KIT LIST & IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ
Kit List for paddlesport - ideally participants arrive in their paddling clothes to maximise time on the water:
For paddling:
- Comfortable tops / bottoms (leggings / jogging bottoms / shorts etc.) + t-shirt / fleece / hoodie - ideally synthetic layers (no jeans or swimwear)
- Securely fitting footwear e.g. old trainers / pumps / walking style sandals / wet / beach shoes (no flip-flops or Crocs)
- A neck strap for glasses (if worn)
- Sun cream (in the event of hot weather)
- Hat (sunhat or warm hat depending on the weather)
- Medication (where required - we provide dry bags for participants to keep any medication with them at all times)For afterwards:
For afterwards:
- A complete change of clothes including footwear / underwear
- A towel
Holiday Scheme participants also need to bring a packed lunch: no nuts, sweets and / or fizzy / energy drinks in line with our Healthy Heating Policy.
The duration of all Paddlesport / Outdoor Education sessions includes a Bankside Briefing and Paddle Talk, getting all members of the group kitted out and into / out of their boats.
Participants must arrive promptly to ensure that activities commence at the scheduled start time. Latecomers cannot be admitted once the instructor / group have departed from The Pirate Castle's interior.
Consent Forms & Attendee Lists
A separate consent form is required for each participating individual. Consent forms MUST be submitted to The Pirate Castle at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled start of the activity. Individuals will not be able to participate unless their consent form has been recieved.
Forms for under 18s must be completed by their parent / legal guardian. Adults may sign their own Consent Form. Schools / Community Groups should use the Group Consent Form and sign 'in loco parentis' when parental consent has already been provided for activities undertaken through the named school / community group.
Water Quality and Weil's disease
It is a common misconception that the canals and rivers around London are dirty and full of potential health risks due to water-borne contaminants. In fact, most recreational users (canoeists, kayakers, sailors, canal boat cruisers etc.) will use these stretches of water for many years without experiencing any complaints. However, it is important to understand that waterways/bodies of water can never be sterile environments and that, on rare occasions, people may become unwell due to water-borne contaminants or bacteria.
The Pirate Castle’s team will always endeavour to avoid contaminated areas. We will never practice any skills, play games or splash about in areas identified as contaminated. Visible contaminants can be easily avoided whilst on the water, however as unseen bacteria and microscopic contaminants may be present it is important that all participants take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of becoming unwell following water exposure.
Outlined below is guidance for minimising the risk of contracting Weil’s disease. Following these steps will equally reduce the risk of potentially contracting other water-borne illnesses.
To reduce the risk of becoming ill following water-based activities:
- Cover ALL scratches / cuts / sores / skin affected by eczema with waterproof plasters;
- Have a shower, or at the very least wash your face and hands after each activity session and particularly before eating, drinking or touching your face;
- Avoid capsizing boats or splashing other participants / waterway users unless specifically advised by the instructor team i.e. during wet games;
- Don’t put wet ropes or other objects in your mouth;
- Don’t go in the water without suitable footwear
Weil’s disease or Leptospirosis is a VERY RARE illness. It is carried in the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. The main danger is that because it is so rare, doctors may not recognise it immediately. If you suffer from ‘flu-like symptoms, jaundice or conjunctivitis after you have been participating in water-based activities, you are advised to go straight to your doctor. Tell them you’ve participated in water sports and insist that they check for Weil’s disease and prescribe a suitable course of treatment.
ALWAYS SEE A DOCTOR IF YOU FEEL UNWELL AFTER WATER SPORTS & STATE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN PARTICIPATING IN CANAL-BASED ACTIVITIES