SUP Englewood Waterway Safety Assessments

Rentals

Use this set of information to help you make the best safety decisions for yourself and clients. Ultimately, you’re deciding with participants if they can handle the conditions. This is a set of guidelines to help you make the best waterway assessments. Remember, to assess whether or not each client is “at-risk.” For more information, please view SUP Englewood’s Health and Safety Guidelines.

SB606

Every participant must demonstrate their ability to paddle independently prior to departing for their paddle craft rental. View our Paddle Craft Safety Page.

Tours

Once the trip launches, participants must be able to complete the venture with a guide. They may need some coaching along the way. If possible, avoid allowing participants to venture back to the kayak launch solo. This may require calling for back up if you’re in a tough situation.

Waterway safety assessments are essential to providing a safe experience for guests. These tips will help you to assess risk and communicate any issues to management. The following topics should be evaluated throughout the day as conditions are subject to change.

1. 1. Weather
   2. Safety of the kayak launch
   3. Dangerous Marine Life
   4. Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB’s)
   5. Pollution
   6. Collision Avoidance

Always check the weather predictions prior to launch groups. Radar can change quickly esspecially in the summer months.

Recommended Weather Apps:

1. My Lightning Tracker (Get alerts when lightning is nearby)
2. My Radar (Best for showing current conditions)
3. Weather Channel App (Predictive Radar & Hourly Rain Predictions)

Verify that the conditions on-site match the predictions:

1. 1. Are wind speeds higher or lower?
   2. Is there any storm activity near?

Take any preventative measures needed to ensure a safe paddling excursion for guests. This includes verifying a safe kayak launch for access into the water. As well as preparing for guests arrival by having water and sunscreen available to guests.

1. Is there sharp objects that can harm participants in the kayak launch? (broken oyster shells, glass, etc.)
2. Are the sunscreen bottles clean/presentable and available to participants?
3. Is the cooler packed and ready for the day?
4. Do you have your gear packed to lead a group? (whistle, mobile phone, first aid kit, extra sunscreen, extra waters)
5. Did you check the condition of the kayaks or boards? (Is there any damage that could cause a boat to sink or cause injury to a guest?)
6. Do all the life vests have whistles?
7. Do all the leashes appear strong? Or is there any ready for replacement?

First aid kits, extra whistles, leashes, and life vests available in the trailer.

All staff is responsible for informing management of low stock in any item, equipment damage, or needs for repair

Jellyfish 

Large schools of jellyfish can be dangerous, especially when paddle boarding. There’s several species that are highly toxic. It is very rare however you need to be aware of these species as they may enter the paddling area quickly and without warning.

1. Man-O-War
2. The Pink Meanie
3. Sea Nettles
4. Any jellyfish species in volume should be avoided

Rays

Rays are harmless but still a situation to remain on your paddling vessel. On occasion we have very large fevers passing through the bay. Again, these events occur suddenly and without warning. Never advise a client to swim with rays. Advise paddle boarders to sit on their boards until the fever passes.

Other Dangers Specific to Spotted Eagle Rays 

Another thing to be aware of is the spotted eagle ray and its ability to jump. This is a risk to people on any vessel. Locally, there have been freak accidents resulting in serious injury due to physical impacts from an eagle ray.

Did you know that Sunseeker Guests have their own waiver form? Guests of Sunseeker will need to fill out the SUP Englewood Waiver, which holds all state mandated information and the FWC Attestation Form. You can tell which guests are staying at Sunseeker by looking in FareHarbor. Their bookings will be displayed differently in the “Manifest” view on FareHarbor.

We are working to integrate our SUP Englewood Policy and Procedures into our website’s domain. In the meantime, it’s being hosted on our Grande Outfitters website. The passcode will be shared with all employees, please reach out if you need it the passcode again.