N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:56-9.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 3A:56-9.5 - Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing

(a) The home shall ensure that all staff members and children:

1. Wear personal flotation devices (PFD) (life jackets) rated Class I, II, or III by the U.S. Coast Guard. Staff members who have a valid lifesaving or lifeguarding certificate may choose not to wear a PFD; and

2. Never stand up in the canoe, kayak or tube, unless the children are in a confined area for staff supervised activities.

(b) The home shall ensure that life jackets are not used for seating or bedding.

(c) The home shall ensure that:

1. At least one staff member is present who has a valid lifesaving or lifeguarding certificate issued from an organization that is recognized by the New Jersey State Department of Health or other appropriate authority when there are 15 or fewer children;

2. Children and staff members wear footwear that is secured to their feet, unless the activity occurs on a lake with a sandy bottom and no rocks; and

3. All children and staff members stay away from debris and any trees that have fallen across the river and carry the canoe, kayak or tube along the riverbank past the debris or fallen tree, if necessary.

(d) The home shall prohibit canoeing, kayaking, and tubing:

1. At night;

2. In the open ocean; and

3. During electrical storms.

(e) The home shall ensure that the following equipment is brought along:

1. One spare life jacket for every 12 persons; and

2. Throw lines.

(f) For canoeing and kayaking, the home shall ensure that:

1. Each canoe and kayak has flotation at either end;

2. Each canoe and kayak has an extra paddle;

3. All equipment is secured;

4. Spray covers, if used, release promptly; and

5. The water temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher unless a wet suit is provided to each child and staff member.

(g) For canoe or kayak trips in water with rapids rated Class III and IV on the International Scale of River Difficulty (hereafter referred to as the ISRD) developed by the American Canoe Association, the home shall ensure that:

1. All children and staff have completed at least three trips on water with rapids rated as Class I or II by the ISRD;

2. All children and staff wear helmets that are tied under the chin; and

3. For trips in water with rapids rated Class IV, all staff and children can do an Eskimo roll, as defined by the American Canoe Association.

(h) The home shall not take children on water with rapids rated Class V or VI on the ISRD.

(i) For tubing, the home shall prohibit trips when the water is:

1. Less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit; and/or

2. Rated above Class I on the ISRD.

N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:56-9.5

Amended by R.2014 d.103, effective 6/16/2014.
See: 46 N.J.R. 7(a), 46 N.J.R. 1473(b).
Section was "Canoeing, kayaking and tubing". In (c)1, deleted "and Senior Services" following "Health".