Association of Canadian Sea Kayak Guides
Operating Standards; Synopsis
What separates the ACSKG Standards for Sea Kayak Guides from other commercial sea kayak organisations
is that they are STANDARDS rather than GUIDELINES.
We have tried to write them in as unambiguous a manner as possible.
For our members, these standards are not an option. They
are the minimum that we require of guides rather than simply
a suggestion that can be ignored without consequence. The main
points are:
- Guide/Client Ratios - These are determined with consideration
to the Coastal Classification and whether
single/double kayaks or a mixture of singles and doubles are being
used. This is based on the experience that there are limits to
the group size that a guide can safely manage on the water.
- There Must Always Be An Assistant Guide in Class II
and Class III regardless of how few clients there are in the group.
We believe this is necessary because history has shown us that
guides are not invincible.
- Guides Must Have Advanced Wilderness First-Aid Training
(minimum 80 hour course) because you can't simply "call 911
and report back to me".
- Maximum Group Size Including Guides Will Not Exceed
12 people. This is an effort to reduce risk and to help limit our impact on our
environment and on other groups we may meet.
- Membership In the ACSKG Cannot Be Bought. An ACSKG
Guide must have served an apprenticeship period as an assistant-guide
and pass a practical examination before becoming a member.