Water Safety Plan and Procedures

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This water safety plan and procedures apply throughout the Orillia Dragon Boat Festival, including practices and races.

The Steersperson and/or Team Captain (Steer/ Captain) is responsible for the Dragon Boat and the team paddlers and drummer. The Steer/ Captain shall communicate the safety procedure and emergency procedure to each team member before each practice session and before each race.

Dragon Boats shall give way to each other and must give way to other persons and vessels.

Each team member shall wear a personal floatation device during all on-water activities, including all practices and races.

Each team member shall be capable of swimming 50 metres wearing a personal floatation device. The Team Manager shall ensure that all team members are capable of complying with this rule.

Each team member is responsible for his or her own safety at all times while engaging in activities related to practising and racing in Dragon Boats.

Individuals or teams deemed unsafe by the Orillia Dragon Boat Festival Committee, or designate, shall not be permitted to continue on-water activities, including all practices or races.

At its complete discretion, the Orillia Dragon Boat Festival Committee, or designate, may dismiss at any time, including but not limited to practices or races, any person or team from further practises or races for:

When equipment is damaged or lost through the wilful, reckless or negligent actions of a person or team, then that person or team shall be responsible for financially reimbursing the Festival.

Water Emergency Procedures

In the event of a Dragon Boat swamping or capsizing, the following shall apply:

The Steer/Captain shall retain charge of the team until rescue personnel arrive.

The Steer/Captain shall immediately determine if any person is trapped in the Dragon Boat, and act accordingly.

Each team member must ensure that the team members immediately in front, behind, and beside them are not trapped in the Dragon Boat.

Each team member must follow directions given by the Steer/ Captain, until such time as rescue personnel arrive, after which team members must follow directions given by rescue personnel.

The crew must hold onto the Dragon Boat. Individuals must not swim to shore unless instructed by rescue personnel.

Upon ensuring that no persons are in distress, the rescue personnel shall direct the team to swim the Dragon Boat to shore with or without assistance by the rescue personnel.

There will be one fire rescue/ security boats on the water patrolling the perimeter.

There will be a lifeguard and/or equivalent on the fire rescue boat located along the racecourse and one /two lifeguards located on the docks.