Harthill Paddlesports – General Rules & Safety Requirements
All people participating in or attending paddlesport events at Harthill Reservoir will be expected to abide by the following rules at all times while onsite.
These rules have been agreed with Rotherham Sailing Club and failure to comply could result in the use of the facilities being withdrawn.
Failure to comply with these rules could result in a participant being barred from any paddlesport event at the site.
Under 9’s are not permitted to paddle at any time.
If you have any questions, please contact David Jones, who will provide clarification if required.
Participants Legal Liabilities
By signing the membership form all participants accept that;
1.1. They are entirely responsible for their own safety whether in the water or ashore, and nothing done by the organizers relieves the participants of this responsibility.
1.2. It is for each individual to decide whether they are fit enough for the conditions. If the organizers deem the conditions unsuitable then no one will be permitted to enter the water.
1.3. The provision of the spotters and safety craft, lifeguard safety kayaks does not relieve participants of their responsibilities.
1.4. Nothing done by the organizers will reduce the responsibility of the participants nor will it make the organizers responsible for any loss, damage, death or personal injury, however it may have occurred, as a result of the participant paddling. The organizers encompass all members of the administration team and everyone helping to run the event.
1.5. Parents or Guardians are warned that the organizers cannot be expected to exercise supervision or control over any children. Parents or Guardians have sole responsibility for their children and wards.
General Requirements
2.1. All participants are required to comply with any instructions either written or verbal regarding access to areas within Rotherham Sailing Club property.
2.2. Access to the water will only be from designated area in front of the club house. No access to the water from any of the adjacent finishing pegs. All access is from Rotherham Sailing Club property, within the fenced area.
2.3. Jumping or diving from the Jetty(s) is not permitted at any time due to the risk of inadequate water depth due to fluctuations in the water level.
2.4. Access to the licensed bar area within the club house is restricted. No participants are allowed behind the bar area at any time.
2.5. Jumping or Diving from the dam wall or bridge is forbidden.
2.6. All participants are expected to respect the facilities and other users. All areas are to be left clean and tidy ready for the next user. (This includes all shower / changing areas and the kitchen).
2.7. All paddlers are required to wear a PDF (buoancy aid, meeting Bristish safety standards) to aid safety at all times whilst paddling on the water and on the pontoon.
2.8. All dogs must be kept under control and supervised at all times while on the premises and all mess is to be cleaned up.
Safety Requirements
It is expected that all paddlers:
3.1. Are experienced in open water enough to be aware of their limits and capabilities and will not intentionally put themselves at risk.
3.2. Be capable of swimming 50 meters in open water.
3.3. Paddle entirely at their own risk.
3.4. Will read and follow the safety recommendations identified in this document.
3.5. Will report any further hazards / risks that they may identify.
3.6. Respect other paddlers’ (water users) space and keep a safe distance from other paddlers/users.
3.7. If the siren on the boat house or air horn is sounded, then all paddlers are to immediately return to the shore and exit the water.
3.8. All paddlers will stay a minimum of 20m from the Dam Wall and 10m from the shore at all times except when entering or leaving the water.
3.9. Notify a member of the Paddlesports team if you have any medical condition(s) that may affect your ability to paddle or are on any medication that we need to be aware of.
3.10. Non competent paddlers will paddle in the designated safety area only.
Paddlers are advised to:
3.11. Drink water/fluids prior to your paddle.
3.12. Cover any open sores or avoid paddling in case of infection ( Weil’s disease).
3.13. Seek medical attention if flu or influenza-like symptoms occur 2-3 weeks after the paddle, in case of Weil’s disease and advise Harthill Paddlesports.
3.14. Seek medical advice if any symptoms of gastroenteritis or stomach upset are experienced and advise Harthill Paddlesports.
3.15. Be wary of sharp edges on stones when getting in/out of water.
3.16. Be aware of slippery surfaces when entering / exiting the water.
3.17. Be aware of the potential for discarded fishing line and or hooks.
3.18. To avoid contact with the marker buoys or anchor ropes due to sharp mineral deposits and encrustations.
3.19. Please note that excessive rain may reduce the water temperature, and wind may cause excessive waves. Paddlers are expected to be dressed appropriately and acclimatized to cooler weather/water.
3.20. Paddlers may raise their hand/paddle in the air to signal that they need assistance.
3.21. Paddlers are to dry and dress as quickly after their paddle as possible.
3.22. Paddlers are NOT to stand on any craft within 2 metres of any hard surfaces.
