Paddle Method New Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (5/19/2020) Paddle Method is committed to providing a safe paddle experience for all paddlers. We use high quality paddle gear and instructional practices so that paddlers of any level can learn new skills and build upon their existing skillset so that paddlers of all abilities can enjoy our waterways confidently. Paddling provides customers with much needed sunlight, physical and mental health exercise during this time of increase stress and anxiety. Sunlight is an excellent natural source of vitamin D, which has many purported health benefits, including an increased resistance to infectious diseases. Paddle Method is committed to our Community’s health first. Paddle method has put these procedures in place to help keep our employees, customers, and their families safe and reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. These procedures follow the science and public health orders. These procedures are guided by facts and recommendations from credible scientific and medical sources and comply with county and state public health orders. These procedures will be monitored daily to keep up today with LA county and State of California guidelines (i.e. mask wearing, sanitation). This document will be made available to our employees, customers and on-site at the beach for anyone’s request and review. Boards use will be available only to solo paddlers and those who live with each other. All board reservations will scheduled and a list of all customers, days and times rented will be kept so that Paddle Method is aware of who have used equipment on which days and times for contract tracing purposes. Prior to Arrival All Paddlers must schedule, pay, and sign our waiver and health check questionnaire online. The following questions are included in the health screening questionnaire: - Are you currently, or have you recently, experienced symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever or chills, cough or sputum, head or body aches, sore throat, or shortness of breath? How about loss of taste or smell?
- Do you live with someone who is currently, or has recently, experienced any of the symptoms above?
- Have you or has someone you live with tested positive for COVID-19 (active virus) or been diagnosed with presumed COVID-19?
- Have you or has someone you live with traveled through an airport or on public transport in the last 2 weeks?
- Do you have a temperature equal or greater than 100.4℉ (38℃)?
Upon sign up and payment, all paddlers will have the opportunity to view an instructional video on basic paddle skills and a list of “Things to know before you go paddling in Marina del Rey” Arrival Paddlers will wait in their cars until their scheduled time begins – no congregating on the beach All paddlers must wear a face mask or covering (i.e. gator) while on the beach Boards, paddles, lifejackets, and leashes will be laid out in the sun ready for paddler’s arrival Board Return Upon returning the board, Paddle Method staff will wipe down all high- touch points on the gear to include: Paddle handle and shaft, life vest/belt clasps, the leash cuff will be dunked in bleach/water solution, and all gear will be left in direct sunlight for at least 15 minutes before next use. Board use will be scheduled and staggered so that Paddle Method Staff will have time to disinfect all gear before next use. Bleach solution (per CDC guidelines, https:// www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/ 2019-ncov/ prevent-g etting-sick/ cleaning- disinfection.html): - 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
These procedures were designed based on science when the COVID-19 virus was suspended in the air, its half-life – the amount of time it takes to deactivate half the particles in a particular sample in “ordinary conditions” (20% humidity and a temperature of 70-75F (21.1-23.9C) was around an hour. When sunlight is added into the equation, that its half-life shrank significantly. Paddle Method has received consultation on proper Covid19 procedures by Michelle Kreke, PhD (biotech cGMP veteran). Indemnity Sign On Form and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Activity Agreement - I understand and acknowledge that SUP activities are dangerous and that there are inherent risks, which may result in serious injury to myself. Additionally, water/waves/ocean can act in a sudden and unpredictable (changeable) way.
- I stipulate and agree to save and hold harmless, indemnify, and forever defend Paddle Method and County of Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors against any claims, actions, demands, expenses, liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), and negligence made or brought by any person as a result of my involvement with Paddle Method and County of Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors and/or my use of Paddle Method’s equipment.
- I declare that I can swim 50 meters (150 feet).
- I declare that I do not have any medical or physical conditions that would affect my participation in the activity. (e.g. please advise instructor of asthma, previous broken bones, dislocated joints, diabetes, allergic reactions, wear contact lenses/hearing aids, any disabilities, etc.)
- I agree not to drink alcohol or take prohibited drugs before or during SUP activities.
- I understand that my signature to this document constitutes a complete and unconditional release or all liability of the proprietors of Paddle Method and its employees and agents to the greatest extent allowed by the law in the event of me and/or the children under my care, suffering injury or death.
- I authorize Paddle Method to arrange medical or hospital treatment as necessary and I agree to pay for all associated costs.
- Person under the age of 18 (a minor) must be signed in by a Parent/Guardian.
- I agree to accept all responsibility to maintain the condition and whereabouts of all the equipment rented for the entire rental period and to pay all repair and/or replacement costs for any damage or theft that may occur to equipment during the rental period. Should I damage a Stand Up Paddle Board, I agree to pay a damage fee not to exceed $300.00 per board. Should I lose or damage a Stand Up Paddle Board beyond repair, I agree to to pay a replacement fee not to exceed $1,250.00. Should I lose or severely damage a SUP paddle, I agree to pay a replacement fee not to exceed $275.00. Should I lose or damage PFD belt or vest, I agree to pay a replacement fee not to exceed $125.00. Should I lose or damage a board leash, I agree to pay a replacement fee not to exceed $45.00. Should I lose or damage a fin, I agree to pay a replacement fee not exceed $45.00.
Date: May 31, 2023 |