Ensuring the safety of young people on the water requires careful attention to properly sized equipment, adherence to recognised safety standards, and exposure to environments and experiences that are appropriate for the participants age and development level. Safety is not a compromise; it is an essential part of their experience.

In the UK, individuals under the age of 18 are not legally deemed able to make independent decisions regarding risk. Consequently, an extended duty of care must be provided by organisations and activity leaders to best ensure both their safeguarding and safety while participating in any activity.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standards:

The quality and fit of equipment are non-negotiable for young paddlers. Never substitute water sports equipment with equipment designed for other activities.

Buoyancy Aids

• ISO Approved - Always use a well-fitted, correctly sized buoyancy aid or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that is International Standard – ISO 12402.
• Correct Sizing – PFDs are sized by weight, not age.
• Some lifejackets with the same weight range, come in different lengths. For smaller children this extra length may limit their mobility or ability to maintain a comfortable sitting position. ISO 12402-4 is the most common standard for children’s lifejackets, providing 100 Newtons (N) of buoyancy. It’s suitable for general water activities and is designed to help the wearer in an upright position in calm waters where aid is close at hand.
• A buoyancy aid, PFD, or lifejacket must be fitted snugly and securely fastened. For young people, the use of a crotch strap is often essential. This strap passes between the legs and secures to the PFD/lifejacket to prevent it from riding up over the young persons head when they enter the water. If a PFD/lifejacket rides up, it offers no protection and can become a significant hazard. A crotch strap can either be part of the design of the PDF/Lifejacket or an accessory that can be added.

Helmets

• When helmets are required by the environment (e.g., white water, games and related activities, surf, and areas with overhead hazards), they must be ISO approved and designed specifically for water sports. Helmets must conform to CE EN 1385 standard.
• Cycle and climbing helmets are NOT Suitable – They do not meet the appropriate ISO standard.

2. Equipment Sizing and Fit:

Using equipment that is too large or too heavy increases fatigue, can increase injury risk and reduces the young person's ability to control their craft, significantly increasing risk.

• Paddles – Ensure the young person uses a paddle with a shaft diameter and length suitable for their size. Blades & Shafts that are too large require excessive force and can negatively impact technique, causing unnecessary strain on developing joints.
• Craft – The boat or board should be appropriately sized for the child's weight and reach, allowing them to effectively control and manoeuvre the craft.

3. Training and Physical Impact

Coaching, instruction and events must be mindful of the young paddler's developing body and mental capacity, understanding, reasoning power and comprehension.

• Training Considerations – When designing sessions, avoid repetitive, high-intensity training that could lead to injury. Sessions should be fun, varied, and focus on skill development over endurance.
• Environmental Impact – Young people are often more susceptible to the effects of cold, heat and fatigue. Monitor them closely for signs of chilling or exhaustion, especially in extended training sessions or harsh conditions. Their bodies may not regulate temperature or manage physical stress in the same way as adults
• Safety Focus – Training should emphasise safety protocols, self-rescue, and group awareness in an engaging way, building confidence and fostering a responsible and healthy attitude towards water safety from an early age.

4. Participation in Events

When considering any organised event or competition that may include young paddlers, organisers should consider a number of factors, including:

• The suitability of the environment for young people, including venue requirements.
• The safeguarding provision available.
• The capability of the young people and their ability to achieve the demands of the event.

Parental consent is mandatory, and parents/guardians must be fully informed of the specific demands, environmental conditions, and suitability of the event before agreeing to the young person participating.