A summer 2015 Boundary Waters rescue (a church group) confirms that “when you are in the wilderness, you are IN the wilderness”, and absent the ability to self- or group-rescue, the group may be at the mercy of good fortune, and outside
Food safety and liability
A federal district court in March, 2015 held that neither BSA nor NCAC (National Capital Area Counci) were liable for an injury to a Scout as a result of a 2008 E-coli tainted hamburger episode at NCAC’s Goshen Scout Reservation. I
Risk management in Cub Scouting is no different!
As the Cub Scout program will now include more adventurous activities mirroring those of the Boy Scout program, I offer the following 27 year old story for review involving Cub Scouts and water, which includes many teachable moments, reinforcing the
BSA transportation regulation regarding passenger vans
Regarding vehicles used to transport Scouts, effective September 1, 2015, 15-person passenger vans manufactured before 2005 are no longer permitted for use in Scouting activities. 15-person passenger vans manufactured in 2005 or later may be used as long as they have
Catastrophic risk and Scouting
Various commentators characterize mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing, white water rafting, white water kayaking, and scuba as high risk activities. Indeed, mountain biking may have been the most injury-prone activity at the last National Jamboree. And, there are a number
Decision-making models . . . What are they?
I recently read an after-action report about an accident involving an avalanche involving high school age youth, which report discussed “decision-making models” that could be used by an organization in an attempt to avoid a bad outcome for an activity.
Her sons survived! A parent’s perspective on risk in the wilderness
Perhaps to bring a bit of personal perspective to risk management in Scouting, below is an excerpt from a blog written by a Scout mother regarding her two sons’ experiences at Philmont and Northern Tier, respectively, reinforcing the fact that it
Are you meeting your “Standard of Care” toward your Scouts?
All units should recognize that they owe a “duty of care” to their youth. But the duty of care is accompanied by a “standard of care” – i.e., those steps taken by a unit to meet its duty of care.
Are you sufficiently skilled for paddle sport programs?
The August 2014 issue of Boys’ Life contains an article titled “The Wild Wild North”, describing a California troop’s eight day trek through Bowron Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia. Interestingly, the trek followed a number of interconnected lakes and
Lightning safety in the outdoors
Lightning safety is a necessary skill for those participating in outdoor program activities. Indeed, it is not difficult to find references on the web to lightning incidents. The lightning risk in Scouting is real. See, “Boy Scouts Accused of Not Taking
Canoeing at Northern Tier – not all sunshine and calm water!
On Thursday, June 12, 2014, a crew of eight originating from BSA’s Northern Tier base encountered 30 mph winds and heavy rain and waves while crossing a large lake in the Boundary Waters. One of their three canoes swamped in
The exercise of good judgment in the outdoors is crucial!
The exercise of good judgment by an adult leader in a youth-based outdoor activity is a crucial aspect of risk management. Indeed, it is the foundation of BSA safety in the outdoors. In the end, exercising good judgment may be the only factor protecting participants
Safe boating reminders
During approaching spring and summer boating seasons, here are some safe boating reminders. A kayak or canoe river trip may not normally seem to be a high risk event, but what if fast moving water due to heavy rains or
A unit owes a “Duty of Care” to its Scouts
The duty of care is every leader’s obligation towards Scouts under their guidance. A leader (or leaders) can enhance the odds that they will have met their duty of care by: following BSA and industry-recognized outdoor activity procedures and best practices;
What is ”Qualified Supervision”?
One of BSA’s Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety is “Qualified Supervision”. The Sweet Sixteen’s ”Qualified Supervision” and “Discipline” form the bread of BSA’s “Safety Sandwich”, with the meat of the sandwich being the activity-specific rules for each activity (Safe Swim Defense,