Queens Dock Guidance Notes

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1/ You need to be a member of the club before you may participate in any `on the water activities`.

2/ You will normally be paddling at a recognised club session where you will be under the direct supervision of a club official or coach.

3/ A buoyancy Aid (PFD) should be worn while on the pontoons or the water. All boats must be fully emptied of water on return, spay decks and buoyancy aids hung neatly (zips done-up). All members must sign in before getting on the water. You are requested to use the sloping ramp on the riverside of the centre and NOT the central stairs when bringing boats onto the facility.

4/ Car parking space is becoming increasingly difficult near the centre. All members MUST park cars and unload boats with consideration for other users. Inconsiderate parking may lead to the club losing its licence. Clamping of vehicles parked illegally now operates in the area.

5/ However, if you are more experienced (see b) below), there is provision for you to operate within the club`s licence for the dock and paddle independently as a group of experienced paddlers. If doing so then the following guidelines must be followed:

a) A Club Official, Committee Member or Key Holder must be present whilst members are paddling. That person will take a list of names / details of those paddling and ensure that everyone is clear of the Centre before locking up. Please note that one of the Club's Fire Marshals must be present at the Centre whenever members (even one) are actually in the Centre building or on the lower or top deck. Our current Fire Marshals are Mike Moffitt, Jim Mather, Chris Benson, Max Birkett, Richard Chapman, Laura Gould, Tracy Knowles, Greg McCusker, Tony Mellor, Eoin Price, Frank Vaughan, Alan Venables, Ian Bell and Gerry McCusker. Merseysport Emergency Evacuation Procedure.doc

b) All paddlers in the group should be experienced. (Each should hold either: 3 star; valid canoe safety test; be a recognised Competition paddler in Division 3 or higher or paddle grade 4 water regularly.)

c) Paddling is only allowed in groups of three or more. (Less than three there should never be). At least one of the group must be 18 or over and therefore be legally responsible.

d) If paddling after dusk and outside the floodlit area covering the pitches you need navigation lights (minimum of 1 white light - [torch] EACH)

e) Our licence covers the use of the Dock for the following times: Monday to Thursday 6:00p.m. until Dusk. Sat/Sun 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. but you must liaise with the key holder as in a) above.