Safety Committee Updates
NBCB is excited to announce that the NBCB Safety Committee reconvened in 2025 and has been actively reviewing and updating our safety protocols.
Chaired by Matt Dundas, the committee includes members Erica Pajerowski, Brian Quinn, and Dewey Thompson. Their hard work has led to the development of new policies and guidelines aimed at making our trips safer.
In December, NBCB board members voted to approve their recommendations.
The safety committee is committed to ensuring you are fully informed about these changes. They include:
Updates to the current safety protocols on the NBCB website. This document is still being revised, but updates include:
Clarification on ACA guidelines
Clarification on SCA (small craft advisory) guidelines
Ratio TL to participants updated (5 non-members and/or uncertified member)
Removed 'certify that they (members) are able to swim'
Updated float plan - changed to electronically
Updates to winter protocols on the NBCB website. This includes:
Universal policy that applies to both canoes and kayaks
New temperature guidelines that allow semi-dry suits and neoprene between 55 - 60 degrees water temperature
When water temperature is 55 degrees and below, drysuits are required, no exceptions
A new incident report policy and incident report form has been created. The committee wants to stress that reports are not meant to punish anyone. They are for sharing experiences with other trip leaders to learn and improve, making trips safer for everyone. When a report is submitted, safety committee members and TLs will have access. TLs are required to submit an Incident Report when something dangerous, destructive, and/or contentious occurs on a NBCB trip. Here are the links:
The local knowledge test was slightly edited to include verbiage about the new incident report policy. The local knowledge test can be found:
On the NBCB website here
Your role is critical in ensuring these standards are implemented effectively, and we appreciate your commitment to safety.
If you have questions, email safety@nbcboathouse.org.
Thank you for your continued dedication to creating safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone.
NBCB
This entry was posted on Jan 19, 2025 by admin.