
Rapids Trips
Open boats
Only keel-less or ABS royalex type boats will be allowed on rapids.
When anticipating rapids of Grade II or greater difficulty, safety helmets must be worn. At least one rescue rope must be carried on each trip. Also, one set of block and tackle must be carried. Boaters should kneel in the boats while paddling. All boats must be outfitted with additional flotation equivalent to approximately 30% of the boat volume.
When paddling rapids of Grade III or greater difficulty, the boat should be fitted with flotation equivalent to approximately 70% of the boat volume. Further, boats must be equipped with thigh braces.
Decked Boats
Safety helmets must be worn by all paddlers on rapids of Grade II or greater difficulty.
Before starting, each paddler must check his/her spray skirt for ease of removal from the boat.
All decked boats must be outfitted with maximal flotation, including a bow and stern float bag, and for C-2's a center bag also.
Expeditionary- Exploratory Canoe Trips
There are two classes of extended trips. Both are distinct from the "Exploratory" trip defined on page 71 of the code, which should be strictly applied to decked boat trips of short duration only.
Expeditionary - Any boating trip of extended duration. (5-7 days or more on any waterway) These trips will usually be differentiated from more ordinary club excursions by more detailed logistics, whereby time of excursion and planned inaccessibility to supplies becomes an important consideration. A description of the route is usually available, or if not, it is expected to consist of no significant rapids. Examples of expeditionary trips would include: runs on the Mississippi, Wisconsin, Missinaibi, Quetico-Boundary Waters, Everglades, Bloodvein, Thelon, Coppermine, Nahanni, Great Lakes, etc.
Expeditionary-Exploratory- Any boating trip of extended duration where an accurate description is not available and where significant rapids are expected. Examples include: rivers seldom run draining into the north side of Lake Superior, Hudson Bay, Arctic Ocean, etc.
General Guidelines
While the safety measures outlined by the water safety code are relevant for the customary trips taken by the club, expeditionary-type ventures are carried out in a separate environment. In general, practicality dictates an acceptance of a higher risk of mishap by participants, balanced by a unique set of rewards. Board members will review past and current expedition-type trips to gain an appreciation for common practices. The following are safety guidelines for each class:
1. Note that the degree of difficulty of these trips can vary enormously. Higher qualifications should be assigned by the Water Safety Chairperson as conditions dictate.
2. A high degree of proficiency of all participants is essential. Additional safety measures, which there very likely will be, should be dictated by the Water Safety Chairperson after full consideration of the itinerary, trip members, and consultation with relevant personnel.
Board members understand that expeditionary-type trips require abilities in addition to those acquired in obtaining club paddler and leader designations. The possession of these abilities is the primary safety precaution, and that these abilities are best gained gradual procedure.
PRIVATE BOATS AND NON-MEMBERS ON CLUB TRIPS
Private boats may be taken on a Club trip provided they fulfill the requirements outlined in this code. All participants using private equipment must comply with the rules and regulations outlined in this code.
Guests may be taken on boating trips in accordance with current Outing Club guest policy, provided they meet the necessary boater skill requirements. The Water Safety Chairperson may assign provisional skill ratings to experienced boaters participating as guests, based upon a knowledgeable evaluation of their boating ability.
When a private group is met at a river and wishes to boat with the Outing Club, the river leader shall determine their experience and proficiency as best he/she can. If he/she feels they are inadequately prepared, he/she should so inform them and he/she should discourage them from running the river. If they insist on going, the river leader may permit them to accompany the Club boats for their own protection. Nevertheless, the river leader should make it clear that the Outing Club will not assume responsibility for any misfortune which might occur. The river leader is urged, however, to provide whatever aid he feels is necessary if an individual's safety is in jeopardy (Outing Club witnesses should be present).
The topic of river safety is a very complex one and a truly adequate discussion is beyond the scope of this manual. Familiarization with the hazards associated with boating and the procedures to avoid to overcome these hazards is the responsibility of all paddlers, and particularly river leaders. This knowledge of river safety comes from a variety of sources, including reading in references such as those outlined in Appendix A, discussions with fellow paddlers (particularly those with extensive experience) and the time and experience gained by oneself.
A brief discussion of several key aspects of river safety follows.
BE AWARE OF RIVER HAZARDS
The following river hazards are frequently encountered on boating trips and have proven to be the most frequently involved when accidents have occurred.
Cold Water
Cold water can render even a strong, competent swimmer helpless in a matter of minutes after submergence, if the person is not dressed properly. Even without submergence, cold water lapping up on oneself while boating can over the course of a day, begin to sap one's strength. It is extremely important that all paddlers dress appropriately for the conditions expected.
In deciding on appropriate dress, one should take into account not only the absolute water temperature, but also the air temperature, the length and difficulty of the run, the likelihood of a swim occurring, the individual's tolerance to cold and general physical stature, and the capabilities of the group as a whole to perform prompt, efficient rescues. As a result of these various influences, certain individuals find polypro underwear and a fleece sweater under spray top and pants adequate for all but the most severe weather, while others select a full drysuit for all but the mildest weather. The point to make regarding dress for cold weather and water is that it is an individual thing and varies from trip to trip, not just from water temperature to water temperature. It is the river leader's responsibility to assure that all trip participants are dressed adequately. If in doubt about wearing an extra piece of clothing, ask someone for their opinion. If still in doubt, wear it.
High Water
The river's power and danger, often increase as the water flow in a given river increases in volume. The obvious extreme, is where a river is in flood. Be extremely cautious in judging the river level and relating it to river difficulty, especially as determined from a guide book. This is especially true when making the judgment at a put-in or take-out where the width or depth of the river bed can often mask variations in the river level (e.g. on certain rivers, a rise of several inches at the put-in or take-out can mean a rise of several feet in a central, narrowing section of the river).
Also, it is important to be aware of any potential for the river rising significantly once your boating trip has begun. This may result from an increase in the release from a dam upstream, or the increase due to a sudden cloudburst.
Strainers and Sieve-Like Obstacles
Brush, fallen trees, bridge pilings or anything else which allows the river to sweep through it (like water through a sieve) offers a severe hazard in that a boat and/or paddler can be swept into the "sieve" with the river flow and be pinned. The water pressure on anything trapped this way is overwhelming and efforts to extricate oneself will likely be futile. Avoid these hazards at all costs. One must be extremely alert, since there may be little or no whitewater to warn of this danger.
Weirs, Reversals, and Souse Holes
These river hazards are characterized by water dropping over an obstacle such as a rock or ledge and then curling back on itself in a stationary wave. The surface water is actually going upstream and this action can trap any floating object. These "Holes" as they are collectively called, vary substantially in their size and power. It is a real art to assess whether a hole offers a fun place to play, surf and do enders, or is a potential death trap. It must be emphasized that it is not only sheer size that dictates the power of a hole. Certain innocuous reversals following 2 or 3 foot high dams have trapped many persons and led to their eventual drowning. Exercise extreme caution in running a rapid with dangerously powerful holes in it and station an individual with a suitable throw rope if deemed necessary.
If trapped in a hole, a swimmer's only real hope of escaping prior to tiring and drowning, is to dive toward the river bottom (or at least relax and let the water pull you under and out of the hole) where the current is flowing downstream or swim to one end of the hole. A throwrope from shore may provide the extra pull to extricate one from the side of the hole.
Entrapment
The entrapment referred to here means primarily catching a foot in rocks on the river bottom. As a result, the river current may knock one from his/her feet and eventually lead to drowning unless someone is nearby to provide a quick rescue. This type of entrapment is typically caused by one trying to stand up in fairly shallow but swift flowing sections of a river when trying to get to shore after a capsize.
Avoid standing up and risking entrapment. Keep your feet near the surface and use the backstroke or sidestroke to make your way to shore. This applies also when swimming through rapids.
BE AWARE OF RIVER CONDITIONS TO BE ENCOUNTERED
Each paddler and the river leader in particular should have a reasonably good knowledge of the river conditions to be expected, especially the number, location and difficulty of rapids to be encountered. One should be aware of any possible river level changes and how these might affect the difficulty of the rapids. The approximate water temperature should be ascertained; if this is not possible, one should take appropriate boating clothing for the worst possible conditions.
One should consult available river guide books, talk to fellow paddlers who have run the river before, talk to knowledgeable individuals in the area of the river and make other efforts as needed to obtain information regarding the river conditions.
Related to this, one should have a knowledge of how to exit from the river in the event of an emergency and who to contact (e.g. Local sheriff, State Patrol, local hospitals, etc.).
KEEP TRACK OF PARTY MEMBERS
While on the river, keep a close watch on all party members including the very experienced, "they can take care of themselves" boaters. It is the river leader's responsibility to ensure that all members of the party are among the group and in good shape.
IF IN DOUBT SCOUT!!
RESCUE
At individual rapids which present significant difficulties for the group or a few members of it, safety precautions should be taken. The obvious first precaution is to scout the rapid from eddys above the rapid or from the shore. An experienced paddler who is unlikely to have any difficulties should run first, not only to get a boat to the bottom of the rapids for rescue purposes, but to demonstrate the correct course to take. Depending on the nature on the rapid, it may be advisable to station an individual with a rescue rope at a key spot (e.g. next to a hole or at a particular significant drop). Further, to provide a rescue boat at the bottom of the rapid for the first boat to run, it may be necessary to portage one of the boats around the rapid. These rescue precautions should be maintained until all boats have negotiated the rapids successfully.
In the event of an upset by one of the boats during negotiation of the rapids (or anywhere on the river for that matter), the safety of the boater(s) is of the utmost importance with any boating equipment of secondary concern. The persons involved in the upset should attempt to hold onto their craft and equipment and use a side stroke to make their way to shore as quickly as possible. Don't panic in trying to get out, but work quickly. The swimmers should be aware of any rescue boats and/or ropes being tossed. If a rescue boat comes to your aid while swimming, be cautious in holding onto the rescue boat and obey the instructions of the paddler. If the paddler instructs the swimmer to let go of the boat or equipment he/she may be dragging in the water, do it immediately!!! If he/she instructs you, the swimmer, to let go, do it. The swimmer should not try to stand up and should always remain upstream of his/her capsized boat; a boat full of water can crush one against a rock or other hard place.
Rescuing a swimming paddler and/or a floating boat and equipment is a real art which requires a lot of common sense and a lot of practice to become efficient at. The rescuing paddler should be aware of the river characteristics downstream and know where to try and drag the swimmer to safety. A safe spot (e.g. on shore or a large eddy in the river) should be selected (one which can realistically be hit). The paddler should then work like hell to move the swimmer (and possibly his/her boat) into that safe spot. Indecision and/or changing one's mind in midstream has often resulted in needlessly long and uncomfortable swims on the part of the swimmer. If necessary, have the swimmer let go of the boat he/she may be dragging. Other rescuers can then pick up the floating equipment.
A most effective rescue involves having the swimmer climb onto the rear deck of K-l's and C-l's or mid-deck of C-2's. The more of their bodies they get out of the water, the easier it is to move them. Once on the deck of a rescue boat the swimmer should remain extremely still so that they do not capsize the rescue boat. Rescuers should remain calm and avoid spearing the swimmer in their frantic attempt to perform a dramatic rescue.
People throwing ropes should keep several things in mind. 1. A well thrown rope is useless if the swimmer is not looking for it. Make sure they know you are about to throw the rope. 2. In fast current, a swimmer hanging onto a rope is a heavy load. Be sure you select a position where you can brace yourself securely in a belay position. 3. Try to envision the likely swing of the swimmer on the rope as they are swept downstream. If they will be swept over another hazard, choose another location for rescue.
Rescue procedures using an open boat are significantly different from those employed in a decked boat. Rescue from an open boat offers the possibility of pulling the swimmer into the boat with you. Swimming a rapids holding onto an open boat is usually not recommended.
General Overview
A distinction needs to be made between current conditions (those existing at a point in time or anticipated during a single day) and conditions which can be reasonably expected during the duration of a trip.
This section deals with assessing the current and short-term anticipated conditions and establishing paddler ratings required to paddle in such conditions. A separate section entitled Sea Kayak Trip Ratings is dedicated to assessing trips as a whole and establishing paddler and leader rating requirements for such trips.
In recognition that many factors together determine the difficulty of paddling under a given set of circumstances, the conditions below are listed as "typical" and are not meant to be all inclusive. Each situation needs to be evaluated on its own merits. Factors including wind speed and direction, wave height, distances between landings, air temperature, water temperature, difficulty of landing, proximity to help, etc. should be considered. A rough rule of thumb is that Sea Level One conditions require skills comparable to class I whitewater, Sea Level Two conditions require skills comparable to class II whitewater, etc.
Lake Level Conditions
Typical Conditions - Wave heights less than 1 foot, wind fetch less than 10 miles.
All paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem) must possess at least a lake rating.
Sea Level One Conditions
Typical Conditions - Wave heights less than 2 feet, easy landing and take off zones (e.g., shallow or sandy beach without obstructions, or very protected harbors, on-shore breakers less than 2 feet), wind fetch less than 20 miles, crossings less than 1.5 miles, currents up to 1 knot, winds less than 12 knots, little chop, less than 3 miles between landings, water temperatures above 55deg F.
All paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem) must possess at least an SK-1 rating.
Sea Level Two Conditions
Typical Conditions - Wave heights less than 3 feet, moderate landing and take off zones (shallow rocky beach or steep sandy beach, protected harbors, on- shore breakers less than 3 feet), wind fetch less than 40 miles, crossings less than 2.5 miles, currents up to 2 knots, winds less than 18 knots, less than 4.5 miles between landings, water temperatures less than 60deg F.
All paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem) must possess at least an SK-2 rating.
Sea Level Three Conditions
Typical Conditions - Wave heights less than 5 feet, moderate to poor landing and take-off zones (steep rocky beach or unprotected harbor), wind fetch less than 200 miles, crossings less than 4 miles, currents up to 3 knots, winds less than 20 knots, less than 6 miles between landings, water temperature less than 50deg F.
All paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem) must possess an SK-3 rating.
Sea Level Four Conditions
Typical Conditions - Long wind fetch combined with difficult or impossible landing for most or all of a day, exposure to hazards at any other levels taken to an extreme, route may only be negotiable under favorable conditions, kayak rescue may not be possible.
All paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem) must possess an SK-3 rating and extensive experience in SK-3 conditions.
General Overview
Trips shall be evaluated based on the highest level conditions that can reasonably be anticipated at any time during the duration of the trip. As a point of clarification, trips are evaluated in their entirety in advance, whereas conditions are evaluated a day at a time and/or during the trip.
In addition to factors mentioned under condition ratings, additional items such as season of the year, prevailing weather patterns, and trip duration should be considered when evaluating the trip as a whole.
Even once a trip has begun, conditions must be constantly evaluated. What was reasonably anticipated prior to a trip's departure may not be what is actually encountered at a point during the trip. In recognition of this, all trip participants should recognize in advance that the entire group will be limited to conditions paddleable by the lowest rated paddler on the trip.
Lake Level Trips
Lake Level Conditions can be reasonably expected for the entire duration of the trip.
All paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem) must have at least a lake rating.
The trip leader must have at least a Quietwater Leader rating.
Typical Locations - Lake Mendota, Wisconsin River
Level One Trips
Sea Level One or lower conditions can be reasonably expected for the entire duration of the trip.
An SK-1 rating is recommended, however paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem) with a Lake Rating may attend at the discretion of the trip leader provided that extra time is allocated for the trip.
The trip leader must have at least an SKL-1 rating.
Typical Locations - Chippewa Flowage, Flambeau Flowage, day trips to Door County, surfing trips to Lake Michigan beaches, Boundary Waters, Voyageur National Park
Level Two Trips
Sea Level Two or lower conditions can be reasonably expected for the entire duration of the trip.
An SK-2 rating is recommended, however paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem) with an SK-1 rating may attend at the discretion of the trip leader provided that extra time is allocated for the trip.
The trip leader must have at least an SKL-2 rating.
Typical Locations - Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Door County Archipelago, Apostle Islands, St. Ignace Island
Level Three Trips
Sea Level Three or lower conditions can be reasonably expected for the entire duration of the trip.
An SK-3 rating is recommended, however paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem) with an SK-2 rating may attend at the discretion of the trip leader provided that extra time is allocated for the trip.
The trip leader must have at least an SKL-3 rating.
Typical Locations - Susie Islands, Black Peninsula, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Grand Island, Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore, Keweenaw Peninsula, east end of Isle Royale
Level Four Trips
Sea Level Four conditions can be expected at some point during the trip.
An SK-3 rating is required of all paddlers (boats in the case of a tandem).
The trip leader must have at least an SKL-3 rating.
Typical Locations - West end of Isle Royale, Pukaskwa National Park, most ocean trips
REQUIRED OF ALL TRIPS
Group
All kayaks must be in good working condition, with plenty of secure buoyancy in the bow and stern.
At least one accessible spare paddle for every 3 paddlers. First aid kit.
Anticipated trip itinerary left at Hoofers.
Each Paddler
Paddle
Sprayskirt that adequately seals on the boat
Lifejacket. Lifejackets must be worn in all conditions of Sea Level One or higher.
A pump or bailer per boat
Clothing suitable to conditions (wetsuit or drysuit must be taken on all trips with water temperatures below 55). Wetsuits or drysuits must be worn at the discretion of the trip leader.
REQUIRED FOR LEVEL ONE OR ABOVE TRIPS Group Weather radio
Each Paddler Helmet (for surfing trips or other shallow water trips)
Self rescue aid (paddle float and/or stirrup)
REQUIRED FOR LEVEL TWO OR ABOVE TRIPS
Group VHF marine radio transceiver
Tow line
Current tide tables where applicable
Air horn
Repair kit appropriate to boats on trip
Each Paddler Map of area
Accessible flares or smoke bombs
Compass (either deck mounted or in map bag on deck)
Knife, waterproof matches or lighter, accessible food and water
Flashlight
Whistle
Wet or dry suit
REQUIRED FOR LEVEL THREE OR ABOVE TRIPS
Group Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Each Boat Spare paddle
Sufficient gear and food to survive independently if separated from the group
Canoeing. The American Red Cross. Doubleday and Company, Inc., Garden City, New York. 1977. A Whitewater Handbook for Canoe and Kayak. John T. Urban. Appalachian Mountain Club. Boston, Massachusetts. Kayaking. Jay Evans. Stephen Greene Press. Brattleboro, Vermont. Basic River Canoeing. Robert McNair. American Camping Association. Martinsville, Indiana. Whitewater Rafting. William McGinnis. Quadrangle - The New York Times Company. New York, New York. Wilderness Canoeing. J.W.Malo. Macmillian Company. New York, New York. American Whitewater. American Whitewater Affiliation. P.0. Box 321, Concord, New Hampshire 03301. Canoe. American Canoe Association. 4260 E. Evans, Denver Colorado 80222. Downriver. P.0. Box 366, Mountainview, California 94049. Wilderness Camping. 1597 Union Station. Schnectady, New York, New York.
Hoofer Outing Club Lake Pules A. General Rules l. Obey the Boathouse lights and flags. Call 262-4567 for Lake Mendota weather conditions (including the current flag and light in effect). a. Green (wind less than 18 mph): No Special restrictions. b. Yellow (possibly of storm or water less than 55 deg. F): Boating allowed only within an imaginary line from the tip of Picnic Point to the Tenney Park locks. c. Blue (wind 18 to 25 mph): Same restrictions as yellow. Lake Mendota is usually quite rough under these conditions: therefore, it is recommended that inexperienced boaters do not go out. R1 required. There can be no more than two people per boat. All boaters must kneel, not sit on the seats. Life jackets must be worn by all boaters. d. Red: No boating. If you are on the lake, return to the boathouse. e. Blinking Red (storm warning): Put on life preserver and go to the NEAREST shore. f. Red and Blue: Decked boating in mooring area. No open boating. 2. State law requires that each boat preserver per person. Life jackets must be worn if you cannot swim, if the water temperature is below 55 deg. F, or if the blue or blinking red light is on. 3. State law requires all boats to be lighted after dark. A flashlight will suffice. It should be flashed in the direction of approaching boats to warn them of your presence. Boating after dark is allowed only during authorized Outing Club moonlight canoeing. 4. Do not leave a boat at the mooring buoys, but you may beach your boat on the shore temporarily. 5. Stay with your boat if it turns over: It will float even though full of water. Wave your paddle in the air to get attention and wait for the University Rescue Service to pick you up . 6. If unable to return your boat, call the Boathouse (262-7351). You are responsible for returning all club equipment to its proper place. 7. All boating must be done on Lake Mendota unless you will be going on an authorized Outing Club trip: Boats must be signed out. (For Outing Club Trip Rules, see the Outing Club Safety Code.) 8. Failure to comply with the Outing Club lake rules will result in the securement of the violator's membership card for up to two weeks. a. The Outing Club Water Safety Chairperson may increase this penalty if he/she deems it appropriate. b. In certain cases, securement may be removed early upon completion of a service project for the Club of at least two hours duration. The Outing Club chairperson will furnish a list of people who are qualified to assign work projects. c. If a person feels he/she has been penalized unjustly, he/she may appeal safety violations to the Water Safety Board and non-safety violations to the Outing Club Executive Board. B. Open Canoe Rules l. At least one person in the canoe must have passed the lake canoe test or be under the direct supervision of an instructor if the water temperature is less than 55 degrees F. 2. No more than three adults may be in a canoe (2 adults and 2 small children is okay). C. Kayak Rules 1. All spray skirts must be tested for ease of removal: put the spray skirt on the boat, gather the middle of the skirt and lift gently. The skirt should come off the boat before the boat leaves the ground. 2. All kayakers must have passed the lake kayak test or be under the direct supervision of an instructor. 3. Only persons who have passed the advanced kayak test may kayak outside the mooring areas. 4. All kayaking must be done within an imaginary line drawn between Picnic Point and the Tenney Park locks. 5. All kayaking practice which is likely to result in rolling must be done within a region bounded (a) on the east by the swim pier, (b) on the west by the interlake pier immediately in front of the boathouse, and (c) on the north by an extension of the northerly swim limit line. 6. Helmets and face guards are mandatory when playing kayak water polo. D. Decked Canoe Rules 1. All spray skirts must be tested for ease of removal (see C.1 above). 2. At least one person in each two-person canoe must have passed the advanced canoe test or be under direct supervision of an instructor. 3. Any person in a one-person canoe must have had C-1 instruction or be under the direct supervision of an instructor. E. Sign-Out Procedure 1. Select a boat, paddle, and life-preserver a. Boats: Open canoes are stored on the two racks located at the far east end of the lower storage area. DO NOT use the rental canoes which are stored elsewhere and are painted orange. Be careful when removing canoes from racks: keep it upside down while sliding it off the rack, then turn it right side up, making certain not to drop it, before carrying it to the lakefront. Do not attempt to take a canoe off the rack without assistance. Kayaks and decked canoes are stored hanging from chains in the east end of the lower storage area. b. Paddles: Lake Canoe Paddles are located on a rack to the east overhead door and are painted yellow. DO NOT use the rental paddles which are painted orange. Rapids paddles are stored in the cage behind the Boathouse. Kayak paddles are on the overhead rack near the east garage door. Life-preservers are in a bin in the boat storage area. DO NOT use the Sailing Club life-preservers which are yellow. d. Spray skirts for kayaks and canoes are kept in the case with the rapids canoe paddles. 2. Fill out a sign-out card at the Boathouse. List your name and membership card number, boat letter and number, date and sign-out time. 3. Place the sign-out card and your membership card in the slot in the bin whose number corresponds to that of your boat at the rear of the Boathouse. 4. Upon return, replace all equipment immediately. Then sign the equipment in and pick up your membership card. If another member is going to use the boat immediately, go with her to the Boathouse. You will get your card only after she signs the boat out. 5. Failure to comply with the sign-out procedure will result in the securement of your membership card. F. Special Rules when Lifesaving Service is not available. When instructing is going on, instructors and students must remain within the mooring area. The mooring area is defined as that area between the two piers and extending outward from shore to an imaginary line that connects the ends of the two piers. During this period, all instructors and students must wear life jackets at all times on the lake.
1. Carry an extra paddle as a safety precaution. 2. When you need help on the lake, your paddle should be waved in the air, or blink a light at the Boathouse. If you capsize, stay with the canoe, it will not sink. 3. Solo canoeing is more effective if you position yourself amid ships, and even further forward if there is a strong wind. 4. Start your trip heading into the wind so that it will be behind you on your return. 5. When the wind is off-shore, the wind is stronger and the waves larger as you go further from shore. So stay close to shore. In addition, unless your destination is across the lake, stay reasonably close to shore. Paddling is generally safer and easier and the scenery is more pleasing. 6. Wear a life-preserver when there are large waves. 7. When there are large waves it is particularly important to lower the center of gravity for increased stability. It is best accomplished by kneeling in the boat with the knees spread apart: don't sit on the seats. 8. If possible, have someone watch while you are rolling a kayak so that she can render help if necessary. 9. Spray skirts are labeled as to type of boat. Neither skirt fits well on the other types of boat. It is best not to endanger your safety or the sprayskirt's well being by using the improper spray skirt.
The following rules and policies apply to all pool sessions sponsored by the Outing Club. 1. The pool sessions must be supervised by a member of the Water Safety Board or an individual approved by the Water Safety Chairperson. 2. The leader of the session is responsible for all Club equipment and the actions of the Club participants while in the pool and its immediate surroundings. 3. The pool session must be open to all current Outing Club members and efforts should be made to provide instruction to those requesting it. 4. Air bags and other paraphanillia should be removed from each boat and the boats should be hosed down with a cleaning solution and water prior to their use in the pool. Also, all paddling gear should be similarly cleansed.
The following rules and policies are highly tentative as the Outing Club rafting program is a limited one and sufficient experience has not been gained to draft appropriate legislation. The Water Safety Chairperson in consultation with other members of the Water Safety Board shall approve each rafting trip on a case by case basis, applying the following rules as well as those previously presented in this Manual which are applicable. 1. Whitewater Rating Leaders: ROC II and WW-II's and above may lead whitewater rafting trips. Persons may also be approved as rafting river leaders by a majority vote at a Water Safety Board meeting if they have participated in at least 2 whitewater rafting trips, led one trip under supervision, and passed the safety code test. 2. Rafting Requirements: All Participants in rafting trips shall have passed the swim test and quietwater canoe or kayak test, and have received water safety instruction. It is also recommended that they be given a demonstration of the appropriate whitewater maneuvering strokes. 3. Lifejackets must be worn at all times and helmets must be worn on Grade III water and above. Clothing requirements are the same as for boating trips. 4. A first-aid kit and a coiled rescue rope must be carried on the trip. 5. All participants on trips attempting Grade IV and above water shall be individually approved by the Water Safety Chairperson.
At the discretion of the Water Safety Chairperson, at an organization sponsored clinic or race, where adequate safety precautions will be provided, boaters with padddler ratings one grade lower than the river rating applied to the rapids will be permitted to paddle the rapids.
BAD RIVER (Ashland County): Forest Road 184 to Mellen. A. Culvert Caldron: High Grade II, discretion of river leader. B. Rocket Railroad: Low water, R4p at the discretion of the river leader. High water R4. C. Poke 'n Hope I and Poke 'n Hope II: R3p BLACK RIVER (Gogebic County) Section I: To Ramsey: R2 Section II: Highway 2 - Blackjack: R2 Section III: Narrows to Copper Peak: R3 Section IV: Copper Peak to Lake Superior: R4 BRUNSWEILER RIVER (Ashland County): Section I: Beaver Dam Lake to first bridge at Springbrook Road Low water, R3. High water, R4. Section II: Springbrook Road to Highway 13. A. Push and Squeeze: Low water, R3. High water, R4p. B. Large boulder bed rapids: Low water, R3. High water, R4p C. Double Indemnity (Canyon): Low water, R3. High water, R4. EMBARASS RIVER: The Dalles: R3p to run the first major drop and large hydraulic below it at the approach to the dalles. EAU CLAIRE (Marathon County): The Dells: R3p FALL5 RIVER (Baraga County U.P. Michigan) R4. FLAMBEAU RIVER (South Fork): Section II: A. Slough Gundy: At higher water levels, R2 and advise caution because of the proximity to Little Falls. B. Little Falls: R3p, R4 at very high levels. KETTLE RIVER (Minnesota): Above 2 feet on gauge, R2. Above 3 feet, R3p with a reliable roll. Above 4 feet, R3 with a reliable roll. LITTLE WOLF RIVER: Big Falls: R3. MENOMINEE RIVER: Niagra to Highway 8. The minimum skill rating is R3p and only R3's may run the 8 foot falls in Piers Gorge (also called Misicot Falls). Kremlin Islands Rl's may paddle at the discretion of the river leader. (Note: The left channel is more difficult than the right channel, discretion is advised.) MONTREAL RIVER (West Branch): Section l: Highway 77 to Highway 2 Low water: R3. High water: R4p. Section 2: Saxon Falls to Highway 122 Low water: R2 High water: R3p with roll PESHTIGO RIVER: Section II: Michigan Rapids and Ralton's Rips must be scouted by Grade II trips and may be run by RI's at the discretion of the river leader. Section III: Roaring Rapids A. At water levels above 12" on the gauge on the County C bridge: R3p. B. Grade II trips may run this section below 12" with the following restrictions: 1. Third Drop: Above 6", R2. Below 6", no specific restrictions. A rescue boat and rope must be posted for Grade II boaters. 2. Five Foot Falls: R2. 3. Horserace Rapids: R3p. Note: This is the minimum requirement. Extra caution and discretion are urged on this rapids. C. At levels above 24" on the gauge at the County C bridge: R4p. POPPLE RIVER: A. Little Bull Falls: High water, R3p. B. Big Bull Falls: High Water, R3p. C. Washburn Falls: High Water, R3p. D. Jennings Falls: High Water, R2. PRESQUE ISLE (Gogebic County, U.P. Michigan): R4. RED RIVER: Section I: Stockbridge Indian Reservation to Gresham. R3, watch for downed trees blocking passage in the three falls. Low water could cause boat damage. Section II: Below Gresham to town of Red River. From below Gresham to Red River, R1. Monastery Falls should be scouted; R2, R3p in high water. From below the main hole in the rapid to the bottom, R-1, R2 in high water ROCK RIVER (Baraga County, U.P. Michigan) R4. Note: Watch for trees blocking river. SILVER RIVER (Baraga County, U.P. Michiqan) R4. STURGEON RIVER Canyon R4. VERMILLION RIVER (Illinois): During very high water use extreme caution in approaching Wildcat Rapids and the cement plant dam. Scout and portage if hazardous. WAUSAU RACE COURSE: R1's must put in below grandstand hole R2's put in below first drop of dam.
WW2 required to lead.
Caution people about the numerous rock, and the small, steep nature of the run. Ordinary river order won't really work on this run because people constantly carry back up. Therefore the trip leader should assign a partner system or something similar to make sure people don't boat alone.
WEST BRANCH OF RED RIVER: R2 in high water. Dells (Funnel Fucker Falls), R4. WOLF RIVER: Section III: Highway 64 bridge to Menominee County WW. A. Highway 64 to Boy Scout Rapids. Run as Grade II up to a reading of 20 on Steed's gauge. B. Boy Scout Rapids to Highway WW: This may run as Grade II at levels of 15" or below through Gilmore's Mistake Rapids, and levels of 10" or below from Gilmore's Mistake to Highway WW. However, river leaders are urged to use discretion in deciding which boaters of higher ranks they permit to run Boy Scout and Shotgun Rapids. Section IV: Sullivan Falls to Big Smokey Falls. Only R3 boaters may run at levels above 8. Below 8, the following minimum boater skill ratings apply: 1. Sullivan Falls: R3p 2.Evergreen Rapids (Sullivan Falls bypass): R2. 3. Duck's Nest Rapids: R3p (recommended that weaker boaters use the more circuitous left side route on the upper drop). 4.Upper Dalles (Teakettle): R3p 5. Lower Dalles: R3 6. Big Smokey Falls R3p. Big Eddy To Keshena Falls: A. Big Eddy Falls: Rl (at the discretion of the river leader). A rescue boat must be posted below the drop since weak swimmers will have difficulty reaching shore. B. Keshena Falls: R3. R4 in very high water.
Rivers draining the north shore of Lake Superior: Extreme caution must be used at all times, because even the easiest rivers are often interrupted by large un-runable falls which may be difficult to recognize from upstream. Only reliable and consistent boaters in good physical condition should be taken on these rivers. A reliable roll is a must. The following is a brief summary to some of the better-known rivers. The difficult drops are far too numerous to list individually. BAPTISM RIVER: Section I: R2. Section II: R3p. The most difficult falls R4 with discretion. Section III: Low, R3. High, R4. Section IV: R4. BRULE RIVER (Minnesota): Low, R3. High R4. There is danger of being swept over large waterfalls near the beginning and end of this run. CROSS RIVER: R4 DEVIL TRACK RIVER: Upper Section: Low, R3p. High, R3. Lower Section: R4. LOWER CASCADE RIVER: R4. Danger of being swept over a long series of falls at the end of this run. PIGEON RIVER: Low, R3. High, R4 POPLAR RIVER: Low, R3. High, R4. ST. LOUIS RIVER: R4. TEMPERANCE RIVER: Lower section (from lake upstream): R4. There is danger at the end of the run where the river drops into a narrow chasm and over large un-runable falls. Take out above Fred's Falls (IV) and Fred's Folly (IV) to avoid the cascades. Upper section: Low water R3. High Water R4p. OTHER AREAS For those trips to other more remote and less well-known rivers, such as those draining into Lake Superior, rivers of the Cumberland-Smokies region of the southern states, the Appalachians of the eastern states, Canadian rivers, and western rivers, river leaders must discuss their trip plans in detail with the Water Safety Chairperson, and have each boater individually approved. Leaders should consult with boaters familiar with these rivers whenever possible.Sea Kayak Trips
Appendix A - List of Suggested References
APPENDIX B - Regulations and Policies Regarding Lake Mendota Paddling
Recommendations and Tips
Appendix C - Regulations and Policies Regarding Club Pool Sessions
Appendix: D - Regulations and Policies Regarding Rafting
APPENDIX E - Selected River Classifications and Leader Instructions
WISCONSIN AND UPPER MICHIGAN
NORTH SHORE - LAKE SUPERIOR