The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool BCU Guidance Notes

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

1

The Canoeist and the

Swimming Pool

Guidance to Authorities and Pool Managers

Swimming pools provide a superb resource for introducing people to Paddlesport and provide

opportunities for paddlers to develop their skills and experience in a comfortable, safe, and easily

managed environment, unaffected by seasonal weather conditions.

Paddlesport by its very nature is diverse.The swimming pool environment is ideally suited to enabling

enthusiastes of all ages and persuasions to benefit from easy access to water and making the most of

their leisure time, particularly throughout the winter months.

Pool sessions can maximise opportunities for experiencing our sports diversity, overcoming fears of

capsize, learning to paddle, developing water confidence, improving boat handling skills, raising awareness

of general safety procedures and also specific rescue practice, all in a safe and controlled

environment.

Equally important to paddlers and to the sport of canoeing are the

opportunities that swimming pool sessions provide for groups of paddlers

to come together within a social and community context, benefiting from

sound experiences, challenge and competition and here particularly

Swimming pools have provided an incalculable boost to the development

of Canoe Polo. Polo is an important team game, it is ever growing in

popularity and in itsinternational standing, at which GB paddlers

excel with many European and World honours including recent Men’s

Gold and Womens Silver in the Polo World Championships.

The British Canoe Union, Paddlesport and Swimming Pool's in Partnership

The BCU recognises that Swimming Pools are expensive facilities to provide and that they are often

operated under subsidies which are themselves cash limited. In this respect canoeists should be aware

that per hour charges can translate into high individual charges where the density of individuals using the

pool is low and therefore canoeists ought not to expect any better or worse treatment on charging than

any other bonafida user, however, continued access to swimming pools to maintain such opportunities is

clearly very important to the sport of canoeing and as such the BCU is committed to developing and

promoting the use of swimming pools by paddlers and to ensuring that all pool activity can take place in a

cost effective and safe way.

....

Concerned by:

.... the costs associated with swimming pool provision and the subsequent knock

on effects of this in respect of the hiring of pools and the attendant danger of denying paddlers and

local communities from benefiting from pool access;

..... the current attitude to litigation and the need for swimming pools and authorities /

organisations to ensure they meet their ‘duty of care’ ;

.....the fact that the current response to this is based on the increased demand for pool employed

supervision only to cater for the safety needs of a ‘specialist' pool user group,

The British Canoe Union strongly promotes to all authorities and organisations providing

swimming pool facilities the opportunities available to them of partnership with the BCU,

and its network of affiliated clubs to ensure continued, safe, sustainable access to

Swimming Pools.

Recognised by UK Sports Council as the Governing Body of the Sport of Canoeing and Recognised also

by the Health and Safety Executive and the Adventures Activities Licensing Authority.The BCU’s Coaching

Service provides training and qualifications for paddlers and coaches in leadership, group management,

safety and rescue.

The BCU Provides five levels of awards with additional endorsements for first aid, lifesaving and the use of

the swimming pools it is the BCU’s considered opinion that paddlers trained and coached within its own

scheme, more than adequately provide for the safe participation of individuals in canoeing activities taking

place in a swimming pool environment.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

2

Indeed it is recognised by the Health and Safety Executive in its publication 'Managing Health and Safety

in Swimming Pools' ( HSG 179 isbn 0-7176-1388-7 ) that Lifeguards require specialised skills or

additional knowledge to supervise 'specialist' activities such as Canoeing and Sub Aqua adequately.

Organisations that can advise are listed in appendix 7 of that document (BCU listed).

Further to this and realizing that such 'specialist' knowledge is not necessarily available to most Pool

Managers and Pool attendants, the HSE also notes that where pool lifeguards do not have such specialist

skills, the manager can take two options:

A: They can provide adequate supervision by either training lifeguards to obtain the

necessary skills or by employing lifeguards who already have those skills.

B: They can allow clubs to provide the necessary cover.’

The BCU believes that the availability of specialist canoeing skills during periods when

canoeing activities are taking place within a swimming pool are highly desirable, and would,

therefore, strongly support option B above and advises that the specialist skills necessary are:

1. When running a club session for club members, the

recommended qualification is BCU Coach Level 1 or

higher

2. When running a public session the recommended

qualification is BCU Coach Level 2 or higher

3. When running Polo activity, the recommended

qualification would be the holding of a Polo Coaching

award or Polo referee status

Due consideration to these points by authorities, organizations and Pool managers in determining their

‘duty of care’ provision in relation to 'specialist' user groups could provide ideal opportunities to enter into

‘partnership’ with the BCU via individual Clubs and Coaches. Such action would ensure that ‘duty of care’

requirements are fully covered and to continue to provide cost effective access to members of the community

to what in most cases is a

community facility.

When being approached by Clubs seeking access to time slots within pool programmes, managers

should expect/seek the following negotiation,discussion and agreements with respective club leaders.

Direct contact between yourself and a recognised club official creating an opportunity to both

parties to consider their concerns i.e. pool damage, pollution and safety provision.

Pool / facility Manager and organiser should determine if the normal safety standards of

the pool could be provided by the Canoe club

Where this is the case the following need also to be considered and put in place:

The establishment of clear and effective working relationships between yourselves (liaising parties).

Ensuring knowledge of and direct involvement in safety issues related to the pools

emergency plan, risk assessment and contact points. Occasional meetings to check on how the

partnership is operating etc.,

Jointly, the pool/facility manager and club representative should ensure that the agreed safe

operating procedures can be enacted in the event of an emergency such as a drowning or other

serious accident. This should include raising the alarm, summoning the emergency services and

the use of specialised equipment on hand to provide life support.

Pool / facility managers should, from time to time, make provision to test that the club maintains

the safety standards agreed.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

3

Pool Managers - Assuring yourself of actual requirements / gaining further

reference as to a clubs suitability as a user of your pool.

Having had contact with Club officials to discuss their potential use of your pool you may well have

additional concerns you wish to raise or you may wish to reference the status of the club and of the

qualifications of a coaches personal award as a supervisor. In such instances please contact the

BCU UK Director of Coaching at the British Canoe Union, Adbolton Lane, West Bridgford Nottingham

NG2 5AS or e mail on

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.

The BCU have a network of Coaching Development officers, Paddlesport Development Officers and

Regional Coaching Organisers available to them. Anyone of which can be made available to visit any

proposals or arrangements you may be considering.

We would recommend also that facility managers and user groups move towards preparing a joint

statement on the role of a given facility in the development of paddlesports. This should encorporate what

actually happens and is actually planned. It need not be long, but could simply set out that the pool aims

to provide an indoor venue for introducing beginners to canoeing and for winter training. Any such

statement could be developed for those facilities that want to be more directly involved with canoeing as

an activity.

Additional Details:

Coach: Paddler Ratio

In general session the recommended ratio of coaches to paddlers is 1:8 though a Level 2 Coach or

above may operate with more, dependant upon their judgement and experience. In Canoe Polo minimum

on the water numbers may be 10 while the maximum may be 16.

Recommended numbers of canoes and/or kayaks.

The number of canoes/kayaks allowed in a pool at any one time will depend on the size of the pool and

the activity. While one to one coaching in the pool may require the coach / trainer to be in the water free

swimmers are not allowed in the water at the same time unless the pool is partitioned. Except for canoe

polo, it is not essential to wear buoyancy aids or helmets.

Although Canoe Polo involves physical contact and controlled aggression, given the nature of the

protective equipment worn - complete upper body protection in the form of a dense all-round buoyancy

aid, helmet and face guard - the likelihood of injury to a participant is minimal.

Should it not be felt that the pools normal safety standards can be provided by the canoe

club:

It may be necessary for a member of pool staff to be on hand should an emergency occur to

ensure the site specific procedure is enacted. This person need not be a lifeguard for the canoe

session but simply a member of staff on hand to carry out the essential elements of an emergency

procedure agreed and written down in the written procedures for the pool.

Additionally the following negotiation,discussion and agreements should be considered:

Provision by the club official of the names and qualifications of intended specialist safety

personnel.

Confirmation that the club is an affiliated BCU Club/ or BCU Approved Centre.

Arrangements for boats and boat storage.

Agree a Code of conduct and terms of operation for usage of pool.

Building a partnership with club or centre and being able to create cost effective access to a pool

can have further ‘pay back’ for the club manager and your pools local community. Most clubs are

more than willing to support the community activities of swimming pools and could be approached

to support a pool paddling session as part of your community programme.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

4

How to prevent damage to pools – some good practice.

There are two potential sources of damage to pools from the use of canoes:

1 - From boats with pointed ends striking the sides of the pool.

2 - paddles hitting the pool sides / bottom.

It is important that coaches and paddlers using pools for canoeing purposes are aware of the

damage that canoes can cause and the significant knock on effect that damage caused by

canoes and canoeists can have on pool close down time.

Damage to tiles for example is not just

about replacing tiles - Broken or damaged tiles can be potentially harmfully to other pool users, tiles can

be expensive to replace and require pools to be drained and if nothing else damaged tiles are unsightly

and off putting to other pool users, possibly having an effect on user perception and continued use.

Clubs using pools should consider these issues with at least equal priority to general safety matters as

addressing the potential for damage within your user stratergy and responsibilities will set priorities and

guidlines that are both preventative and reflective to minimise damage and to establish best practice

review should problems occur.

Ideally clubs and organisers regularly using the same pool should endeavour to have a 'for pool use only'

fleet of canoes and paddles which do not move off site. These could clearly be purchased specifically for

use in the pool and designed and maintained exclusively for indoor use.

Where there is any possibility of the ends of canoes causing damage, they should be protected with etha

foam or other suitably dense material, secured with adhesive tape. Where canoe polo is played, the ends

of the polo kayaks must be protected as per the BCU Canoe Polo rules.

Whilst any type of canoe,used properly,may be used in a pool, advance trainer or BATs and any modern

short play boat, are the most suitable. Where there is paddling in sharp-ended boats (e.g. pool slalom or

slalom training) it is preferable to set the gates in such a way that the boats will not strike the sides of

the pool. Paddles with wooden, plastic or composite blades only, without metal tips, should be used.

Avoiding pollution.

The only other source of damage is through pollution from river / sea water,

dirt, leaves and crumbs of polystyrene buoyancy foam etc.

Where canoes are used outside of the pool environment and then returned to the pool on a rotational or

occasional basis it is important that club / organisers ensure that priority is given to ensuring that all

canoes and equipment are cleaned prior to pool use. Pre-cleansing should ensure that all river / sea

contamination is removed. Any dirt should be hosed off the canoes prior to use with a mild disinfecant

and a suitable area for this purpose identified with the pool manager.

Buoyancy for kayaks should comprise of etha foam or air bags rather than polystyrene.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

5

BCU LEVEL 1 COACH AWARD - PURPOSE OF THE AWARD

The BCU Level 1 Kayak or Canoe Coach Award is aimed at coachers and youth

leaders who wish to introduce others to canoeing at a ‘taster’ level, only, using

small, sheltered, simple-water sites. It is not a suitable level of qualification for

canoeing leaders of clubs or groups for whom the pastime is a main activity. For

staff employed at Centres, it is suitable only for ‘first session’ introductory purposes, and only when

under the general supervision of a higher award holder.

Candidates must hold or be competent to the level of the relevant BCU 2-Star test. Level 1 Kayak

Coaches are regarded as competent to operate closed cockpit kayaks, open cockpit kayaks, and

open canoes within the terms of reference stated. However Level 1 Canoe Coaches

can only

operate

with canoes within the terms of reference stated.

The status is intended only as a very basic coaching award, but the holder should be able to transmit a

basic understanding to all their charges to enable the purpose of the session to be achieved. It must

always be borne in mind that the sphere of operation of the Level 1 Award is restricted, and the

overriding priority is

SAFETY WITH ENJOYMENT.

It is relevant for use throughout the year, with the

provisos listed.

BCU LEVEL 2 COACH AWARD - PURPOSE OF THE AWARD

To provide a nationally recognised qualification for those wishing to introduce

others to canoeing on simple waters only ( or equivalent very sheltered coastal

areas ) in “general purpose” kayaks designed for use on white water, or in open

cockpit Canoes or kayaks. It is an indication of a level of competence for

introducing groups (normally about 8) to the standard of the BCU 2 Star test.

It is implicit that training will be undertaken with students properly equipped to normal safety

requirements. Sheltered water is a canal, small lake, sheltered area of larger lake, holiday beach

close inshore on a calm day, or quiet river, not involving the shooting of, or playing on weirs or grade

one / two rapids.

Summary of BCU awards relevent to Specialist Pool Supervision

POLO COACHING QUALIFICATIONS

The basic qualifcation for coaching canoe Polo is the Level 1 Competition Coach

Award. The underlying aim of the award is to ensure that canoe polo is

supervised in an enjoyable, constructive and , above all, safe manner.

The syllabus includes a module which addresses the issue of general safety in

canoe polo and, specifically, pool safety issues.

Polo Refereeing Qualifications:

The basic qualification for Canoe Polo referees is the grade 4

award. The training stresses the responsibility of the referee for the safety and general well being of

players, the syllabus including a module which addresses the issue of safety in Canoe Polo

and,specifically, Pool Safety issues.

Swimming and Young People

When setting up sessions for young people, the ideal scenario is that every child

would be able to swim 25m but it is not always the case that youngsters who come

along to sessions can swim

It has been known that they say they can swim when they can not. make sure you check this out at the

beginning and provide for non swimmers with buoyancy aids. The fact that a child cannot swim should

not be an inhibiting factor preventing their enjoyment. Positively encourage them to take part using a

buoyancy aid and help them develop water confidence.

Equipment and young people.

Always ensure that your equipment matches the child – the buoyancy aid should fit well. The boats and

paddles used should be appropriate to the size of the child.

For further details please contact:

British Canoe Union, Adbolton Lane, West Bridgford,

Nottingham NG2 5AS or e mail on

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The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

6

Pool Programmes.

These suggested pool programmes are primarily aimed at

young people, but aspects of these would benefit any new

paddler and it should not be hard to adapt them to suit the

respective audience

Block 1- Sessions 1-6.

Introduction.

All young people coming to pool sessions have different needs. They will have different fears and expectations

of water and boats. Research from one set of pool sessions showed that 90% had a fear of not

getting out of a boat and 65% had a fear of putting their heads under water.

Make sure you check out what the child’s fears are before you start a session and either engineer the

session so that they can overcome their fear or are not confronted by it – for example, you do not

necessarily have to put your head under water when falling out of a kayak!

Always

demonstrate first, what you want the children to do – actions speak; louder than words.

OUTCOMES – BLOCK 1.

You should aim to develop:

Water confidence and swimming ability.

Good balance in the boat.

Good forward paddling skills.

Good boat handling skills.

OUTCOMES: SESSIONS 1&2

Safety

Be able to correctly put on and take off a buoyancy aid.

Be able to put the boat into the water with help.

Be able to get back into the boat from the water without help.

Without spraydeck, be able to capsize and keep hold of boat & paddles.

Be able to swim 20 metres.

Skill and Activities.

Be able to balance in the boat.

Be able to paddle the boat with hands (forwards and backwards)

Show how to hold the paddles correctly.

Paddle the boat (with paddles) around the pool (50m).

Be able to stop the boat in both directions.

Be able to turn the boat around.

OUTCOMES: SESSIONS 3&4

Safety

– as above plus

Empty boat with assistance.

Warm up before paddling.

Without spraydeck, be able to capsize and swim to side, keeping hold of boat & paddles.

Be able to put on and take off a spraydeck.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

7

Skill and Activities.

Be able to paddle the boat (200m) in 2 x 100m blocks showing an improvement in terms of

time and number of stokes taken between the first 100m and the second 100m.

Be able to paddle the boat backwards in a straight line for 20m.

MATCHING TO BCU AWARDS

On completing the first 4 sessions and achieved the appropriate outcomes you could have obtained BCU

paddlepower 1 – levels 1&2. Capsize award (without spraydecks).

WCA Pool Blade award – L1.

OUTCOMES; SESSIONS 5 & 6.

Safety

– As above plus

Capsize with spraydeck and swim to side with boat, empty with assistance.

Skills and Activities.

Understanding of control hand on paddle

Show improved directional stability in forward paddling and rotation of the upper body

Show how to prevent a capsize – using support strokes

Paddle a total distance of 1000m (in 2 x 200m and 6 x 100m blocks. Showing an

improvement in time and decreasing number of strokes in each progressive block)

Paddle forwards around a figure of 8 course with less than 3 touches on the markers.

Paddle backwards around a figure of 8 course with less than 5 touches.

MATCHING TO BCU AWARDS

By the time that you have completed sessions 5 & 6 and you have achieved the appropriate outcomes,

you could have obtained BCU Paddlepower 1 Level 3, Capsize award with spraydeck, BCU 1 Star, WCA

Pool Blade Award L2.

Coaches Guidance.

Session 1

Safety – in order to overcome fears about the boat and to develop water confidence, play a number of

games. Games should be such that both swimmers and non-swimmers can take part. Design activities so

that the boat will sink SLOWLY with the child in it (submerging level not nose first) This will help develop

their confidence that they can get out.

Skills

– in the first session focus on using a lot of activities that involve forward paddling with the hands.

Activities

– Suggested Water confidence and familiarization activities include:

Using the boat as a prop – swim around, clamber on the boat.

Races into and out of the cockpit.

Hand paddling races.

Session 2

Safety

– Develop the range of activities that you use to develop water confidence – get the children to

stand up in their boats, (beware though of them falling out and hitting the side of the pool) lean sideways

etc. this will all help in instilling confidence in capsize.

Skill

– The session should again focus on forward paddling and developing an effective technique. Review

forward paddling with the hands and then introduce the paddles.

Activities

– relay races, tunnel trouble (paddling backwards down the pool lanes)

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

8

Session 3 – 4

Safety

– Continue the development so that the child completes a formal capsize with a coach on a 1 to

1 basis. Follow this up several times working towards the child becoming more confident with the

capsize.

Skill

– The focus is still forward paddling but also start to develop boat steering skills. Work in small

groups for this.

Activities

– paddling laps around the pool, towing people, chariot races etc.

Sessions 5 – 6

Safety

– Once you start to coach support strokes, spraydecks can be introduced but you should be

very wary of accidental capsizes with the spraydecks fitted. In order to develop confidence with the

spraydecks, practice putting on and taking them off, on the side of the pool (see outcomes session 3 –

4) Move the drill into the water with the coach working on a 1 to 1 basis. Then move back to the same

system and activities as in the initial capsize practices.

Skill

– Reinforce and practice the skills learned on sessions 1-4.

Activities

– Circuit race – paddling laps around the pool towing people, chariot races, boat maneuvering

games.

Useful Tips.

Nose clips are useful.

Ensure that a number of boats are available for the young people to try out. Not all will favour a closed

cockpit kayak (CCK) some will prefer an open cockpit kayak (OCK) or even canoe. Try to give a broader

experience matching the boat to the child and not vice versa. If someone shows an interest in the open

cockpit boat and potential in marathon or sprint racing, then work through the next sessions in developing

their forward paddling skills, directional stability and aerobic fitness for paddling. Where possible

assist them in getting more experience outdoors.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

9

Pool Programmes

BLOCK 2 – Sessions 7 –15

Introduction

In order to keep the interest of young people it is important to keep sessions interesting and progressive?

Young people like to see improvement, however small. They will get bored with games unless they are

within a structured session.

This phase could be seen as the consolidation phase.

OUTCOMES – BLOCK 2

You should aim to develop

Safety

More confidence in capsizing (adapt this to the type of boat the child wants to use – e.g.

OCK. Not all children will want to be in a CCK. ) This includes capsizing whilst using

spraydecks.

The ability to rescue self and others.

Skills

You should work to;

Consolidate forward paddling skills and directional stability.

Be able to turn the boat around and to move the boat sideways with efficient technique

(sweep, support, draw and bow rudder strokes)

OUTCOMES: SESSION 7 –10

Safety

Exit the boat in deep water and then re-enter from deep water without capsizing

Help a friend in their boat back to the side.

Help a friend whose boat has turned upside down.

Perform a rescue from the poolside by reaching or throwing.

Be able to tow a swimmer 25m, the swimmer holds onto back of boat.

Skills and Activities

Forward paddling showing upper body rotation and pushing with the feet

Backwards paddling showing upper body rotation and pushing with the feet.

Be able to move the boat sideways showing good reach and boat control

Be able to turn the boat on the move

Paddle a figure of 8 course forward without touching the sides or markers.

Paddle a figure of 8 course backward with no touches.

Complete 2 flat water slalom courses

Play a game of no paddles polo.

MATCHING TO BCU AWARDS

By the time that you complete sessions7-10 and achieved the appropriate outcomes you could have

obtained BCU paddlepower 2 – Orange Challenge.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

10

OUTCOMES – SESSIONS 11 – 15

Safety

Show beginnings of Eskimo rescue – on poolside and off rescuers bow.

Demonstrate swimmer to upside down canoeist rescue. Swimmer to right the boat without

touching the canoeist.

Skills and Activities

Start to develop the stern rudder strokes on both sides and overhead.

Use the draw stroke on both sides, moving the boat the width of the pool

Show good use of high and low supports strokes.

Be able to paddle forward around the pool (200m) in 2 x 100m blocks showing an

improvement in terms of time and number of strokes taken between the first 100m and the

second 100m.

Be able to paddle the boat backward in a straight line for 25m.

Complete 2 pool slaloms showing improvement in time/ score and number of strokes taken

to complete.

Complete the slalom ‘Wriggle Test’

Complete 2 mini polo games.

MATCHING TO BCU AWARDS.

By the time that you complete sessions 11 –15 and achieved the appropriate outcomes you could have

achieved, BCU Paddlepower 2 – White challenge. BCU 2 Star. WCA Pool Blade L3 award.

Coaches Guidance

With sessions 7 –15, the aim is to consolidate the forward paddling technique and to work on boat

handling skills. The key skills are draw strokes, support strokes and bow rudder.

In terms of capsize practice; please see the notes as for the previous section. You should work to

ensure that the paddlers are comfortable with using spaydecks and by the end of the block should be

able to capsize with the spaydeck fitted, tow the boat to the side and with assistance empty the boat of

water.

Make sure your demonstrations are clear and mix skill development with activities. Give young people

plenty of opportunity to try out their new skills. Make sure that those activities are at a pace that will

encourage them to use these new techniques. If the activity is too fast or frantic, then all that they have

learned may go out of the window! Don’t be afraid to stop the activity if it isn’t working.

A great game for the swimming pool is canoe polo. By this stage you should have introduced ‘no paddles

polo’. If you need guidance on how to play canoe polo, contact the BCU office.

Using a slalom gate or gates can provide a very good focus for improving boat maneuvering. It will also

be good preparation to give young people confidence for their first slalom – whether in a pool or outdoors.

Competition

Competition needs to be handled sensitively at this stage. Try to get each child to focus on improving its

own performance and not to focus on the ‘winning’. Everyone wins if they can improve their own time,

decrease the number of strokes it takes to complete a course, or decrease the number of touches

around a slalom or obstacle course.

You should also be setting up different and progressive types of events such as pool slaloms and time

trials. With pool slaloms you can set a course to meet the ability level of your group – easy or more

difficult. The BCU can provide you with information on setting these up.

Useful Tips

Get the children to start to keep a record of their own personal performance and to record their improvement

over a period of time.

Why not provide an award for the most improved paddler – male and female.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

11

Pool Programmes

Block 3 – Sessions 16 –30

This represents a good winters paddling, meeting once per week for a minimum of 1 hour.

OUTCOMES – BLOCK 3.

You should aim to develop

Safety

Further confidence in capsizing

Further methods of rescuing others

Rolling

Skills

You should work to

Do the basic skills even more efficiently and effectively

Be able to perform skills on both sides (as appropriate)

Perform the skills in full size boats doing all the skills to BCU 2 Star competency.

OUTCOMES: SESSIONS 16-30

Safety

Capsize with spraydeck, swim to pool side, whilst still in boat. Boat to be a maximum of 2

metres from pool side.

Demonstrate Eskimo rescue – off rescuers bow and off rescuers paddle.

Demonstrate deep-water rescue with help from partner. Paddles to be retained at all times.

Patient to be back in boat within 1 minute.

Demonstrate 2 methods of canoe to swimmer rescue.

Show beginnings of Eskimo roll. Any style of roll.

Skills and Activities

Sculling for support on both sides

High and low brace supports

Bow rudder on both sides (showing effective 180 turn)

Show cross deck paddling across the width of the pool

Canoe polo skills – show pick and throw, dribbling, catch and shoot skills.

Take part in 3 polo games

Take part in 3 pool slaloms

Take part in pool rodeo

By the time that you have completed these sessions and achieved the appropriate outcomes you will have

obtained;

BCU Paddlepower 2 Green challenge

And be well on the way to achieving your BCU 3 Star award or Canoe polo award level 1.

Coaches Guidance

As stated in the introduction, the focus should be on doing the basics even better.

In terms of coaching technique, work in groups of 2 –3 and get the young people to use self and peer

evaluation and coaching. This helps them take responsibility for their own development. It is also more

time effective.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

12

Safety

Working in small groups is in case of a capsize and it also ensures that each will get a rest, which is

essential at this stage where intense effort is required to develop technique.

Encourage the group to work on the skills on both sides.

Moving outdoors – The whole key is to get the paddlers outdoors to develop their skills and experience

further. Briefing in advance of the first outdoor session is essential. This needs to cover;

Use of buoyancy aids

Likely effects of weather

Safety aspects related to the water including using the boat and paddle properly

Structure the first 5 outdoor sessions in such a way that you cover all of the pool based skills and

activities including games.

BEYOND SESSION 30

There are many aspects of the paddlers performance that they can work on beyond session 30. These

include;

Safety

Rolling develop a number of rolls – pawlata, screw, float Steyr

Rescues – 3 methods of deep water rescue.

Capsize – be able to capsize further distances from the pool side and be able to swim to

the side whilst still in the boat.

Skills

Perform draw strokes on the move and on both sides with the purpose of avoiding

obstacles egbuoy, slalom pole)

Sculling for support for longer lengths of time.

Improve draw strokes – work to develop competence by timing how long it takes to cover 5

metres.

Use box strokes to turn the boat in both directions

Polo skills

Bring the paddle into use, learn to pick up and flick on both sides.

Develop dribbling skills over longer distances.

Improve passing, catching and throwing.

Activities

Take part in 2 outdoor ranking slaloms

Take part in 4 regular polo games

Take part in 2 club tours or events.

MATCHING TO BCU AWARDS

When you have completed this you could have achieved BCU 3 star.

Coaches Guidance

At this stage the paddler should now be using a full sized boat, starting off in the swimming pool and

then moving outdoors as a development from the last year.

Try different boats in the pool thereby developing stokes.

Training – as the paddler learns all of the strokes, they should then become more proficient at speed of

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Guidance to Coaches,Clubs and Pool Managers

13

execution. Make sure that you set up activities that encourages this.

To canoe effectively, it is important to be fit to paddle. Check that your paddlers are exercising outside of

the canoeing class. Good aerobic activity is biking, swimming or roller blading.

NUTRITION

In order to ensure that all the hard work in terms of developing fitness is not undone, help your group

understand the needs of a healthy diet. If you need help on this contact your local sports nutritionist or

for any further information, contact the British Canoe Union.

The British Canoe Union.

Adbolton Lane,

West Bridgeford,

Nottingham,

NG2 5AS.

Tel 01159 821100

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The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

Concerned by:

.... the costs associated with swimming pool provision and the subsequent knock

on effects of this in respect of the hiring of pools and the attendant danger of denying paddlers and

local communities from benefiting from pool access;

..... the current attitude to litigation and the need for swimming pools and authorities /

organisations to ensure they meet their ‘duty of care’ ;

.....the fact that the current response to this is based on the increased demand for pool employed

supervision only to cater for the safety needs of a ‘specialist' pool user group,

community facility.

When being approached by Clubs seeking access to time slots within pool programmes, managers

should expect/seek the following negotiation,discussion and agreements with respective club leaders.

Direct contact between yourself and a recognised club official creating an opportunity to both

parties to consider their concerns i.e. pool damage, pollution and safety provision.

Pool / facility Manager and organiser should determine if the normal safety standards of

the pool could be provided by the Canoe club

The establishment of clear and effective working relationships between yourselves (liaising parties).

Ensuring knowledge of and direct involvement in safety issues related to the pools

emergency plan, risk assessment and contact points. Occasional meetings to check on how the

partnership is operating etc.,

Jointly, the pool/facility manager and club representative should ensure that the agreed safe

operating procedures can be enacted in the event of an emergency such as a drowning or other

serious accident. This should include raising the alarm, summoning the emergency services and

the use of specialised equipment on hand to provide life support.

Pool / facility managers should, from time to time, make provision to test that the club maintains

the safety standards agreed.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool

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.

The BCU have a network of Coaching Development officers, Paddlesport Development Officers and

Regional Coaching Organisers available to them. Anyone of which can be made available to visit any

proposals or arrangements you may be considering.

We would recommend also that facility managers and user groups move towards preparing a joint

statement on the role of a given facility in the development of paddlesports. This should encorporate what

actually happens and is actually planned. It need not be long, but could simply set out that the pool aims

to provide an indoor venue for introducing beginners to canoeing and for winter training. Any such

statement could be developed for those facilities that want to be more directly involved with canoeing as

an activity.

Additional Details:

It may be necessary for a member of pool staff to be on hand should an emergency occur to

ensure the site specific procedure is enacted. This person need not be a lifeguard for the canoe

session but simply a member of staff on hand to carry out the essential elements of an emergency

procedure agreed and written down in the written procedures for the pool.

Additionally the following negotiation,discussion and agreements should be considered:

Provision by the club official of the names and qualifications of intended specialist safety

personnel.

Confirmation that the club is an affiliated BCU Club/ or BCU Approved Centre.

Arrangements for boats and boat storage.

Agree a Code of conduct and terms of operation for usage of pool.

Building a partnership with club or centre and being able to create cost effective access to a pool

can have further ‘pay back’ for the club manager and your pools local community. Most clubs are

more than willing to support the community activities of swimming pools and could be approached

to support a pool paddling session as part of your community programme.

The Canoeist and the Swimming Pool