Updated April 15, 2021

General Overview

In accordance with the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, the State of Alaska, and local health organizations the Fairbanks Paddlers Club guidelines for safe paddling and events reflects our commitment to safe paddling, public health, and community well being during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A key aspect of public health is that Covid-19 can be transmitted by subjects that have not developed symptoms, so the Fairbanks Paddlers has adopted a Covid-19 risk management policy based on the guidelines from the American Canoe Association, the American Packraft Association, and the State of Alaska Covid-19 Health Mandates. We encourage all paddlers to follow these or similar policies when paddling.

Fairbanks Paddlers’ Covid-19 Risk Management Plan

The Fairbanks Paddlers’ Covid-19 Risk Management plan depends on the participants’ desire and willingness to keep themselves and their fellow paddlers healthy. To meet that end the Fairbanks Paddlers offers these guidelines. Please respect others and comply with the desires of the trip or event organizer. Be smart and keep each other healthy and safe.

Participation

No one exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms is allowed to participate. This includes a fever within 72 hours, or contact with someone who has Covid-19.

Vaccination

1. Two weeks after people are vaccinated they are considered safe from Covid; however, the CDC and the State of Alaska guidelines still indicate that vaccinated individuals when in public settings wear a mask, maintain a 6 foot distance, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often and use hand sanitizer.
2. Fully vaccinated individuals may choose to shuttle together, but should do so with automobile windows opened for good ventilation and all riders should be masked.

Protocols

1. Social distancing of 6 feet should be maintained both on land and on water (pay particular attention at put-ins and take-outs; loading and unloading craft; no rafting up on the water).
2. Face masks are strongly encouraged at put-ins and take outs, and if ever non- household groups are in close proximity (less than six feet). Please bring an extra face mask to use if yours gets wet.
3. Paddlers should avoid popular places and times in order to more effectively social distance. If you know there are likely to be other users, pick a different time or place to paddle.

Hygiene

Hygiene is the responsibility of each participant in Fairbanks Paddlers activities.

1. Bring hand sanitizer.
2. Sanitizing wipes or disinfectant sprays should be used when sharing equipment.
3. If public restrooms are open only one person at a time should use them. If public
   restrooms are not available each individual is responsible for a “bathroom bag” (I.e. trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, zip lock bags at a minimum).

Group Size

Group size is up to the activity coordinator. The CDC recommends “small” gatherings, but does not define small with a number. The key is taking proper precautions: masking, social distancing, travel/shuttle considerations, and good hygiene.

Travel

Fairbanks Paddlers believes that the greatest risk for Covid transmission is traveling to activities and shuttling between access points. These guidelines are to reduce that risk.

1. Travel and shuttle must be worked out prior to the activity. It is not fair to others for
   someone to show up without making prior arrangements.
2. The activity leader should hold a virtual meeting with all participants to work out de-
   tails and protocols prior to the activity. We are all now used to such meetings and
   they will help ensure safe Covid practices for all.
3. Household members (pod members) can travel in a vehicle together. Fully vaccinated individuals may choose to travel or shuttle together, but should do so with automobile windows opened for good ventilation and all riders should be masked. No participant should be in an uncomfortable or unsafe travel situation.
4. Use bicycle shuttles where appropriate.
5. When traveling, minimize stops, avoid crowded places, wear a face mask when
   dealing with vendors, wash or sanitize hands before exiting and after returning to the vehicle.

Camping

1. Tent sites must be 25 feet apart from non-household members.
2. Common areas (i.e. campfires, cooking areas) should be used with appropriate social distancing or at different times.
3. No sharing of food or drink.