SAFETY NOTICE for Avon Valley

AVON VALLEY SAFETY NOTICE

Telstra have now installed a NEXT G tower in the Avon Valley. This tower allows for phone reception from Posselts Fall to Bells Rapids.

There are dead spots between Syds Rapids and Bells Rapids, mainly on the South side of the river.

The Avon Valley is a remote and difficult place to access. If you break gear or have an incident it may be very difficult to evacuate from the valley, the best way to exit the river is on the south side of the river. The Avon Descent conducts a practice session the weekend before the Avon – if you are unsure please use this weekend.

Any trip into the valley must be well planned and well organised to ensure you and your fellow paddlers are safe.

Over the years there have been a number of incidents during training, so we thought it would be advisable to remind you and give you some safety tips.

Time on water for average paddle – if you are doing a trip down the Avon Valley, Posselts Fall to Bells Rapids plan on;

·         Low Water average paddler 6 + hours

·         Medium to low water average paddler 5 to 5.5 hrs

·         Medium water for average paddler 4 to 4.5 hrs

·         High water for an average paddler 3.5 to 4 hrs

·         Allow enough time to get down the valley should something go wrong!!

Safety musts

1.       Never make the trip without your Life Jacket and Helmet – cancel if it’s forgotten

2.       Make sure you have food and water for the trip – 750mls per hour so for a 5 hr trip 3.5 to 4 litres, 4 – 5 Shotz Gels and other high energy foods need to be taken.

3.       Make sure you have sufficient clothing to keep you warm, this also helps with protection from the rocks

4.       Double check your gear to make sure rudders, cables and any other items are in good working order, carry spares if possible Spare Paddle

5.       Never paddle by yourself

6.       Make sure someone knows where you are and what time you are due back

7.       Mobile Phone in dry pouch

Safety consideration

1.       Carry spare warm clothing and paddle

2.       Carry a small First Aid Kit

3.       Small repair kit for gear

4.       Mobile Phone in dry pouch

Contacts in the Avon Valley

1.       The volunteer ranger in the area Posselts to Championships is Ben Hyde. Bens contact details are 0408 732 450. If an event occurs and you require Ben's assistance, identify your position fom the railway track numbers. Every 1km there is a track marker with a number (i.e. 56, which means 56km to East Perth station). You will need provide that number to Ben so he can drive you out. Boats will need to stay behind to be collected at another time by you.

2.       Willunga Ranger – Paul Udinga 9571 1371. Paul is also happy to help should you get into trouble. 

IF YOU INTEND TO LEAVE YOUR CAR SOMEWHERE OVERNIGHT IN THE VALLEY PLEASE ADVISE PAUL. Otherwise Paul will be required to contact the WA Police.

3.       Canoeing WA - Phone 9285 8501. Canoeing WA will be able to get someone into the valley to help if you are unable to get in contact with Ben or Paul.

Happy and safe paddling