- All smallcraft activities must be supervised by an appropriately experienced or certified lead instructor. Additional experienced support staff should be used to insure a ratio of one to ten participants.
- Lead instructors will ideally hold ARC, ACA, or BCU smallcraft certification, New York State Guide’s license, or equivalent training and experience. In lieu of certification, a record of formal training and experience can be submitted in advance for evaluation by the Camp Director or Assistant Director. A form is provided for this purpose.
- Instructor training workshops will be offered early in the season to those seeking approval to lead groups with no formal certification. Groups unable to meet the standard but still wishing to use smallcraft will be able to hire instructors through CEOE.
- Instructors and/or support staff will accompany boaters as a group when on extended trips into Raquette Lake or beyond. Boating in front of Camp Huntington main dock, the Back Bay, or the Antlers waterfront can be supervised from shore, so long as boats are in sight, within hailing distance, and a rescue boat is ready to launch.
- Non-swimmers will be identified and kept close to supervising staff when on the water.
- All boaters will wear properly adjusted PFDs when using any smallcraft.
- Appropriate emergency procedures, including capsizing, cold water immersion and wet exits from kayaks will be covered in orientation.
- Proper smallcraft technique for boats being used will be taught to group prior to launching boats.
- Boats will be locked when not in use to prevent unauthorized use.
- No boating conditions may include high winds, a combined water and air temperature below 100 degrees, and fog with limited visibility. The determination to close boating will be made at the discretion of the camp director, assistant director, and lead instructor. There is no smallcraft boating allowed after dark.
- Individually registered adults and SUNY Cortland staff will be informed of the proper use and care of smallcraft and sign an acknowledgment of risk and waiver of liability prior to using any boats. They will then be allowed to use smallcraft without direct supervision at their own risk. Children under 18 must be included in their parents’ waiver and are the parents’ direct responsibility.
- Adults renting boats from Antlers will be informed in writing of the rules and risks involved and acknowledge same, as well as waive liability on the part of SUNY Cortland prior to using smallcraft.