{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120623 \u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(Published November 2024, replacing January 2022)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4 class=\u0022rte-left lead\u0022\u003EThe definition of Class C Waters can be found in POR Rule 9b.5.3.\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EIntroduction\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis guidance provides information related to all activities taking place in Class C waters, and should be used to support planning for activities.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll water activities taking place in or on Class C waters must be operated under these guidelines, except swimming, SCUBA and motorised water activities (as defined in \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9b.5.4 Activities on Class C Waters\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003E\u003Cu\u003EPOR Rule 9b.5.4\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/a\u003E).\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat are Class C Waters?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll waters used for Scouting activities must be classified as C, B1, B2, B3 or A in accordance with rule 9b.5.3. The definition of Class C Waters can be found in \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9b.5.3 Classification of Waters\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003E\u003Cu\u003EPOR Rule 9b.5.3\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClass C Waters Definition\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClass C\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;- safe inland waters which are less than 100m wide where flow causes little effect (including swimming pools);\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll waters must be classified prior to their use and the classification may change due to factors such as the time of year and weather.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EClass C waters will be found inland and can include ponds and small lakes, swimming pools and other small man-made bodies of water, small rivers and canals where the water flow is limited to surface turbulence caused by the wind. This is not an exhaustive list and other types of water may meet the definition. The key is that the water is sheltered with minimal flow and that it is no bigger than 100m, this means that those in the water can get out within 50m.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"So what does this mean?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s the responsibility of the activity leader to ensure they understand the classification of water their activities are operating in based on the definitions within POR. If you\u0027re unsure about how to determine the classification of the water you are planning to use, you can get advice from your County or District Leadership or Programme Team or water activity permit holders.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/waterways/\u0022\u003EThe National Directory of Waters\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/u\u003E provides a list of waters with their classifications as identified by the County/Area/Region they are in. This should be used to aid with planning, but the activity leader should still classify the waters prior to the activity takes place, taking into account the situation on the day. Where a piece of water may change from Class C to B1 dependent on environmental factors the activity should be organised using the rules of the highest classification of water.\u00A0 The activity leader must ensure that the appropriate rules are followed for the class of water being used.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Helping with defining water classifications"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EOnce you\u2019ve determined what class water you will be operating in, make sure you document this and communicate your reasoning with others. As part of your risk assessment process,\u00A0you\u2019ll need to document the hazards and risks identified for the area you are using and what controls you will have in place.\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Documenting and communicating your definition"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ETypes of activity\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can do a variety of activities on waters classified as Class C without the requirement for the activity leader to hold an activity permit.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKayak practice in swimming pools\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETraditional rafting\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECanoeing or kayaking at campsites\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJust remember that you must be sure this is on Class C waters, otherwise a permit holder is required.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is required that those in charge of the activity have the appropriate skills and knowledge of the activity taking place and a knowledge of and ability to conduct appropriate risk assessments. Although these activities do not require the activity leader to hold an activity permit, they must still have the appropriate skills and knowledge of the activity taking place and be capable of putting together appropriate\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022\u003Erisk assessments\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and activity plans.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EPlanning activities on Class C Waters\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen delivering activities on or in Class C waters the activity leader must ensure that:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe activity is suitable to the age and ability of the participants.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA clear plan is in place for the activity.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA risk assessment has been undertaken and appropriate measures in place to reduce risk, and that this is documented and clearly communicated to those involved.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA safety plan is in place in case of an incident or emergency.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe appropriate volunteer to young person ratios are adhered to.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThere is appropriate supervision by a person who has sufficient skill/knowledge of the activity being undertaken (this may be more than one person depending on the activity and the size and needs of the group).\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESomeone is present with the appropriate level of first aid training for the environment, and has access to suitable first aid materials.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuitable equipment is used.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA safety briefing is given to all participants and people in charge.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EParticipants are briefed, with clear boundaries which everyone understands.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EParticipants do not move into any adjacent waters not classified as Class C (which are thus, at a minimum, Class B1).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EParticipants are given instruction on how to use any equipment safely.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOther users of the water do not constitute a hazard.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe activity meets any local operating procedures (if using, for example, a swimming pool).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EIt is important to ensure that when planning all activities care is taken to consider the following which apply to water based activities:\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9b.5.2 Swimming competency\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003EPOR Rule 9b.5.1.2\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;outlines the swimming requirements for those wishing to take part in water activities. It\u0027s important that the swimming ability of the participants is considered when the activity is planned. This will result in appropriate ratios and supervision being applied as well as influencing the location and area of the activity, type of craft used and the personal flotation devices required.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Swimming ability"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAs with any activity the weather can have a significant impact on water activities. Rain fall can affect the water levels and flow, and may result in the activity location not being suitable or the class of water changing. It can also reduce visibility which is even more important when operating around larger and motorised vessels. The sun and heat can also have a big impact on water activities, as the water reflects the sun which can speed up an individual\u2019s susceptibility to sun stroke or sun burn.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Weather conditions and visibility"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s important to ensure that all members of the group have suitable equipment and clothing (including footwear) for the activity which they are doing and the weather they may face. Where equipment is used, participants should be trained in the correct use and care for it.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Clothing and equipment"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBuoyancy aids and life jackets must be worn as outlined in \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022POR 9b.5.2 Buoyancy aids\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003EPOR 9b.5.2\u003C/a\u003E. \u003Cu\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/water-safety-buoyancy-aids-and-lifejackets/\u0022 title=\u0022Water safety (buoyancy aids and life jackets)\u0022\u003ERead the guidance on buoyancy aids and life jackets.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Buoyancy aids"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to ensuring that the ratios are adhered to, it is important to consider the size of the activity group you are planning for. If in any doubt keep the groups small, use the permit ratios as a guide for activity groups and remember the normal section rations still apply as a maximum for the overall activity. Think about how you split your section into manageable groups to enable safe activities to take place. Don\u2019t go beyond the capabilities of the young people.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0You should also consider the overall group size and ensure that if larger groups are operating with multiple leaders that it is clear which young people are within each group and that a clear area of operation is defined.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Group make up and supervision"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EApproving an Activity on Class C Waters\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Lead Volunteers is responsible for approving all activities, further guidance on this is available at \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/approving-activities-guidance-for-commissioners/\u0022\u003EFS120015 Approving Activities \u2013 Guidance for Lead Volunteers,\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E but the best place to start is checking with your Group Lead Volunteer (GLV) or District 14-24 Team Lead what the approval process is for the activities you are planning. Check the rules and guidance for the activities you are undertaking at \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/?orderBy=title%20asc\u0026amp;category=Adventure\u0022 title=\u0022Activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?orderBy=title%20asc\u0026amp;category=Adventure\u0022\u003Escouts.org.uk/a-z\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore approving an activity to take place on Class C waters the Lead Volunteer should be confident that there is appropriate safety cover in place with the relevant skills and knowledge to perform rescues and recoveries if needed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EFurther Information\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFurther information should be sought from Area / County Programme Team.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9b.5.1 Water Activities \u2013 General\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.1\u003C/a\u003E All Water Activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9b.5.2 Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.2\u003C/a\u003E Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9b.5.3 Classification of Waters\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.3\u003C/a\u003E Classification of Waters\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9b.5.4 Activities on Class C Waters\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.4\u003C/a\u003E Activities on Class C Waters\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Rules relating to class c waters","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk/media/16569/fs120157-boat-log-jan-2022.xlsx\u0022\u003EExample boat log\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/canal-and-river-licences/\u0022 title=\u0022Canal and River Licences\u0022\u003ECanal and river licences\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/boat-checking/\u0022 title=\u0022Boat Checking\u0022\u003EBoat Checking\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/water-safety-buoyancy-aids-and-lifejackets/\u0022 title=\u0022Water safety (buoyancy aids and lifejackets)\u0022\u003EWater Safety (incorporating buoyancy aids and life jackets)\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/water-safety-waterborne-diseases-and-immersion/\u0022 title=\u0022Water safety (waterborne diseases and immersion)\u0022\u003EWater Safety (Waterborne diseases and immersion)\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Additional 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