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Event Briefing Checklist


(What participants should know before going afloat)
This checklist sets out the minimum briefing information that should be shared for club events, based on the type of event.
Not every event needs a long briefing — but every event should clearly cover the points below.

1️⃣ Supervised Events(Instruction and supervision provided)
Responsibility
  • A named Supervisor / Instructor is in charge of the event
  • The Supervisor is responsible for:
  • Overall safety
  • Decision-making
  • Instruction and direction
Event Briefing ChecklistBefore the event starts, participants should know:
Event basics
  • Activity and location
  • Start / finish time and meeting point
  • Supervisor name and contact

Conditions
  • Weather forecast
  • Tide / flow / daylight considerations
  • Any known hazards

What will happen
  • Planned activity and route (if applicable)
  • What instruction or coaching will be provided
  • How the group will operate on the water

Safety
  • Required equipment (PFDs, leashes, clothing, etc.)
  • Communication methods
  • Emergency procedures
  • What to do if separated


Participation
  • Expected experience level
  • Fitness or skill requirements
  • Right to opt out at any time

2️⃣ Skippered Events(No instruction – skipper is responsible for their boat and crew)
Responsibility
  • Each boat has a named skipper
  • The skipper is responsible for:
  • Their boat
  • Their crew
  • Safety decisions for that boat

Event Briefing Checklist: Before going afloat, participants should know:
Event basics
  • Activity and location
  • Meeting point and timings
  • Who the skippers are

Event type
  • This is a skippered event
  • No formal instruction will be given
  • Each skipper makes decisions for their own boat

Conditions
  • Forecast weather and tide
  • Known hazards and constraints
Plan
  • Intended route/destination (if relevant)
  • How boats will sail/paddle together (loose group, rendezvous points, etc.)

Safety
  • Required safety equipment
  • Expectations for crew behaviour
  • How skippers will communicate with each other
  • What to do if plans change

Decision-making
  • Skippers may shorten, change or cancel plans
  • Crew members can decline to go afloat if uncomfortable

3️⃣ Self-Led / Self-Organised Events(Self-Led, no leadership or supervision)
Responsibility
  • There is no supervisor, leader or skipper
  • Each participant:
  • Is responsible for their own safety
  • Decides whether conditions are suitable
  • Participants look out for each other as a group

Event Briefing Checklist: Before going afloat, participants should know:
Event basics
  • Activity, location and rough timing
  • Who is attending

Event type
  • This is a self-led  event
  • No instruction or leadership is provided
  • Everyone participates at their own risk

Conditions
  • Expected weather, tide and daylight
  • Any known hazards

Group understanding
  • Intended plan or loose aim (if any)
  • How the group will stay in contact
  • What happens if people split up

Safety expectations
  • Personal safety equipment required
  • Minimum experience expected
  • Everyone is responsible for checking their own equipment

Right to opt out
  • Anyone can choose not to go afloat
  • Anyone can turn back or leave early

4️⃣ Common to All Events. For all event types, participants should be reminded that:
  • Participation is voluntary
  • Conditions can change
  • Plans may change or be cancelled
  • Asking questions is encouraged
  • Safety comes before schedules or destinations

Canoe, Kayak, Row, Sail, Paddleboard, Cruise or Motor

However you want  to get on the water,  you are welcome at St Denys Boat Club.  ​