Rules and Procedures for Greystoke Castle

Parking/ Arrival

Beware of the viscous speed ramps and walkers, on the castle drive. DRIVE SLOWLY.
Park considerately on the gravel parking area in front of the castle.

Getting changed

If changing in the car park, be discreet. Use changing robes or change inside the vehicle.
There will be pop up changing tents available on club training nights, by the storage trailer/boathouse.

Being considerate to castle owners

The castle is a family home and a commercial business.
Please be quiet walking round the grounds; and ensure your language is respective of the community
No ball practice etc on front castle lawns.
Please support the cafe

Toilets

These are next to the cafe on the track through to the lake from the carpark. Accessible from outside. They should not be used for changing in.

Equipment

The club storage trailer is situated by the lake (behind the boathouse). If opening this, please ensure there are 2 people, as the tailgate is very heavy. Rest it down onto the wooden blocks.

Storage of equipment in trailer :-

Make sure all BA’s & helmets & spraydecks are hung up so they can dry. Hang BA’s on end of boats.
Rack boats & paddles carefully as we need to fit a lot of them in.
Last person leaving/responsible coach, should ensure the trailer is locked up before leaving.

Removal of equipment from lake venue:-

If any equipment is taken from the site for competitions or training elsewhere, whether personal or club equipment, it must be WASHED AND DRIED before using on another body of water.
If any club equipment is borrowed and gets damaged. Ensure the equipment officer/committee member is made aware of this.
Personal clothing & equipment: Make sure this is WASHED IN FRESH WATER AND DRIED after every use, as the water quality can be below that required for bathing.

Access to lake

Either walk from car park to left of castle or right of castle and through the arch
Care should be taken on the grass from the storage trailer to the launch pontoon as it can become muddy.
Buoyancy aids must be worn at all times when on the pontoon or lake – regardless of craft being used..

Coach / player ratios

A coach or designated competent adult must be on the water, before general club members get on.
There should be a coach / player ratio of min 1 to 10, with a min of 2 coaches for a club session.
There should be at least one coach available for a team training session

Injury / illness

A coach will be available to supervise any incident / injury.
A first aid kit is kept in the equipment trailer.
If a paddler becomes ill in the days after capsizing/rolling, seek medical advice, but also tell a committee member, as the club is monitoring water quality at this venue.

Swans / wildlife

Be cautious/considerate around swans, as they may be breeding and can be very protective of their young and can be viscous!

Pond Weed

We will have weed pulling sessions at the start or end of kayaking sessions. Dump pulled weed on the banks.