Members' NewsAs of 8th July 2020, the canoe club will open for access to boats every day or evening

July 8, 2020by Chris Groves

Operating Procedure for the Club from Tuesday July 8th.

Thank you for bearing with us over the last few weeks. It is important that while we continue to follow government guidelines, we also move forward to allow people to use the boatshed, have breakfast in the club on a Saturday am and move forward as a club encompassing the different ways we have worked over the last few months and looking forward to our future. We want people to feel safe and if anyone has concerns returning to the club particularly after shielding feel free to contact Jackie who can show you round the club and show you the measures in place to keep us all safe. If you don’t feel ready to paddle, we have lots of other ways you can be part of the club, just ask us.

These plans do not supersede Norwich Canoe Club’s normal operating procedures (see Norwich CC website) but will work in conjunction with them. They will also work in conjunction with the WBH Covid 19 risk assessment which is on website.

As of 8th July 2020, the canoe club will open for access to boats every day or evening, under the normal WBH access stipulations (fob and key holders). You will need to stick to the government 1m plus rule and other National guidelines. Normal club sessions are still suspended. You can organise yourself in groups of up to 6. Multiple groups can go out but they must be separate so river etiquette needs special attention to make sure groups don’t bump into each other etc. The Little and Big lake are still at present not available. We are working on this. This means those who have taken their boat away from the club will be able to rack their boats back at the club and have access to them any time.

Returning boats:
  1. Any boats brought back to the club must be washed down before racking.
  2. There will be soap and water available to use for this purpose. (there is an outside tap at the bottom of the fire exit with a bottle of soap and bucket if you bring your boat back out of club session times.)
  3. Once your boat has been returned to the club the only requirement is that you wipe your boat down after each session in the normal way (dry off with your own towel or similar.)
Club opening times

From 8th July the club will be open for paddling on Tuesdays from 17:30, Wednesdays from 17:30 and Saturdays between 07:00 and 12:30.

Crew boats are only allowed in family units/bubbles.

There will be limited facilities available at the club:

  1. All access to boats including crew boats only for family units will be available talk to a senior coach if you are not sure.
  2. Only the disabled toilet at the top of the stairs will be available in emergency. 1m plus rules applies inside the building when accessing the toilet so if you can’t maintain 2m distance if you need to access the toilet in an emergency you will need to use a face mask.
  3. During club opening times the front door will be open, as in wide open, so no fob will be necessary.
  4. At other times the front entrance must be shut and access to the toilet in an emergency will be through the boat shed, but the 1m plus rule inside must be observed together with washing of hands.
  5. The outside tap can be used for washing of hands and face.

We are hoping to open Betty’s Bar on a Saturdays from 18th July for takeaways and limited seating, so we can maintain social distancing. Thanks to Jackie and her team.

Visiting the club at club opening times: (Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesdays.)

This will be done on a queuing basis (as in shops at present).

  1. Come ready for paddling (be changed into paddling kit) in an arranged group of up to six people.
  2. No equipment can be shared within 72 hours because the virus can live that long on surfaces.
  3. Changing rooms and showers are at present still closed.
  4. You may leave a bag in the boat house, (not the 1st floor) although at your own risk so don’t bring any valuables with you.
  5. A session will be written on a white board outside which you may follow if you wish.
  6. A dynamic risk assessment will be made ready for each day and advice from this written on the board. (eg considering weather etc)
  7. After paddling you may get changed outside or use the outside modesty curtain around the climbing frame.
  8. Paddles should be wiped down before putting in the rack or stored in your boat. No shared paddles so loan equipment will need to be kept in your allocated boat.
  9. Buoyancy aids should be hosed down at the outside tap and then put with your allocated or own boat. If you have your own buoyancy aid you be would advised to use it.
  10. When you wipe your boat down with your own towel please store with your boat or take home. Don’t leave lying around on the ground etc.
  11. 11.It would be helpful if you could bring some kind of timing device with you at session.
  12. 12.THERE WILL BE NO NEED TO BOOK SPOTS AT THE CLUB. There will be a queuing system instead to get boats in and out, once you have got your boat it can be laid on the grass at the front or rear of the building. There are some groups of 6 already organised, but if you are not in one of these, we suggest you come down at either 8:00 9:00 or 10:30. If you are unsure of which time to come, please consult one of the senior coaches. These times are staggered to avoid too many members turning up at the same time. So, suit yourselves on a time and consult a senior coach if in doubt. But your group should be no
    more than six people.
Useful Links

British Canoeing Guidance https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2020/covid-19-updateguidance-for-british-canoeing-affiliated-clubs
Public health advice on Covid-19


NHS Test and Trace: How it Works https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-itworks
Resuscitation guidance considering Covid risk: https://www.resus.org.uk/covid-19-resources/covid-19-resources-general-public/resuscitationcouncil-uk-statement-covid-19

 

Chris Groves

Middling ability kayaker always dreaming of progression. Webmaster for Norwich Canoe Club

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN OUR CANOE CLUB?

MEET NORWICH CANOE CLUB

We run introductory sessions for beginners throughout the warmer months. If you are interested in joining the club please get in touch via the button below.

OUR SPONSORS

Norwich Canoe Club have set up new sponsorship links with local Norwich businesses who are supporting our Club.