We have this discussion frequently, but I'll bring it up again just so we are sure we are doing things intentionally.

Rules and "requirements" are meaningless without the possibility of enforcement. If we are going to have rules, we need to be prepared to enforce them. If we are going to enforce them we need to have people in the club ready and willing to do it and who will be held responsible should they fail to enforce the rules. I.e. there needs to be rules about enforcing the rules and consequences should we fail to abide by our own rules.

If the ConnYak organization creates requirements and fails to abide by those requirements it is liable for the consequences of its failures. Do we want to create those kinds of requirements?

If we are not prepared to do this, then we should not be talking about rules and requirements. If what we are really talking about are only suggestions and advice with no plan in place to assure they are followed, then we should call them such.

Note that if we have suggestions and you are not happy with how someone else on the trip is acting, you are free to say: "You are unsafe. Good bye, I am going to go off and do my own thing." Where if they are rules, then you need to be prepared to say: "You are unsafe. You need to go back to shore right now, and I am going to escort you back to make sure you are safe."

For the record, the second option may be the best/safest, but is everyone ready to be that enforcer, and is the club ready to sanction members for failing to forcibly escort an unqualified paddler home? If not, it isn't actually a rule, it is only a suggestion.

: Requirements for Paddling with ConnYak

: ConnYak has the following minimum requirements and the
: expectation that everyone will follow them:
: 1. Always wear a life jacket (PFD) or other flotation device
: appropriate to your boat
: 2. For open water paddles, always wear a spray skirt
: (exception: surf skis and sit on tops) and have a kayak that is
: capable of self-rescue (i.e. that has flotation – bulkhead or
: float bags – fitted at both ends)
: 3. Always carry a Coast Guard approved signaling device (e.g.
: a whistle)
: 4. Have as a minimum the skills and experience suggested in
: the trip rating (when listed)
: 5. Show a sense of awareness and cohesion as far as staying
: with the group, and notify others in the group should you plan
: to depart from it for any reason.