KYC CO-OP SAFETY GUIDE
Most importantly:
WEAR YOUR PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE
The Co-Op requires all users of kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, or any other water-going vessel wear a PFD/lifejacket while on board. No exceptions. Wearing your lifejacket will help keep your head above water and add insulation to your body, keeping you warmer in cold water.
Co-op equipment will be used only during daylight hours. It gets dark really quickly: Night falls quickly on the water. When the sun touches the horizon, you should be no more than 10 minutes from the club.
Your child under 12 has the same membership privileges as you, so once you are certified to take out a boat or board, your child may use the equipment with you UNDER YOUR DIRECT SUPERVISION ONLY. If you are supervising your child under 12, they MUST be wearing a PFD at all times on the ramp, the pier, or near the water. On the water, everybody is required to wear a PFD, regardless of age.
Tell someone your outing plan, which includes: where you are going, what you will be doing, how long you expect to be gone and how many people are in your party. Ask them to notify authorities if you’re not back as planned. Then stick to your plan. It is best not to go out alone at all.
Our co-op equipment mandate is that you should always be able to see KYC when using KYC co-op equipment, so this means that you should never be out of sight of the club. This means in weather conditions with less visibility, like fog or smoke, you need to stay closer to the club.
Stay hydrated. Always bring plenty of water and food.
Plan an "escape" route - an alternative place to get off the water should environmental conditions dictate it.
Safety Gear
The equipment necessary can vary according to the type of trip being taken. Some accessories you can’t do without, like a paddle and PFD, while others may not be essential for every trip, but can play a large part in keeping you safe and making your trip more enjoyable.
Transport Canada requires that watercrafts carry certain safety items: canoes, kayaks, sail boats and even kiteboards and stand-up paddleboards all have safety requirements.
The minimum you need is wearing a PFD and sound signalling device, beyond that, the required equipment varies by type and length of your boat.
GEAR LIST (Required gear is BOLDED)
● PFD/Life Jacket - worn at all time
● Safety whistle
● Towline
● Compass
● Bailer/pump (not applicable to a SUP)
● Maps and tidal charts
● Extra food and water
● Dry bags
● Spare paddle or paddle leash
● Paddle float
● Boat sponge
● Marine radio
● Flares/signalling device
● First aid kit
● Sunscreen
Hazards in the Bay
English Bay can be quite a dangerous place to enjoy the water. It is important to know the hazards and always be aware of your surroundings.
There are quite strong tides, which come with the current. Always paddle against the current first, so that you can drift back with the current if you get tired. Check the tides and weather every single day before you head out because if you paddle out in an inflow and the tide switches in the middle of your trip, you will be going ”uphill both ways”. Due to the size and shape of the bay, there is also a pronounced “toilet bowl effect” which means that the tide wraps around in a spiral. Tide will always be less in shallow water. Look at the freighters to confirm what way the tide is going.
English bay has an active shipping lane. Give freighters room. Remember that small, non-metal boats are invisible on the radar systems of larger boats. Never go between a tug and its tow.
You are not allowed to go anywhere near the lions gate bridge. Our co-op equipment mandate is that you should always be able to see KYC when using KYC co-op equipment, so this means that you should never be out of sight of the club. If you ever decide to get your own equipment, it is important to note that the Lions gate bridge is coast guard patrolled, and any vessel that is “self powered” is not allowed to paddle under or near the Lions Gate bridge. This means sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards etc.
KYC is situated next to an active open water swimming beach to the east of the club. Be careful to never drift down towards the swimmers’ area. Gently remind any swimmers you see in the launch area that they are in danger for swimming in the launch area or near the pier.
English bay has lots of traffic, sailors, power boats, and jet skiers. Although you should be aware of the right of way rules, take extra precautions. Sailboats will have right of way over you if you are on a paddled vessel, but it’s a good idea to act as though everyone has right of way over you.
There are limited resources for rescue. Don’t count on rescue. KYC does not operate any rescue boat or program except in organized events. Especially in the winter when there is less activity on the water, a rescue could be a long way off. You must always keep KYC in view when you are out on the water. It is best not to go out alone.
The Pacific Ocean is Cold. Hypothermia is always a risk, even in the summer. Dress appropriately, and stay vigilant to the signs : https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-hypothermia