Before you go …

• Always check the river levels before your trip at waterwaysguide.org.au, bom.gov.au or waterinfo.nsw.gov.au
• Always let someone know of your trip plans and ensure your support vehicle is aware of your intended rendezvous point and how to get there
• Canoeists/kayakers should be proficient on moving water. Beginners and children should be competent canoeists/kayakers on still water
• GPS coordinates have been supplied to help you locate major hazards and camping areas. Set up your GPS for the GDA datum and enter the coordinates of the features in advance
• Ensure you have enough food, water and fuel for the trip
• Do not enter or camp on private property without first gaining consent from the owner.

Safety gear

• A Lifejacket Level 50S or greater (i.e. a Personal Floatation Device or PFD) with a whistle attached should be worn at all times on the water. Helmets should be worn while paddling rapids.
• Hat, mosquito repellent and sunscreen
• Map, compass and GPS
• Spare paddle and repair kit
• Adequate drinking water and food for the trip being undertaken
• A first-aid kit and basic knowledge of CPR
• Waterproof containers for food and warm/dry clothing
• Appropriate footwear for water and rocks
• All canoes/kayaks should have fixed buoyancy with securing loops at each end
• A rope or throw line should be carried for rescue purposes.

On the river

• Make sure you have all your gear when you set off as the river’s flow may be too strong to paddle back upstream
• Avoid travelling alone and stay in contact with other canoes/ kayaks in your group
• If you capsize, get away from your canoe or kayak until your boat is safely out of the rapid. If the water is freezing leave your craft and head for the bank immediately.
• Be alert for hazards such as trees in the river, overhanging branches and snags
• If a rapid can not be scouted from the water or if in doubt about a rapid or obstacle ahead pull into the bank and check on foot.
• Approach compulsory portages with caution, allowing some distance between each canoe/kayak as not to crowd the take-out point.
• Mobile phone reception is not available along most of the canoe and kayak trail, make sure you carry another form of communication in case of an emergency
• To avoid overheating, paddle early in the morning or late evening with a break in the hottest part of the day
• To fish in NSW waters, you must pay a fee and carry the receipt showing payment. For more information visit dpi.nsw.gov.au.

At the campsite

• Practice low impact camping – take out what you take in
• Do not drink the river water without boiling or treating it. Carry adequate supplies of drinking water with you
• Light fires in fireplaces provided and extinguish completely before leaving. Observe any fire bans that are in place
• Bury your waste at least 50 m from the river if there are no toilets
• Do not use soaps or detergents in the river
• Do not interfere with vegetation, gates, fences or stock
• Respect other canoeists/kayakers and campers.

In case of an emergency

• Stay calm, assess the situation before attending to the incident. (Do not endanger yourself or others).
• Attend to the situation, with first aid as required. Provide
• reassurance.
• Call for assistance from any people nearby.
• Contact Emergency Services on ‘000’ or ‘112’ if your mobile is out of range, in the event of a life threatening emergency. Be sure of your exact position before calling. Act on advice given to you.
• Be aware of keeping your group together and safe until the incident is resolved or emergency services have arrived and taken control of the situation.
• Take notes of the situation including timings during the incident if possible (or at least soon after).
• If you need to evacuate the area do so in an orderly fashion to avoid additional incidents. If you need to leave gear/equipment, make safe noting exact location for later retrieval. Do not overload your vessel.