10 Outdoor Education – Canoeing Hazard Scenario Cards

Hazard one: When you arrive to go canoeing on Windabout

Lakes, your teacher has identified that is thick fog that is
restricting and significantly reducing visibility. Despite
instructions to stay close to the canoe in front of you, you
and your paddling buddy become detached from the group
and the boat ramp is also no longer visible.
What should you do/have done to anticipate; help prevent
and respond to the presented hazards?

Hazard two: When paddling in a blow-up canoe at twilight

with your mates the wind suddenly changes to a northerly
and you start to be swept out to sea. You all try to paddle
back towards shore however are starting to get very tired.
What should you do/have done to anticipate; help prevent
and respond to the presented hazards?

Hazzard three: When canoeing at the Esperance foreshore a

strong gust of offshore wind makes the canoes more
unstable than normal and four of five canoes are overturned
at once.
What should you do/have done to anticipate; help prevent
and respond to the presented hazards?
Hazard four: When on a multiday canoeing expedition, you
must be self-sufficient. This means you are carrying all you
gear including camping, sleeping gear, food and water which
takes up considerable space and weight in the canoe. When
stopped for lunch on day two of a four-day expedition your
fellow paddler trips whilst entering the canoe and severely
injures their wrist on landing impact and can no longer
paddle.
What should you do/have done to anticipate; help prevent
and respond to the presented hazards?

Hazzard five:
When solo kayaking down a river in a secluded forest area
you come across a lightweight motorised vessel that has
crashed and overturned. As a result, there are three
stranded individuals two of which have been seriously
injured and require urgent medical assistance. Your have no
phone reception.
What should you do/have done to anticipate; help prevent
and respond to the presented hazards?