Paddling on the River Crouch:Paddling on the River Crouch
SUP Checklist: https://gopaddling.info/stand-up-paddle-boarding-safety-checklist/
Leash safety: https://gopaddling.info/blog/tips-and-advice/sup/stand-up-paddle-board-leashes
RNLI SUP Safety: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding

GENERAL INFORMATION
Wear appropriate clothing, high visibility, if possible, which is suitable for all seasons. Also remember that it is always colder on the water than on land. Remember to apply sun protection. Wear a personal floatation device or Lifejacket with a whistle, a useful means of calling for help. Wear a SUP Leash. Even if you are a good swimmer, the river can be very fast moving and there can be undercurrents.

Maintain and inspect your craft on every occasion before setting out, inflate it correctly and pack a manual pump. Always get a Weather Forecast and check wind speed before going out onto the water. When the wind is from the North remember that it is usually stronger and colder than from the West.

On the River Crouch Easterlies and Westerlies are also strong because there are no obstacles to weaken them. Wind against tide will produce waves and choppy conditions. Conditions can and often change rapidly. If in doubt do not venture afloat.

Insurance for Canoes, Kayaks, Sailboards and Paddleboards used within the Crouch Harbour Authority District will be required to declare that they have compulsory third party liability insurance with an indemnity of not less than £3,000,000.00, whether this be through a private policy or Club/Association membership e.g. Paddle UK/British Canoeing.

LOCAL INFORMATION
Know where you are going, have a map or chart.

If you are paddling in narrow, shallower waters, such as the other side of the weir in Battlesbridge,look out for overhanging branches and tree roots in the water. Remember that when the water rises or goes down you may not be able to get over or under these.

Pay particular attention to the direction of the tide not just when you set off but decide if it is likely to change whilst you are out. Remember the current and velocity is not only different by location but varies considerably during the period between high water and low water.

KEEP A GOOD LOOKOUT AT ALL TIMES – NEVER ASSUME THAT PERSONS ON ANOTHER VESSEL HAVE SEEN YOU AND WILL STAY CLEAR.

Be aware of the wash created by other vessels underway in your vicinity. It is strongly recommended that you stay close to the shoreline and do not encroach into the shipping fairway and main navigation channel. Enjoy the wonderful wildlife our rivers have to offer but do not disturb or intrude unnecessarily intotheir habitat.

SUP’S RULES OF THE ROAD/HAZARDS

SUPs and Kayaks are classed as powered vessels and should give way to sail and not impede their progress. Keep near to the bank when paddling, the main centre channel is used by larger powered vessels. If you are on a collision course with another boat and it is safe to do so, it is usual to pass so the other boat is on your left as you pass.

WHEN YOU ARE ON THE WATER BE AWARE AT ALL TIMES

  • Never go out wearing headphones.
  • Give mooring buoys a wide berth.
  • Cruisers on moorings can swing round, especially in strong winds or tides.
  • Keep looking out for powerboats, so that you can anticipate their wake. They are meant to slow down, but it doesn’t mean that they always do!
  • Always steer into their wake, don’t let it hit you side on.
  • Give a wide berth to people fishing on boats or riverbanks.

COLDWATER SHOCK

Why is cold water shock dangerous?
Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect your breathing and movement, so the risk is significant most of the year.

How does it happen and what are the cold-water shock symptoms?
Cold water shock causes the blood vessels in the skin to close, which increases the resistance of blood flow. Heart rate is also increased. As a result, the heart has to work harder, and your blood pressure goes up. Cold water shock can therefore cause heart attacks, even in the relatively young and healthy.

The sudden cooling of the skin by cold water also causes an involuntary gasp for breath. Breathing rates can change uncontrollably, sometimes increasing as much as tenfold. All these responses contribute to a feeling of panic, increasing the chance of inhaling water directly into the lungs.

This can all happen very quickly: it only takes half a pint of sea water to enter the lungs for a fully grown man to start drowning.

How to deal with cold water shock and minimise the risk:
If you enter the water unexpectedly:

      • Take a minute.The initial effects of cold-water pass in less than a minute so do not try to swim straight away
      • Relax and Float to Live:
          • 1. Tilt your head back with ears submerged
          • 2. Relax and try to breathe normally
          • 3. Move your hands to help you stay afloat
          • 4. It is OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
          • 5. Spread your arms and legs to improve stability
      • Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you are able

If you are planning on enjoying the water:

    • Check conditions – including water temperature, as conditions can and often change rapidly – before heading to
      the coast.
    • Wear a wetsuit of appropriate thickness for the amount of time you plan to spend in the water and the type of
      activity you are doing, if entering
    • Wear a flotation device. It greatly increases your chances of making it through the initial shock.
    • In a coastal emergency call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard. Get more advice at https://rnli.org/safety