The SCA Young Persons Equality group have identified the need for improved access for young people to participate in safety training. Developing safety awareness and skills at an early stage is vital to support safe participation and lays the foundation for young people who might wish to take on responsibility for looking after others within their paddling activity. 

SCA Development Manager Lara Cooper chats with Sam West of Breadalbane Canoe Club to find out more about what they are doing in this space. 

Sam is the Recreation Officer taking the lead on non-competitive activity within the club. The club has an active programme of social trips on local rivers, is actively recruiting new members and also has a strong slalom section. 

What are you doing? 

In May this year we ran two Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Courses (PSRC) mainly for the young paddlers in the club. This is being followed up with another PSRC and two White Water Safety and Rescue training courses in the Autumn. 

Why? 

We have a lot of young members in the club and we see safety skills as being crucial to support their long term participation and enjoyment of the sport. We are also trying to encourage young people who are not so drawn to slalom to enjoy the social side of paddlesport. We feel that having strong safety knowledge and skills helps them to become self-reliant and builds confidence, whilst also opening the door for those who wish to help others on the water. 

How have you made it happen? 

The courses are being delivered by SCA Delivery Partner Beyond Adventure. The club has a close relationship with them, with a lot of our club activity happening from around their base. Beyond Adventure is generous with the rates they give us, but we also got Volunteer Upskilling funding from Perth and Kinross Council, so could keep the PSRC course fee low at just £20 each to cover the costs of the courses. 

Who has been involved? 

Although young people were our priority, we made sure that the courses were full so that as many people could benefit as possible. This meant that some adults also joined in and we opened it up to other local clubs too.

Are there any challenges? 

Cost is definitely a barrier to some, particularly families where there are multiple people wanting to access the courses. Funding is critical to ensure that the training is accessible and affordable for all. 

What has the impact been? 

It’s really nice to see some of the young people now having the confidence and skills to help informally (and formally) as assistants in club trips/sessions. There is definitely some interest in the White Water Safety and Rescue courses that we have planned for the autumn. 

There is no age requirement for young people to take part in British Canoeing Safety Training courses. This includes: 

• Paddle Safer 
• SUP Safer 
• Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course
• White Water Safety and Rescue Training 
• Stadium Safety and Rescue Training 
• Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning
• Open Water Navigation and Tidal Planning

Clubs can host these courses without the need for an AALA License if it is for their own members or for other club members. 

If you would like help in finding a provider please get in touch with us at hello@canoescotland.org.