As part of the club’s ongoing commitment to making trips as safe as possible, we require all paddlers, even new members, to have at least one I.C.E Card to give to the trip leader for the duration of the trip.
Why use ICE cards?
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.
What is clever about ICE cards?
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.
How does it work in Practise?
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. Ideally, you should also carry a second card for yourself during trips, though this is recommended rather than required.
Where can I get an ICE Card from?
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The club offers waterproof plastic ICE cards for £2 (or two for £3), which can be written on with a permanent marker. Trip leaders usually carry a few, but if you need one, it’s a good idea to check with them in advance to ensure a blank card is available. Alternatively, you can create your own by printing the following template and laminating it.
What kind of medical information should I have on my ICE card?
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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.
Can I add a photo to my ICE card? ?
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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.
Why are ICE cards better for leaders & trip organisers?
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 participants. 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.
Do you have any tips for on the water? ?
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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.
Do you have any additional safety info which is worth bearing in mind?
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ICE on
your mobile phone contacts list
Emergency services advise all mobile phone users to create in their contacts list an ‘ICE’ entry (In case of emergency) with emergency contact details. This helps paramedics contact relatives for medical consent/ information etc.
Universal
999 from mobile phones
Also be aware that 112 is the best emergency number to use from a
mobile phone- it operates regardless of signal/network/ credit/locked key pad
etc, and goes direct to a LOCAL 999 switchboard (as opposed to a National one
if you dial 999 on a mobile). This is important where local knowledge may be
needed to get help to you.
Mark
Your Boat and Paddles (including spare splits)
It is also recommended by the coastguard that all kayaks / paddles have the owner’s name and telephone details written on the inside of the cockpit. This avoids searches triggered by finding a boat with no paddler details. An email or phone call can establish if someone is missing or not.
Consider the unlikely (but entirely possible) scenario of you requiring medical attention on a trip, especially if loss of consciousness were involved. Many of us who kayak really only know our companions in the kayaking environment by first name and may know very little else about them should the need arise to provide details / contact partners.
From a data protection point of view the system works well in that your personal information is returned to you at the end of the trip and neither discgarded on a piece of note paper or stored on PC’s.
We have prepared an Emergency Contact Card template, along with a completed example. Please make 2 copies of the card by adding your details, laminating them (each one twice) and cable tying one to the inside of your buoyancy aid (inside a pocket or lining is good). The other card should be available to hand to the trip leader for the duration of the trip.
Leaving a section of laminate without any paper will let you punch a hole without the laminated paper getting soggy. A photo or using a colour printer is not mandatory. A laser printer is less likely to be affected by moisture. We have prepared 2 templates: one if you are happy to simply fold the paper over the other if you prefer to print double sided.
Template for Double Sided Printing | Template to fold paper over
If you do not have access to a laminator then most high street print shops provide this service for a nominal sum. If you are still struggling then you can ask for help by emailing your completed template to either graham.m.swanson@gmail.com or alanrollo@icloud.com and they can print, laminate and return it to your home address on the card.
Other Safety Information and Advice
ICE on your mobile phone contacts list
Emergency services advise all mobile phone users to create in their contacts list an ‘ICE’ entry (In case of emergency) with emergency contact details. This helps paramedics contact relatives for medical consent/ information etc.
Universal 999 from mobile phones
Also be aware that 112 is the best emergency number to use from a mobile phone- it operates regardless of signal/network/ credit/locked key pad etc, and goes direct to a LOCAL 999 switchboard (as opposed to a National one if you dial 999 on a mobile). This is important where local knowledge may be needed to get help to you.
Mark Your Boat and Paddles (including spare splits)
It is also recommended by the coastguard that all kayaks / paddles have the owner’s name and telephone details written on the inside of the cockpit. This avoids searches triggered by finding a boat with no paddler details. An email or phone call can establish if someone is missing or not.
A 2019 Forth estuary area search cost £30k due to vandals dumping a kayak into the sea – lack of contact details meant there was no option but to search for a possible casualty.
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