Deep breath.....
Lets use this thread to make recommendations or create a wish list of changes we would like see made to the sanctioning / insurance process. I think there are a bunch of good ideas buried in the "stupid people" thread... so I expect a little bit of cut and paste will be in order. Please educate yourselves by reading the relevant documents.
Peace, love, and positive buoyancy.....
I would like to see in place a way to recognize the variety of OW events available. Ken suggested a breakdown into 3 categories. I like the idea and think it could be expanded on and made into a useful tool to inform participants, and insurance providers of what to expect.
Perhaps a questionnaire for potential directors could be prepared for that purpose:
Body of water: Lake, Ocean, River, Other________
Vessels present:Non-motorized only, Recreational, Commercial and Recreational
Quality: Fresh, Salt, Brackish
Currents: Steady, Tidal, Wind Driven, None
Max Current Speed Assist:_____mph
Max current Speed Adverse:____mph
Course: Loop, Multiple Loop, Out and Back, Point to Point
Start: Water Standing, Water Treading, Beach (sandy), Beach (rocky), Etc
Finish: In water, Beach, Dock (ladder), Etc
Exit (if other than finish):
Safety
Vessels: Non-motorized only, Motorized and non-motorized, Motorized only
Nearest Emergency Medical Facilities:_______minutes away
etc, etc.
Obviously this is only a rough and incomplete draft, and I think that any such document should be quite comprehensive and include topics that record the experience of personnel involved in the event.
Additionally, It would be nice if Safety Plans could be in the form of a template filled in by the event safety personnel.
I think USMS should explore a way to vary the limits of the insurance they provide to sanctioned event hosts. Some hosting clubs carry their own insurance, and much of the USMS limits are redundant. This might be a way of reducing the sanctioning fees???
I would like to see in place a way to recognize the variety of OW events available. Ken suggested a breakdown into 3 categories. I like the idea and think it could be expanded on and made into a useful tool to inform participants, and insurance providers of what to expect.
Perhaps a questionnaire for potential directors could be prepared for that purpose:
Body of water: Lake, Ocean, River, Other________
Vessels present:Non-motorized only, Recreational, Commercial and Recreational
Quality: Fresh, Salt, Brackish
Currents: Steady, Tidal, Wind Driven, None
Max Current Speed Assist:_____mph
Max current Speed Adverse:____mph
Course: Loop, Multiple Loop, Out and Back, Point to Point
Start: Water Standing, Water Treading, Beach (sandy), Beach (rocky), Etc
Finish: In water, Beach, Dock (ladder), Etc
Exit (if other than finish):
Safety
Vessels: Non-motorized only, Motorized and non-motorized, Motorized only
Nearest Emergency Medical Facilities:_______minutes away
etc, etc.
Obviously this is only a rough and incomplete draft, and I think that any such document should be quite comprehensive and include topics that record the experience of personnel involved in the event.
Additionally, It would be nice if Safety Plans could be in the form of a template filled in by the event safety personnel.
I think USMS should explore a way to vary the limits of the insurance they provide to sanctioned event hosts. Some hosting clubs carry their own insurance, and much of the USMS limits are redundant. This might be a way of reducing the sanctioning fees???
