Preparing to lead

Personal Preparation

Fitness levels: Maintain necessary physical condition to lead the chosen activities. This includes strength, stamina, swimming ability, and resilience to cold.
Skills development: Possess proficient skills in the chosen water-based activities. Regularly improve and update these skills through practise and training.
Leadership training: Undergo specific leadership courses for outdoor and adventurous activities. This ensures understanding of leadership styles, decision-making, and group management.
First Aid knowledge: Acquire a recognised first aid qualification and keep it up-to-date. Possess the ability to respond effectively to injuries and health issues that could occur during the activities.

Group Leader Responsibilities

Participants’ abilities: Understand each group member’s skills, fitness, and comfort with water activities. This is crucial to provide suitable challenges and support.
Safety checks: Perform necessary safety checks on equipment. Regularly assess the condition of lifejackets, helmets, ropes, boats, and other essentials.
Communication skills: Develop strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This is necessary for instruction delivery, feedback, encouragement, and handling emergencies.
Responsiveness: Be attentive and responsive to the group’s needs and moods. Adjust the activity plan, leadership style, or individual approach when necessary.

Pre-Activity Checks

Weather conditions: Monitor the local weather forecast before the activity. Consider issues like rain, wind speed, tide times, and visibility.
Water conditions: Check the water’s current, water level, and temperature. Beware of potential hazards like rocks, rapids, or dangerous marine life, depending on the location.
Emergency facilities: Know the location of the nearest emergency services or coastguards. Have phone numbers and other contact details readily available.
Equipment fitting: Ensure all equipment fits each participant correctly. Check lifejackets, helmets, harnesses, and other gear for proper size and comfort.