Punting

General requirements for water activities

Description

Punts are small flat-bottomed boats which are designed for use on shallow water and propelled by the pilot pushing against the river bed with a pole.

Forms

An Information and Consent for Event/Activity form is required to participate in this activity.

Who can participate?

Open to all.

Some activity providers have their own age, height and weight restrictions.

Ratio of adults to girls

Normal ratios for activities away from the meeting place are required. Guiding Manual ratios

Regulations

The Leader must ensure that all participants under 18 have written permission to take part from an adult with parental responsibility.
The local Commissioner must be informed that the activity is taking place.
Carry out a risk assessment for the activity.
Ensure the required buoyancy aids/life jackets are used.
Punting must not take place on classified water (ask your Outdoor Activities Adviser for guidance or see the Girlguiding UK water classifications table).

The Leader must:

ensure that safety rules and alarm signals have been explained to the participants
be satisfied that everyone understands the need for instructions to be obeyed immediately
follow the guidelines in the Water Safety Code and ensure that the responsible adult helpers are familiar with them
ensure that the water is suitable for the activity, seeking advice if necessary.

Instructor qualifications

Not applicable.

Useful information

If either the Leader or the instructor is not satisfied that the conditions are safe, the activity must be abandoned.

The Leader should ensure each participant (or her parent if the participant is under 18 years old) is aware of the dangers and symptoms of Weil’s disease and knows what action to take if infection is suspected. On the day of the activity participants should be advised to cover cuts and grazes with waterproof plasters to help prevent infection.

Ensure that all participants have the correct clothing and footwear.

Ensure that the provider has the correct size buoyancy aids/life jackets for the participants.

Ensure the equipment being used is in good condition.