MVP Safety and Risk Management Requirements

The Safety Requirements set forth are intended for members and guests using MVP equipment or participating in MVP activities. However we enourage all members to review and comply with these guidelines. Administrative Requirements: All participants (whether MVP members or not) in MVP sponsored on-water activites (including in pools) must read, agree to, and sign the American Canoe Association Waiver and Release of Liability before participating in or assisting with the event or activity. This does not apply to individuals present at the activity (whether MVP members or not) but not included as part of the MVP Organized Group. (ie, People boating a river taking advantage of a scheduled whitewater release.) Renters of MVP supplied boats, equipment, and other property must also read, agree to, and sign the MVP Equipment Rental Waiver and Release of Liability. All property damage (whether to MVP equipment or not), and any injuries requiring medical assistance must be reported to the MVP Board as soon as possible. Safety Training: The MVP Strongly encourages its members to attend and become certified in training to enhance safety on the river. This would include (but not be limited to) First Aid, CPR, Swiftwater Safety and Rescue, and other applicable courses. General Safety and Risk Management Requirements: All participants in MVP sponsored activities must wear properly-fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets (Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs) at all times during on-water activities except Pool sessions where a certified lifeguard is present or for stand-up paddleboards operating within the surf zone. All MVP rentals include PFDs (with whistles) and paddles for anyone who does not have their own. All lifejackets must be in serviceable condition. USCG-approved Inflatable lifejackets are acceptable for activities that do not involve paddling in surf zones or on whitewater rated at Class I or above. Inflatable lifejackets provide a useful alternative for flat-water paddling in hot weather. Stand Up Paddleboards: The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that Stand Up Paddleboards operating outside the surf zone are “vessels” for purposes of the USCG regulations, and therefore must carry one lifejacket for each person on board. In addition, the ACA requires persons using Stand Up Paddleboards at ACA-insured events (ie, MVP Events) to wear their lifejackets at all times while on the water. All MVP boats include a first aid kit and throw bag in a dry bag that MUST be carried on the boat while on the water. Appropriate clothing: All participants must be dressed in clothing appropriate for the venue and conditions of the activity. Participants should always be prepared to get wet, flip over or go into the water. In particular, if the water temperature is less than 60°F, and/or the combined air and water temperature is less than 120°F, participants must wear wetsuits, dry suits or other acceptable clothing. Alcohol or Drugs: Participants should not consume or be under the influence of any alcohol or any drugs (legal or illegal) that may impair the judgement or abilities immediately before or during an on-water activity or events. ACA rules require the MVP to disqualify any participant under the influence of alcohol or drugs from participation and ask them to leave immediately. Individual participants should know their skill levels, and should avoid conditions for which they are not prepared. Trip leaders should be prepared to question new participants to verify their abilities. Paddling Alone: The MVP's ACA Insurance covers group paddling activities only. Anyone who ventures off by themselves is considered no-longer part of the MVP Group. Class I-II Whitewater (Additional Requirements): Participants must wear properly-fitting paddling helmets (in class II and above). Bicycle, football, hockey or other helmets are not acceptable. Participant must have an appropriate level of additional flotation in their boats for the venue. For groups of up to 10 participants, there must be at least two (2) throw-ropes. For groups of more than 10 participants, there must be one (1) throw-rope for every five participants. Class III Whitewater & Higher (In addition to the Class I-II Requirements): Groups of up to eight (8) participants must carry at least two (2) throw ropes. Groups larger than eight (8) participants must carry at one (1) throw rope for every four (4) participants. Protected Costal Waters (Additional Requirements): Participants must outfit their boats with additional flotation appropriate for the venue. Participants must have a minimum of one bilge pump or bailer for every two (2) boats. Unprotected Coastal Waters (Additional Requirements): Participants must outfit their boats with additional flotation appropriate for the venue. Each participant boat must have a bilge pump or bailer. Each kayak must have a paddle float. Activity leaders must have the following additional equipment and know how to use it:

• Marine VHF Radio (minimum of one per group).
• Tow system.
• Rescue sling.
• Map & compass.

Kayak Kicker Ramps and Slides: Kayak ramps, slides, or other jumping or sliding structures are NOT covered by MVP's ACA Insurance unless prior express written permission is obtained. BoaterCross Events: Any downriver or up river whitewater race that has a direct head-to-head race component to it that could either specifically, or loosely, be described as a 'boatercross style of event' requires additional safety considerations and prior written permission from the ACA National Office. Group Management and Planning Requirements for Event Coordinators: Trip leaders and activity coordinators should know the skill levels required for the activity they are organizing, and should use reasonable screening techniques to ensure that participants have the skills necessary for the activity. To avoid awkward situations, coordinators should disclose skills requirements to potential participants before they travel to participate in an activity. Make sure each participant brings adequate food and water for the activity. During the activity, make sure participants stay well-hydrated, and eat enough food to maintain their energy levels. For groups larger then five boats, designate "lead boat" to set the pace, and a "sweep boat" to bring up the rear and make sure the group does not lose stragglers. During the trip, leaders should set a reasonable pace so everyone can stay together. Recognize when group members are tired or having difficulty and adjust the group?s pace accordingly. Leaders should constantly scan, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Before any trip activity begins, a float plan with trip details should be left with someone who is not participating. Before putting on, trip leaders should verify there are no loose ropes in or dangling from boats, since these ropes can rapidly become entrapment hazards. Do not tie any person in or to a boat. Prior to putting on, a pre-trip briefing should be conducted which:

• Identifies the location of safety equipment (first aid kits, pin kits, repair equipment, etc).
• Which individuals are trained in first aid and/or CPR.
• Prepare the group for the challenges of communicating effectively while on the water, a review of hand and whistle signals should be performed.
• Advise the group if there are any known dangers (strainers, dams, difficult rapids, etc) and how to locate them.
• Remind boaters not to pass the lead boat nor to fall behind the sweep.
• To always keep the boat behind them in sight (if the boat behind stops, then stop also).
• Remind participants, particularly novices, to not stand up in boats, and to avoid weight shifts that may cause capsize.

Large Events with General Public Involvement: The MVP's ACA-provided Insurance has additional requirements for large events. Review the current ACA guidelines for further info.