Developing plans

Understanding the Plan

Purpose and objectives: Establish clear goals for the activity based on the group’s capabilities and interests. This could include skills development, fitness improvement, team building, or simply enjoyment.
Activity selection: Choose appropriate water-based activities considering the group’s skills, age, physical condition, past experience, and preferences. Example activities include kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, raft building, and open water swimming.
Location: Identify suitable water environments (rivers, lakes, coasts) considering availability, accessibility, safety, and suitability for the chosen activities. In-built features, like currents and tides, should also be accounted for.

Developing the Plan

Route planning: Plan the course of action, including start and finish points, rest stops, and points of interest. This should factor in the group’s abilities, weather conditions, water conditions, and safety considerations.
Activity breakdown: Detail the sequence of activities and approximate duration for each, including warm-ups, skills training, main activities, breaks, and cool-down.
Equipment list: Outline necessary equipment for the activity and safety, such as lifejackets, helmets, paddles, boats, first aid kits, flares, wet suits, and navigation aids.
Emergency procedure: Develop a response plan for potential accidents, injuries, or dangerous situations. This should cover communication methods, first aid application, evacuation procedures, and emergency contact numbers.

Implementing the Plan

Briefing: Clearly communicate the plan to the group before starting, including behaviour expectations, safety instructions, and what to do in an emergency. Use the opportunity to answer any questions or address concerns.
Risk assessment: Continually assess risks throughout the activity, taking into account changes in conditions like weather, water flow, or group energy levels.
Adjustment: Be ready to modify the plan as circumstances require. Positive adjustments may include escalating the challenge if the group is performing well, while negative adjustments could involve delaying or cancelling the activity if conditions become unsafe.
Debrief: After the activity, have a group discussion to share experiences, address issues, and recognise achievements. Use this feedback for future planning improvements.