Health & Safety Guidelines | How to Plan the Safest Experience For Your Loved Ones
Safety & Accessibility Considerations
Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to us at SUP Englewood. Please review our detailed Health & Safety Guidelines to ensure a great experience on the water. This information includes important safety precautions, accessibility features, and advice for at-risk individuals.
Quick Overview:
- Accessibility accommodations available upon request.
- Safety equipment and instructions provided.
- Personalized support for at-risk individuals.
Please Note:
- All participants are required to wear life vests and be able to follow verbal instructions.
- At-risk individuals, including non-swimmers or those with certain medical conditions, are advised to opt for a guided tour for a safer experience.
Please disclose medical conditions to our staff in an effort to help provide reasonable accommodations to ensure the safest experience possible.
Medical conditions that special consideration before engaging in water activities:
- Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders: Conditions that could lead to a sudden loss of consciousness or motor control.
- Vertigo and Balance Issues: Disorders that can cause dizziness or a loss of equilibrium, which could be dangerous if it occurs while on a paddle craft.
- Severe Allergies: Especially those that can lead to anaphylaxis, such as bee stings or certain foods, which might be difficult to manage in a remote water setting.
- Respiratory Conditions: Such as severe asthma or COPD, where breathing could be impaired, especially in the event of capsize.
- Limited Mobility or Paralysis: Physical disabilities that can limit a person’s ability to swim or re-enter a craft if capsized.
- Vision Impairment: Significant vision loss that could impede navigation and safety on the water.
- Hearing Impairment: Challenges in hearing which might prevent someone from noticing alarms or calls for help.
- Diabetes: Especially if not well-controlled, as low or high blood sugar can lead to an emergency situation.
- Cardiac Conditions: Including a history of heart attack, angina, or other heart-related issues that might be exacerbated by the physical exertion associated with paddling.
- Psychiatric Conditions: Such as severe anxiety or panic disorders, which could be triggered by the open water environment.
- Skin Conditions: That could be aggravated by sun exposure or allergic reactions to saltwater or marine life.
- Blood Disorders: Like hemophilia or those prone to clotting, where an injury could lead to significant bleeding or other complications.
- Immunodeficiency: Where infections or exposure to the elements could pose a serious health risk.
- Chronic Pain Conditions: Such as fibromyalgia or chronic back pain, which could be aggravated by the physical activity involved in paddling.
- Neurological Conditions: Such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, where muscle control and coordination are affected.
Inclusion Policy for Paddling Tours
Who Can Participate?
Paddling tours at SUP Englewood are open to all individuals who can meet the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria. We believe in making paddle sports accessible to everyone while ensuring the safety of all participants.
Modifications and Adaptive Equipment
If you or anyone in your party requires modifications or adaptive equipment, please let us know in advance. We are committed to providing an inclusive experience for all.
Private Tours for Special Requirements
For your safety and personalized attention, SUP Englewood offers private tours to groups requiring modifications on the water. Any person with a disability can request a private tour at the same rate as our standard group tour options.
Proactive Measures for Safety
Our instructors are trained to handle a variety of scenarios to mitigate risks, from sudden weather changes to encounters with marine life. We prioritize your safety above all else. Accessibility & Inclusion
At SUP Englewood, we’re committed to providing an inclusive environment and accessible experiences for all, while adhering to the highest safety standards. To ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time on the water, we kindly ask that all paddlers be capable of the following:
- Mobility: The ability to enter and exit a kayak with reasonable assistance.
- Communication: The ability to follow verbal instructions and to signal for assistance when necessary, such as by blowing a whistle.
- Safety Equipment: The necessity to wear a life vest at all times while on the water.
- Emergency Procedures: In the unlikely event of a capsize, one must be able to maintain a floating position that supports proper breathing until assistance arrives.
For individuals who may require additional support, we offer specialized services to meet your needs. We understand that each paddler is unique, and we strive to accommodate everyone to the best of our ability within the scope of safety regulations.
Enhanced Experience for At-Risk Guests
We recognize that water activities can present challenges, and the well-being of our guests is our top priority. To ensure the utmost safety, we recommend joining a guided tour for guests that may be considered “At-Risk”
These include, but are not limited to:
- Individuals who are non-swimmers
- Guests with certain medical condition which increase can risk on the water
Our upgraded experiences are led by staff members who are specially trained in rescue and emergency procedures, providing an extra layer of security for our at-risk paddlers and peace of mind for their families.
Should you or a family member fall into an at-risk category, or if you simply prefer additional support, we highly encourage opting for a guided tour. Our tours are designed to deliver a personalized experience with the safety of a knowledgeable guide, ensuring that all participants can enjoy the beauty of our waters with confidence.
Eligibility for Rentals
Rentals are open to all individuals who acknowledge that everyone in their party can:
- Enter and exit paddle craft independently
- Swim in deep water unassisted
- Re-enter paddle craft in deep water independently
- Paddle independently
- Read a map and return to shore without assistance
Safety First
At least one participant in the rental party must be capable of rescuing and towing their own party member to shore if needed. This is to ensure the safety of all participants.
Understanding Risks
While we strive for inclusivity, it’s important to understand that paddle sports come with inherent risks. These risks can be higher for “at-risk” clients, including but not limited to individuals with certain medical conditions, non-swimmers, and those unfamiliar with local water conditions.
