Bernadette Darby

Event Safety Guidelines

The safety of you, your participants, volunteers and boaters is of the utmost concern to the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation. With the proper preparations, we can eliminate some of the most common accidents by being aware of potential safety hazards. Downloadable Event Security Protocols Here.

Please review these safety rules with your Planning Committee prior to your event date. A review of the Event Safety Guidelines should be discussed with all attendees at your event prior to pairings. When required, reservoir or lake officials should be asked to provide briefings and information on safety and emergency procedures to boaters and volunteers on the morning of the event. Policies and regulations for any reservoir or lake facility must be adhered to at all times.

Three Essentials to Ensure Safety at a C.A.S.T. for Kids Event

  1. Children must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times when on a dock or boat. No exceptions.
  2. Children must be accompanied by their parent/guardian at all times. The parent is responsible for the child during the entire event. Separation for any length of time will not be permitted, including bathroom breaks. Volunteers should never be alone with a child during the event.
  3. Everyone must check-in at the registration table. A registration form must be on file either online or on paper.

Event Coordinator, Volunteers and Boaters

  • Every C.A.S.T. for Kids event must have a defined perimeter. All volunteers must be told the perimeter of the event. For boating events, the water area will be defined, and volunteer boaters will be told the outer limits of how far their boat can travel. For shore events, the fishing perimeter will be clearly defined. For all events, the perimeter of the shore activities will be clearly defined.
  • Volunteers must stay aware of their surroundings to reduce risks to children. Immediately report hazards or dangers concerning the safety of the children with special needs to the event coordinator.
  • Every volunteer will have the coordinator’s cell phone number. In case of an emergency, 911 will be called.
  • All events are attended by a C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation representative.
  • Bring a portable First Aid Kit. You never know when you might need a Band-Aid or a pair of tweezers for fish hook removal or minor cuts and scrapes.
  • Provide Sunscreen for the participants and volunteers at the life-jacket station if possible. Most participants will spend the entire day exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Have plenty of drinking water for everyone in attendance. We recommend that the committee provide at least two bottles of water for every boater, volunteer and participant attending your event. You will have to remind them to drink. It can get very hot during an event. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are common occurrences in the summer.  If a participant gets over heated, get him or her into the shade, put a cool compress on their neck, forehead and wrist, and have them drink water.  If symptoms persist return to shore and seek medical help immediately.
  • Provide a cool down area when none are available.
  • Check your participant’s medical histories. See if anyone needs medication or has allergies that might need attention during the event. This type information should be noted on the Participant registration check-in sheet.

Participants

  • Walk at all times. Running may cause unexpected falls requiring medical attention. Most boat ramps and docks become very slippery when water soaked.
  • Do not throw objects such as rocks or sticks or misuse your fishing equipment.
  • Stay with your family at all times.
  • It is recommended that you wear comfortable closed toed shoes.
  • Make sure you are wearing sun block and bug spray.
  • Keep your hat and name tag on at all times.
  • Every child at the event must wear a life jacket at all times when on a dock or on a boat. Adults are encouraged to wear life vests as well.
  • All children should always be escorted to the restroom facilities by a parent or guardian.
  • Always listen to and respect the wishes of your Boat Captain. Your safety depends on it.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Bring insect repellant. Ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, and other insects are common in most areas.
  • Watch out for other participant’s rod & reels. Be sure to instruct the participants on how to keep from hitting people walking in front of, or behind you.
  • A travel pack of disposable cloth wipes can come in very handy. They can be used when participants come in contact with poison ivy, poison oak or for cleaning mild scraps and abrasions.
  • Make sure you have fun!

First Aid

First aid kits should be kept in the Registration Area. Any treatment provided should be documented and noted on your event report. Local EMT’s often make themselves available for your event, when contacted early prior to the event date. Please keep a copy of the Accident Report Form with your First Aid kit.

In the event of a minor accident or illness, first aid will be given on site and recorded on the Accident Report Form. If the parent desires, he or she may transport the child to their family doctor.

Anytime immediate medical attention is required, contact:

  1. Call 911 from your cell phone. In real emergencies, this is always your first action!
  2. Inform Event Staff who will get the emergency technicians to your location, help with the rest of the group, and provide what assistance they can.

*C.A.S.T. Coordinators, volunteers or boaters will not transport anyone from the site. Always transport an accident victim either by ambulance or the immediate family member.