Venture Weekend

Guidelines and Emergency Procedures

• We plan our Venture Weekends to be easy paced and enjoyable. However, we do not have control of all factors on a tour and as such there can be an unforeseen circumstance. Please read through this brief paragraph so you understand what to do and how to help prevent them.

• First fill out the health form honestly and completely. This information is held in strict confidence by your trip leaders. Lack of honesty on this form can lead to serious complication should any adverse conditions arise. Inform your lead guide, of any allergies to food or medicine that you may have. Also, inform them of any pre-existing medical conditions or recent illnesses you may have had. Inform him of any medication you may be required to have or if you have just finished taking a regiment of medication. Only in this way can they can make informed decisions about the activities on the tour.

• Never feel under any pressure to perform an activity you are not comfortable doing. If you are not up to a leg of a tour, let the lead guide know and they will make arrangements for another activity for you.

• PFD is required to be worn during all paddling activities. They must be on and fitted properly. There is no exception to this.

• There is no alcohol permitted prior to or during paddling on a leg of a tour.

• There will be no heavy drinking the night before a leg of a tour.

• Your lead guide will make the decision if you're fit to paddle the leg of a tour. Their decision if final.

• No illicit drugs will be allowed. You will be removed from the tour and we will assist in making arrangements for you to return home, at your expense.

• If at all possible, before you call for emergency assistance from EMS contact the lead guide. They are trained to give medical assistance and could save a major medical expense, or embarrassment. Your guide has a vhf radio and is trained in its use.

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• We supply laminated emergency numbers card for every tour. Please carry them.

• Stay properly rested and hydrated. These are crucial to you being prepare for your paddle.

• Inform your guide of any injury regardless of how minor it may appear. Your guide has a first aid kit and is certified in advanced first aid and CPR.

• Inform your guide anytime you're not feeling well or quite up to par. They will be discrete.

• Most accidents happen at or near the shore. Please be especially careful in this zone of injury. Keep your gear neat and orderly so others, or yourself, do not trip over it.

• You are responsible for the condition of your gear. Check it before and after a tour for wear and functionality. We have equipment & supplies to conduct repairs.

• Kayaking is an inherently dangerous sport that can lead to injury, or even death. Please practice safe paddling. You are responsible for your own safety.

• If you should capsize, stay with your boat. Practice good rescue techniques by pounding the bottom of your kayak and waving your hands. If you are forced to wet exit, stay with your boat. We will be with you in a very short amount of time and help you get back in your kayak.

• Carry an accessible whistle at all times and use it if you need assistance or to get someone's attention. A short 1 sec blast for attention and 3 long 4-6 sec blasts for a request for help.