New code of conduct for independent paddlers in Bristol Harbour

We’ve been working with Bristol City Council, advising on SUP safety, since 2014. Here’s the latest iteration of their code of practice for paddleboarders, drawing on guidance from British Canoeing as the new governing body for SUP.

• Anyone under 18 years paddleboarding should wear a suitable approved buoyancy aid.
• All paddleboarders should be attached by a leash to the board and/or wear a buoyancy aid. Buoyancy aids should be correctly fitting and to ISO 12402 standard.(British Canoeing recommends primary and secondary means of buoyancy when paddleboarding).
• Consideration should be given to the water conditions you will encounter when choosing the type of leash (ankle, calf, waist).
• Clothing should be suitable for weather conditions and water temperature.
• Paddleboarders should be able to swim at least 50 metres.
• Consider kneeling in the proximity of landings and quay walls. 
• Youth paddleboarding in the harbour can only be carried out as part of an organised session run by a Harbour Master Office (HMO) approved organisation.
• Group sessions must be agreed with the HMO in advance to avoid conflict with other water activities and all users should check the Local Notice to Mariners prior to going on the water.
• No deliberate immersions are permitted.
• Before going on the water all paddleboarders should check the latest harbour water quality information.
• Individual paddleboarders are not permitted to use the harbour in dark hours – there must be a minimum of 2 people.
• Paddle boarders must ensure they have one or more white lights when out in dark hours, for all round visibility.  It is recommended that at least one of these lights is flashing.
• All paddleboarders must be licenced by the HMO prior to going out on the water.
• All boards must be insured for third party risks to £3 million.
• The launching and recovery of paddle boards must not obstruct landing stages
• Users must not attempt to paddleboard in the vicinity of Junction Lock or Underfall Yard.
• Paddleboarders should keep to the starboard side (right hand side) of the harbour. 
• Paddleboarding is one of many activities on the harbour and participants should give consideration to other users.
• No Paddleboarding West of NewBridge at Netham Weir. 
• River Avon between Netham and Hanham can be hazardous during periods of high flow (spring tides or heavy rain). Give careful consideration to your abilities and anyone elses in the group before going afloat in this area.
• Instructors of organised group session must be appropriately qualified by an HSE approved organisation (British Canoeing, WSA, BSUPA, ASI).
• Clubs and organisations must have a suitable Risk Assessment for their activities.