DCKC takes pride in its excellent safety record, which is built on strong contingency and backup plans for handling any issues, even minor ones. ICE (In Case of Emergency) cards are a good idea for kayaking and canoeing because they provide essential information to rescuers in the rare event of an accident or medical emergency.

Kayaking often takes place in remote locations where communication can be difficult, and an ICE card ensures that first responders or fellow paddlers have quick access to your name, emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, and other critical details. This helps ensure the fastest and most appropriate medical care, adding an extra layer of safety on the water.

ICE cards also mean we don’t have to use a registration form and ensure that everyone on our trips is covered by insurance.

ICE cards ensure that necessary information is available when needed, while your personal details are returned to you at the end of the trip, rather than being stored on a phone or computer or discarded on a piece of paper. This approach is particulary beneficial from a data protection perspective.

Whether you obtain a card or cards from the club or create your own, you should carry at least one ICE card to give to the trip leader at the start of a trip or session, and collected from the leader following the session.

Ideally, you should also carry a second card for yourself during trips, though this is recommended rather than required.

For a trip leader standing on the shore before launching, trying to gather names, emergency contact details, and other information can be time-consuming, prone to error, and may not always be appreciated by team members. However, not having this information available in the event of an incident is poor practice. Emergency contact cards ensure that vital details are readily accessible when needed.

The club offers waterproof plastic ICE cards for £2 (or two for £3), which can be written on with a permanent marker. We keep a stock of these at both stores (Miller St. and Balloch) as well as the swimming pool.

Trip leaders usually carry a few cards, but if you need one, it’s a good idea to check with them in advance to ensure they have a spare. The cost of the card can often be added to the trip fee, and you can keep it for future trips.

You can also create your own ICE cards by printing one of the following templates and laminating them:

Template for Double Sided Printing | Template to fold paper over

ICE cards are required for all outdoor trips and sessions but are not necessary for swimming pool sessions.

A full medical history is not required, but please include any relevant information that may be needed in an emergency. This should cover any pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart conditions), allergies (e.g., food, medication, insect stings), current medications (with dosage and frequency), and any special medical needs (e.g., pacemaker, prosthetics). If applicable, include emergency procedures or treatments specific to your condition, such as how to handle an allergic reaction or seizure.

Please note, just because you’ve written a medical condition on your ICE card, do not assume that a trip leader will automatically read it. It’s still advisable to inform the leader directly of any medical conditions that could affect your safety or the safety of the group.

The club’s ICE cards come with a sticky film on one side, allowing you to attach a photo if desired. Alternatively, you can add a photo to your homemade card as well.

If you have your own buoyancy aid, we recommend attaching one ICE card permanently to it (or carrying it on your person) and giving the other to the trip leader for emergency use during the trip. The card will be returned to you at the end of the trip.