What do on-water officials check before and during a race?

The Officials Manual lists these major items for on-water officials to keep in mind:

• PFDs: U16 and younger crews (as stated in the CKC Code of Safety) should be checked for personal flotation devices and whether they are worn properly.
• Boats: the minimum opening on a C-4 is respected; no additional equipment or modifications to the original design; splash boards no higher than 15 cm; and competitors are not tied, strapped or secured to the boat or its floorboard (unless covered by the Strapping Waiver under the Code of Safety).
• Dress: crews are uniformly dressed in the colours, pattern and style approved by the Sprint Racing Council.
• Crew: crews are complete and members are gender specific for the scheduled race (a C15 Captain may be of either gender).
• Numbers: deck numbers (15 cm high, black, on a white or yellow opaque plate of about 20 cm x 20 cm, not obstructed) and the correct body number worn and visible.

During the race Referees watch for competitors who fall in the water and immediately instruct safety boats to retrieve them, and for paddles, deck numbers or debris that could obstruct the course, which must be removed. Referees must also check for broken paddles.

Boat drivers for officials and safety boats must be licensed under federal, provincial and municipal rules, follow the instructions of the Referee or Starter they drive for, keep to a reasonable speed so they do not create a heavy wash, and be ready to respond to any emergency.

Source: Canoe Kayak Canada Officials Manual (rev. March 2023), sections 14.1, 14.3, 15.1.