Canoe / Kayak Lifeguard

Holders of the Canoe/Kayak Lifeguard award have been assessed as and are qualified to manage a paddling activity in enclosed situations, performing rescues as required, where the group under supervision can be seen form a single vantage point at any time and does not leave the immediate launch area.

Skill component

Demonstrate the ability to supervise a group for an activity in enclosed flat sheltered water:
Personal skills:

• Model flatwater skill set efficiently and safely
• Plan and conduct an enclosed area paddling session
  • arrange equipment
  • demonstrate flatwater skills
  • conduct rescues.

Knowledge component

Demonstrate the knowledge to run an enclosed area paddling program:

• Plan and conduct an enclosed area paddling session:
  • conduct hazard ID and risk management for the activity
  • determine correct placement of supervisory staff
  • arrange equipment with consideration of sun sense and hypothermia
  • brief participants (including signals, posture, flatwater strokes, capsize).

Experience component

Produce a verified log showing over the previous two years at least:

• Three flatwater activities of 2 – 3 hours duration as an observer under training or as an assistant Guide.

Communication component

Demonstrate the ability to run a limited flatwater activity:

• Brief participants on an enclosed paddling activity (including signals, posture, flatwater strokes, capsize)
• Demonstrate flatwater skills
• Instruct participants on actions in the event of capsize or other emergency.

Leadership component

• Provide leadership to groups of novices on enclosed, sheltered flatwater:
• Supervise groups in an enclosed, sheltered flatwater paddling activity
• Conduct rescues in an enclosed, sheltered flatwater paddling activity.