With the concern over COVID-19 becoming something that has likely impacted the day to day activities of all of our lives, it is not without heavy consideration that the Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club has decided to move forward with cancelling all club supported trips and training sessions through May 31st until otherwise noted. I personally have been in contact with representation of all three of our fleets as well as our Safety/Education leadership and we are all of the same opinion that it is best for us to recommend that everyone continue with what is recommended by the Indiana Department of Health and the Federal Center for Disease Control (CDC) to best prevent the spread of COVID-19.
What this means is this: We as the HCKC will be cancelling all trips planned through the end of May until otherwise noted. This may be extended (hopefully not) and we will communicate if this plan changes in any way.
In the meantime, please follow ISDH and CDC guidelines, practice ‘social distancing’ and refrain from gathering in groups larger than 10 people for your un-official gatherings.
If you do choose to venture out to the water, we ask you to think about the following:
If the trip requires a shuttle, consider the risk you are putting not only yourself but your shuttle partner(s). Emergency services are on skeleton crew – if there’s a breakdown it may take much longer for assistance.
Meeting at the put-in…this puts everyone in close proximity which increases risk of transmittal
Please keep up to date for state/CDC restrictions in the area you plan to paddle
On the water – distancing will happen – but we are not always distant. If there is an incident while on the water, or someone starts showing symptoms of COVID-19 while on the trip, everyone on the trip suddenly becomes at risk (first and foremost the trip leaders/safety boaters)
Please keep in mind, we all have loved ones that are affected by this outbreak. Not only are our lives at stake, but those of our families – much to consider when planning a trip on the river.
With this being said, please do not take this as the club forbidding any of its membership to partake in the sport we love…just do it safely and within the National and state recommendations. Be careful out there we want to make sure after all of this is over, we continue on stronger than ever!
Be safe and we will see you all on the other side of this challenge!
Your skipper
Toni Harris
