British Canoeing to support retailers with increased SUP safety guidance
British Canoeing is supporting major UK retailers to increase their provision of safety guidance for stand up paddleboards, purchased in store and online.
Tesco will be using their SUP infographic as a safety sticker on all Tesco Stand Up Paddleboards, that also includes a QR code linked to their Go Paddling website to provide further information.
This is a crucial step taken by a major retailer in putting safety in front of the independent paddling audience and general public, something that British Canoeing has been actively promoting since the rise in popularity of stand up paddleboarding.
Tesco will also share this information with other retailers and British Canoeing is now expecting other major supermarkets to follow suit with their safety messaging.
Ashley Metcalfe, Chief Executive at British Canoeing said: “Provision of safety information and resources by retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers at the point of sale is key to raising awareness of safety among new and novice paddlers.
“Tragically over the past couple of years there have been several fatalities involving new and novice paddlers.
“Following this, the Senior Coroner expressed his concerns over the absence of safety information at the point of sale among retailers, and specifically referred to British Canoeing’s SUP leash infographic as guidance.
“In light of this we have been approached by several large retailers who were keen to use our safety guidance to inform their customers.”
This guidance follows the recent announcement that British Canoeing has been formally recognised as a National Governing Body for Stand Up Paddleboarding, after receiving confirmation from Sport England.
