At Tellico Heat Dragon Boat Club (THDBC), the health and safety of club members is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone during our dragon boat activities.

Participation in Dragon Boat Club activities is voluntary, and participants accept the inherent risks of the sport. All paddlers/participants (or their guardians) must sign the Insurance and Club waivers.

Please note the following:

• Each paddler/participant (or parent/guardian, if a minor) is responsible for disclosing relevant medical conditions to their health care provider and following the guidance of their health care provider.
• The paddler/participant (or their guardian, if a minor) assumes responsibility for their health choices.
• THDBC does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized health supervision.
• THDBC is not responsible for ongoing medical management of any condition.
• THDBC will rely on medical clearance from a paddler's/participant's physician, in the event that a paddler/participant discloses a particular medical condition and provides medical clearance for said condition.

To ensure the well-being of our paddlers, coaches, and support staff, the following health and safety guidelines have been established:

• Physical Fitness and Readiness: Participating in dragon boat paddling requires a certain level of physical fitness and endurance. Before engaging in any on-water activities, members should assess their own health and fitness levels. If you have any concerns about your ability to participate, please consult with a healthcare professional before joining our sessions.
• Warm-Up and Stretching: Proper warm-up and stretching exercises are essential to prevent injuries and improve performance. Before each practice or race, members are encouraged to engage in a thorough warm-up routine, including dynamic stretching exercises for the upper body, core, and lower body muscles.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and maintaining proper nutrition are crucial for peak performance and overall well-being. Members should bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during practices and races, especially in hot or humid conditions. It is also recommended to fuel your body with nutritious foods before and after paddling sessions to support muscle recovery and energy levels.
• First Aid Training: We encourage paddlers to undergo first aid and CPR training to enhance their ability to respond to medical emergencies.

Paddlers / Participants are responsible for their own health conditions. Bring any health and safety supplies for your known diagnoses, including epi-pens, insulin, rescue inhalers, emergency medication, etc. If you have known medical conditions, it is your choice to verbally provide information to at least one person on the boat (preferably a coach or sweep) regarding what an emergency looks like for you and how to assist when needed.

Reasonable Accommodations

• THDBC is not responsible for altering or limiting practices to accommodate medical conditions but will do its best to assist paddlers requiring special accommodation as long as it doesn’t alter the nature of the sport or inhibit the other paddlers’ ability to participate.

Emergency Response

If a paddler / participant shows signs of medical distress during Club activities, coaches, volunteers, or staff will:

**Stop participation.**

**Activate emergency response (call 911, provide first aid/CPR if trained).**

**Notify emergency contacts as appropriate.**

The club will take action if:

• The medical condition poses a direct, immediate risk to the paddler / participant or others (medical condition not previously known or addressed by the participant’s health care provider).
• There are clear signs the paddler / participant is in distress during the activity.
• Emergency response is needed (safety officer has an emergency plan, CPR-trained staff/volunteers, and first aid supplies available).