In this section:
Club Welfare
North Avon Canoe Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members. We aim to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, race, religion or belief, gender or gender expression, socio-economic background, all are able to enjoy Paddlesport in a safe and supportive environment, protected from any form of poor practice or abuse.
All club members should respect and show understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the club.
Report A Welfare Concern
You should follow this procedure whether a concern or allegation has been disclosed to you, or you have witnessed something, or something has been worrying you.
If you or someone else needs immediate medical attention or someone is at risk of immediate harm or danger, call the Emergency Services for the police or ambulance (999 or 112) immediately.
- Report your concern to a Club Welfare Officer in person or by email at
- Call (24 hour helpline) Childline 0800 1111 or NSPCC 0808 800 5000 (keep trying if you can’t get through straight away)
- Call the British Canoeing Safeguarding Officer Tel: 0773 4453430* (leave a message if no one answers and you will be called back as soon as possible)
* The British Canoeing Safeguarding Officer is an independent external specialist (WT Associates) contracted by British Canoeing. If you cannot get through to someone straight away, leave a message and you will be called back as soon as possible.
Jayne Coates
I have been a member of the club since Nov 2017. I started with kayaking and enjoyed paddling on long trips in my touring kayak and then I learned to solo canoe. I am currently learning to sea kayak with the club and really enjoying it. I attend the Saturday paddles, Tuesday evening sessions, and club trips.
Jan Davidson
I have been a member of the club since May 2018. I initially learned to tandem canoe, followed by solo canoeing. I am currently learning to sea kayak. I often attend club day trips and some touring trips. I attend the Saturday paddles when I can.
British Canoeing Safeguarding Training Requirements
British Canoeing aims to ensure that anyone who is in regular contact with children and young people through paid or voluntary roles within the sport has completed the minimum safeguarding training requirements for their role.
British Canoeing safeguarding training requirements for club officials and volunteers – a PDF table describing minimum requirements for each club role:
Introduction to Safeguarding e-learning course – for those with no contact with children:
UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children course – for those working with children:
How to get in touch with the British Canoeing Safeguarding team:
British Canoeing Safeguarding Policies, Guidance and Templates:
Incident Reporting
Reporting an incident or notable event is important for the whole paddling community to enable us all to learn from and avoid such incidents happening again.
British Canoeing online incident reporting system (for incidents and near misses): https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/access-and-environment/access-to-water/incident-reporting
British Canoeing provides a support service for anyone who has witnessed, been involved in, or has been affected by a paddlesport incident.
Trained TRiM Practitioners can offer support or signpost to an appropriate agency, please email .
Further Welfare Resources
The Child Protection in Sport Unit of NSPCC is a great place to start for learning about welfare in sports:
- The CPSU Homepage: thecpsu.org.uk
- Introductory Video: thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/videos/introduction-to-the-cpsu
- Guidance on safely transporting individuals (own vehicle): thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/best-practice/guidelines-on-transporting-a-child-or-young-person-in-your-car
- Promoting Sport for All videos: thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/videos/promoting-sport-for-all-childline-videos
