Rafting

A traditional rafting permit is required for all traditional rafting taking place except in class C water. Definitions of water classifications can be found in POR.

Please be aware that even putting a raft onto Class C water requires permission from your DC. Further you need to ensure you meet first response and safeguarding measures. If you are unsure then please contact the Paddlesport Team

Rafting is not part of general swimming activities. There is a clear distinction between both. swimming and rafting have clear and very different rules with regard lifesaving qualifications. If unsure then please contact the Paddlesport Team

Levels of permit

Traditional rafting permits can be issued for any class of water. Each class of permit can be further restricted (such as through venue etc) to end up with an individual permit to the level of the competence and requirements of any person.

Types of permit

There are three types of permit available for traditional rafting. These are:

• Personal – Allows a young person (under 18) to take part in traditional rafting with others with a personal traditional rafting permit.
• Leadership – Allows the permit holder to lead traditional rafting for a single group.
• Supervisory – Allows the permit holder to remotely supervise more than one traditional rafting group.

Permit limitations

• Personal – If you hold a personal traditional rafting permit you can go traditional rafting with others who hold a personal traditional rafting permit. It does not allow you to go traditional rafting with anyone not holding a traditional rafting permit.
• Leadership – If you have a permit to lead traditional rafting activities then you can look after a maximum of three rafts at a time, subject to any restrictions on your permit, and need to remain on the water with these rafts at all times.
• Supervisory – If you hold a permit to supervise traditional rafting activities then you can supervise up to three groups. All supervised groups should be within communication range of the permit holder who will need to be in or have immediate access to a rescue craft. You remain responsible for all the groups you are supervising, but can designate someone with the appropriate skills to be the leader of each group.

When supervising other groups the holder of a traditional rafting supervisor permit needs to designate a leader for each group. This designation lasts only for the current activity while the permit holder is supervising.

People designated as group leaders should have the necessary skills and be responsible enough to control the boat safely in the waters that they are in. There is no problem with making young people group leaders if they are up to the role, and it can be used as a useful development tool.

To undertake training and Assessment please contact the Outdoor Adventures Team