Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Personal Safety Equipment
- Buoyancy aid/PFD: Mandatory for all slalom and Kayak Cross competitors whenever on the water (practice and competition). Minimum buoyancy 6 kg. Must allow full range of paddling motion.
- Helmet: Mandatory for slalom and Kayak Cross. Must cover temples, forehead, and back of head. Chin strap must be fastened at all times on the water.
- Spray deck: Must have a visible, accessible grab loop at the front for emergency release (pulling the loop detaches the spray deck from the cockpit rim, allowing the paddler to exit the boat).
- Swimming ability: All competitors must demonstrate the ability to swim 50 m unaided in open water before being permitted to compete
8.2 On-Water Safety Personnel
- Slalom safety kayakers: Positioned at key points throughout the whitewater course (below each major rapid or technical section). Trained in swiftwater rescue techniques. Carry throw bags and rescue equipment.
- Sprint rescue boats: Motorized safety boats positioned along the course. Crew trained in capsize recovery. Boats must reach any point on the course within 30 seconds.
- Kayak Cross safety: Additional safety kayakers positioned at the roll gate section and contact zones where capsizes are most likely
- Downstream safety net/boom: A physical barrier at the end of the slalom course prevents athletes from being swept into hazardous downstream areas
8.3 Water and Environmental Safety
- Water quality: Must meet local health authority standards for recreational water. Water is tested for bacterial contamination, pH levels, and temperature before competition.
- Water temperature: If water temperature drops below 12°C (54°F), organizers must provide additional thermal protection guidance. In extreme cold, events may be modified or suspended.
- Flow rate monitoring (Slalom): Artificial channels maintain consistent pump flow rates throughout competition. Flow rate is monitored and recorded; competition may be paused if significant changes occur.
- Lightning protocol: All water activities are immediately suspended when lightning is detected within a specified radius (typically 10 km). Athletes must exit the water and seek shelter. A 30-minute clear period is required before resuming.
- Medical team: On-site medical personnel with swift-water rescue capability for slalom/Kayak Cross. Ambulance on standby. Nearest hospital identified and emergency transport route pre-planned.
8.4 Boat Safety
- All slalom boats must have adequate flotation (built-in or foam blocks) to prevent sinking in the event of capsizing
- Bow and stern of slalom boats must have rubber or foam bumpers to protect against collisions
- Grab handles or loops at bow and stern are mandatory for rescue personnel to grip during recovery
- Sprint boats must pass a stability test before the first race day to ensure they are seaworthy