It is the potentially hazardous elements and often the remoteness of
the settings of outdoor recreation activities which set them apart and
necessitate special precautions for the safety of participants.
Principals must ensure that the following procedures apply:
A teacher is nominated as the teacher-in-charge
They sight all the relevant activity details and are satisfied that
the requirements outlined in this document are met prior to approval
• Appropriate supervision requirements are met
The requirements regarding any swimming/water activities are followed
Leaders/instructors are qualified and/or experienced to lead the specific
activity. General qualities expected of the leader are:
qualifications and competencies relevant to the activity
experience and expertise in that activity
competence to lead the group
familiarity with the locality.
The teacher-in-charge of the outdoor recreation activity has ultimate
responsibility, and therefore authority, while the activity is in progress.
They will either lead the activity or engage an instructor.
The range of activities undertaken in outdoor recreation pursuits is
extensive. Principals need to ensure that participating staff have levels
of first aid training appropriate to the proposed activity, location and
any student disabilities, and that adequate and appropriate first aid
kit(s) are available on the activity.
All accompanying teachers must have recognised current training in emergency
care, such as the St John Ambulance Emergency Care Module or the Senior
First Aid Course. For groups involved in overnight stays, at least one
accompanying teacher must also possess recognised current training in
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
Remote Area First Aid (or similar), where medical aid may take several
hours or longer to reach a casualty, is highly desirable for extended
walks in remote areas.
It is the responsibility of the teacher-in-charge, in consultation with
the instructor, to ensure that all students are adequately equipped and
that all equipment is in good order prior to departure.
The teacher-in-charge must ensure that:
all adults assisting teaching staff in the capacity of instructor
have the appropriate skills, qualifications and experience necessary
to carry out the activity in accordance with National Competency Standards.
They must also be advised of their responsibilities, relevant school
policies including child protection responsibilities and safety procedures
the bona fides of all non-teaching staff are carefully assessed
emergency contacts and procedures are developed for all outdoor recreation
activities. All members of the group must know how to implement these
procedures
a contingency plan is developed in case conditions become adverse.
A copy is to be left with the principal for use in an emergency. Special
consideration should be given to cancelling planned activities in the
event of extreme weather conditions, fire danger, etc.
parents are informed of full details of the location, mode of travel
and route, supervision to be provided (name of leader, staff and other
adults), activities to be undertaken, degree of difficulty, the contact
system, cost and intended departure and return times, clothing, equipment
and food requirements where appropriate before their written
permission is obtained. The permission note must contain a clause authorising
medical aid if it is considered necessary by the supervising teacher.
The note should also include a section where the parent advises the
school of any illness or medical condition that the student suffers
from, or any medication the student is currently taking (including
asthma sprays, etc.). Preparation of the alert list and distribution
of student medication is the responsibility of the teacher. The alert
list must be collated from information on medical consent forms prior
to departure
the specific safety requirements defined for each outdoor recreation
activity are adhered to. These relate to staff qualifications, teacher/student
ratios, student age and readiness and equipment safety standards. These
requirements are stipulated under each activity
All teachers in the party have recognised current training in emergency
care and that a first aid kit, appropriately equipped for the activity,
is carried. For overnight trips, there must be one accompanying teacher
who has current training in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
equipment and clothing is suitable to meet the conditions and requirements
of the activity
prior to commencement of the activity, all group members are instructed
in relevant safe practice, procedures in the case of accidents, illness,
separation from the party, correct selection, use and safety of clothing
and equipment, including sun protection and how to recognise and treat
hypothermia
challenges, either imposed by the environment or imposed by the task,
do not exceed the physical skill level or emotional control of the participant
a minimum impact environmental code is adopted. Participants must
be made aware of this prior to and during the activity. This will cover:
party size in sensitive areas
disposal of human wastes
integrity of water supplies
disposal of rubbish
fire restrictions
local authorities are notified both prior to departure and on return.
Authorities may include: rangers, police and landowners. Details will
include: date, size of party, route, planned overnight camp areas, escape
routes (where appropriate), first aid equipment and emergency food stocks
and other relevant information as required
they know the location of a phone, hospital and emergency services.
A mobile phone to be used in emergency situations is desirable on all
activities but leaders should allow for the fact they may not operate
in all locales. Prior testing at the site will ascertain operational
effectiveness for the route and terrain. In more bush areas, other forms
of communication such as UHF radios should be considered.
a well-equipped medical kit must be carried. For larger parties or
extended walks, two kits should be carried
schools are advised of any unexpected delays in returning from excursions
to enable families to be informed of the late return
in the case of an emergency, the school principal is contacted
students are instructed to use adequate sun protection (eg. SPF15+,
broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen reapplied regularly). A broad
brimmed hat or Foreign Legion-style cap should be worn.
