Safety Policies & Procedures

Your safety on and off the water is our absolute priority. We are dedicated to providing a secure, inclusive, and supportive environment for every athlete, volunteer, and coach on the South Georgian Bay.

Core Commitment

100% Safe, Inclusive, and Respectful Environment

Oversight

Governed by Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) standards

Provincial Compliance

Fully compliant with Ontario’s Rowan’s Law

Reporting

Fully compliant with Ontario’s Rowan’s Law

The Safe Sport Initiative

The Collingwood Paddling Club is dedicated to being a safe, inclusive place for everyone. We proudly adhere to Canoe Kayak Canada’s Safe Sport program, which provides a comprehensive system of education, reporting, and resolution for any kind of misconduct within our sporting community.

If you aren’t sure what counts as “misconduct,” or if you have concerns about an interaction at the club, you are highly encouraged to review the Safe Sport materials. You can always contact a Collingwood Paddling Club Safe Sport representative or reach out to the independent third party provided by CKC to discuss your issue. They are always ready and happy to provide guidance and ensure your voice is heard.

Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety)

Passed in Ontario, Rowan’s Law covers vital safety protocols, awareness education, and required steps surrounding concussions in youth and adult sports.

While paddling on flatwater is generally considered a lower-risk sport for concussions, accidents can happen in any active environment – whether on the docks, during off-water dryland training, or when moving heavy boats. It is incredibly important for our coaches, athletes, and parents to know how to recognize a concussion and treat it properly. The Collingwood Paddling Club strictly follows the Canoe Kayak Canada concussion protocols, as well as all Rowan’s Law guidelines.

Safety Documentation & Reporting Links

Please use the links below to access official Canoe Kayak Canada policies, provincial concussion guidelines, and reporting portals.

Resource / Document	Description
CKC Safe Sport Page	Learn more about Safe Sport policies, independent reporting options, and dispute resolution.
Rowan's Law Overview	Official Government of Ontario requirements and concussion safety legislation.
Concussion Awareness Resources	Educational booklets and videos for athletes, parents, and coaches of all ages.
Concussion Recognition Tool	A quick-reference tool to help identify the signs and symptoms of a suspected concussion.
CKC Concussion Protocol	Canoe Kayak Canada's specific return-to-sport guidelines and safety protocols.

Official Cancellation & Refund Policy

Please read our cancellation policies carefully before registering. All cancellation and refund requests must be submitted in writing to registrar.cdbcc@gmail.com. Refund requests may take up to 2 weeks to process.

Additional Policy for Summer Camps

In addition to the general rules above, Summer Paddle Camp registrations have the following transfer policy:

Requests to transfer a camper to an alternative week will be honoured only if there is space available in the replacement week. A $50 administration fee will be charged for the transfer.

General Policy for ALL Programs

All approved cancellations and refunds are subject to a $50 administration fee.
Greater than 14 Days: If a cancellation request is made greater than 14 days before the program start date, you may cancel your registration and receive a refund (minus the admin fee).
14 Days or Less: For cancellations requested 14 days or less prior to the start date, no refund will be issued.
No refunds will be given for no-shows.
No refunds will be issued if a participant is asked to leave due to disciplinary issues, violating safety policies, or breaching the Code of Conduct.
Inclement Weather: Refunds are not granted for inclement weather. (We paddle rain or shine, but will move to land during thunderstorms or high winds).
Club Cancellations: If the Collingwood Paddling Club is forced to cancel a camp or program entirely, we will offer a full refund or a credit (valid for one year) to a future program.

Additional Policy for Summer Camps

In addition to the general rules above, Summer Paddle Camp registrations have the following transfer policy:

Requests to transfer a camper to an alternative week will be honoured only if there is space available in the replacement week. A $50 administration fee will be charged for the transfer.

Safety & Policy FAQs

What should I do if I witness or experience misconduct?

If you experience or witness misconduct, please report it immediately. You can speak to the Collingwood Paddling Club’s Safe Sport Director, or if you prefer to report it externally, you can use Canoe Kayak Canada’s independent third-party reporting mechanism linked in the table above.

Do parents and athletes need to read the Rowan's Law materials?

Yes. In Ontario, it is a requirement for athletes under 26 years of age (and parents of athletes under 18) to review the official Concussion Awareness Resources before registering for a sport.

What happens if an athlete bumps their head during practice?

If a concussion is suspected, the athlete will be immediately removed from play/practice. They will not be allowed to return to the water until they have been medically cleared by a physician and have completed the gradual “return-to-sport” steps outlined in the CKC Concussion Protocol.

Need to Speak With Someone?

If you have questions regarding our club policies, or need to speak with our Safe Sport Director regarding an incident, please reach out. We are here to support you.