It’s Invasive Non Native Species Week!

Invasive Non Native Species Week takes place between 24 – 31 May 2021 and is a joint initiative, led by the GB Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) and Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). During the week, a wide range of organisations come together, aiming to raise awareness of invasive non-native species (INNS) and how they can impact us all. 

For the last few hundred years since the first explorers sailed the seven seas, people have brought unusual plants and animals into this country.  Many were brought in to enhance someone’s land or out of idle curiosity. Today we live with the consequences of their actions.  The grey squirrel was introduced and now our native red squirrel has all but disappeared.  Japanese Knotweed brought in to add a different dimension to the gardens of the wealthy has become a notifiable species yet still it infests large parts of the country and it almost impossible to destroy. These are just two examples of alien species that have been brought in to our country and have upset the ecosystem.  

So What!

You may well think – What has it got to do with me? Well not only does a number of these alien species detrimentally impact our native species but has a massive impact on our waterways where you may well be teaching your learners. Several plant species have caused a major headache to navigation authorities who have to spend £25 million per year in clearing these plants that are able to totally block river, lake and canal systems and prevent the commercial and recreational use of these waters.

Still today, people bring in to the country alien species of plants and animals without due consideration what their impact can be.   Even within our country we can unwittingly transfer species from one area to another.  The very nature of canoeing is that the craft if highly transportable and can go from one water course to another and one country to another.

What can I do as a paddler and Instructor, Coach, Leader or Guide to help?

As Instructors, Coaches, Leaders and Guides, you have a vital part to play in the promotion for the need to prevent the spread of alien species by all paddlers, regardless of where they are paddling.

Check Clean Dry

How do we stop the spread?

Regardless of the type of paddling you do, whether competitive or recreational, inland or coastal, the chances are is that you take your craft on to different watercourses where there is a chance you may come in contact with these harmful species.

Introduction to Environmental Awareness eLearning

Elearning Environment

This free activity gives a wealth of information about problems affecting the environment and what you can do as a paddler to help. The activity consists of 3 key sections, potential threats, invasive species and plastic patrol, with games to help embed the information and challenge you.

Click here to complete the Introduction to Environmental Awareness eLearning.

Fundamentally we ALL need to do this as we have a major part to play in protecting the waterways we enjoy and are needed for our sport.

For more information visit:

Non Native Species Secretariat that details these measures and identification guidance for over 50 non-native animal and plant species.

Report suspected sightings of invasive species to the Environment Agency or call 0800 807060.

The Waterways and Environment Team are pleased to say they are delivering, in partnership with The Rivers Trust and Wildlife Trusts, an informative and interesting environmental awareness programme which includes its delivery through the Guide Scheme module and eLearning module. 

If you want to know more about any environmental concerns, please contact the Waterways and Environment Team Policy Officer, Richard Atkinson on 07808 640108 or email [email protected]

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
modal close image
modal header

Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course

This course was launched on the 4th January and aims to provide paddlers with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely and be able to deal with common problems in a sheltered water environment.

The course content focuses on rescuing from the paddlers specific craft and covers equipment, safety frameworks, as well as a range of rescues such as contact and towing rescues, self-rescues and deep water rescues.

Find out more about this course!

default

modal header

Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor

This course was launched on the 4th January and aims to support Instructors running SUP taster/starter sessions and short journeys in very sheltered water environments.

The 2 day course helps to prepare candidates for their first SUP instructing role, ensuring they are ‘primed and ready’ to deliver safe and enjoyable sessions for people new to paddleboarding, within the safety management systems of clubs, centres or other organisations.

Find out more about this course!

default

modal header

Inclusive Language eLearning

This eLearning was launched on the 11th January and will cover the importance of using inclusive language and the impact it can have on those around you.

This module provides an understanding of key terms, definitions and examples of inclusive language; supports learners on how to identify and tackle inappropriate or exclusive language such as banter and microaggressions; and how to challenge it when it happens.

Find out more!

default

modal header

International Webinars

We have held several International webinars throughout the year the first being Paddling in France which was on 15th February 2023, this was then followed by the United States of America on 15th March 2023 we then had Nepal, Norway and the latest one Austria which was on 21st June 2023. 

If any resources were used in the webinar you can now find them on the BCAB Digital Library along with the recording of the webinars. Unfortunately Paddling in Norway wasn\’t recorded so that wont be on the Digital Library.

default

modal header

Manual Handling eLearning

This eLearning was launched on the 31st January and will cover different types of manual handling, how we can consider and manage risk and shows the steps we can take when manual handling to better protect our bodies. 

Throughout paddlesport, there are many occasions when we are lifting, carrying and moving craft, as well as performing rescues.  It’s essential we reflect on current practice and consider whether we are putting ourselves and others in potential danger of damaging joints and muscles, particularly when moving or lifting equipment or people.

Find out more!

default

modal header

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue Course

This course was launched on the 2nd May and aims to provide paddlers with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely and be able to deal with common problems on the sea, in both sheltered and moderate conditions.

Find out more about this course!

default

modal header

New eLearning platform

On the 14th June we moved over from the Sarola shop to our own new eLearning platform on BCAB. We made this change because learners have asked us to reduce the number of our websites they need to use.

default

modal header

Inland Open Water Safety and Rescue

This course was launched on the 1st June and aims to provide paddlers with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely in a moderate inland open water environment.

All of the modules are interactive, practical sessions, discussing and using equipment, and exploring possible solutions to common issues. Modules include safety frameworks, clothing and equipment, self rescues, as well as rescue scenarios.

Find out more about this course!

default

modal header

Euro Paddle Pass (EPP)

British Canoeing Awarding Body attended a meeting with other National Federations to consider the framework of paddle sport competency in all disciplines across Europe.  

The Euro Paddle Pass (EPP) as it is known has members from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Each National Paddlesport certification system maps across to the requirements of the EPP standard within a specific discipline and ranges from levels 1 to 5.

The BCAB relatively new personal performance awards (January 2019) have now been mapped, verified and agreed at specific levels within the framework.

default

modal header

Pathway opportunities for Slalom Coaches

British Canoeing Awarding Body is pleased to announce that it has developed an alternative pathway for Slalom Coaches, and is now offering two regulated qualifications:

  • Slalom Coach (Grade 1/2) 
  • Slalom Coach (Grade 2/3)

During a review of the existing pathway for Slalom Coaches it was evident that many clubs do not operate within the environmental definitions of moderate water (Grade 2/3) and the need to provide opportunities for those coaching slalom within clubs to gain a regulated qualification.

Find out more!

default

modal header

Surf Kayak Safety and Rescue course

This course was launched on the 1st July. This course replaced the Advanced Surf Kayak Safety and Rescue programme. Modules include beach management, safety frameworks, self-rescues, deep water rescues and more.

The Surf Kayak Safety and Rescue course has replaced the Advanced Surf Kayak Safety and Rescue programme and is a 6 and a half hour programme that consists of 7 modules.

Find out more about this course!

default