Reflections on Risk Management in the Outdoors

Manage risk by being pessimistic!

In his book “Wilderness Secrets Revealed ” (p. 255, 2013), author Andre-Francois Bourbeau expresses the view that it helps to answer the following pessimistic scenarios before undertaking an outdoor activity: (1) What happens if departure is delayed for some time?

Three outdoor youth tragedies that changed things . . .

Since 1978 (a little more than a generation ago), there have been three outdoor event tragedies involving school-age youth, which were cause for reflection in the outdoor recreation industry – one was a 1978 canoeing incident (13 fatalities), one was

BSA’s “Safety Pause” slogan

BSA’s “SAFETY PAUSE” slogan is a convenient manner by which to address risk management during the planning and conduct of an activity: PAUSE before you start, ASSESS possible hazards, UNDERSTAND how to proceed safely, SHARE your plan with others, and EXECUTE

“Barrier analysis” . . . standard of care by another name?

“Barrier analysis” is a concept which originated decades ago with government and industrial accident investigations and accident prevention efforts. While the barrier analysis concept has not routinely been associated with risk management in the outdoor recreation field, extensive discussion of

Common outdoor risks and controls

There are industry-recognized and experience-based risks commonly associated with outdoor activities. As white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, snow skiing, and snowboarding are common outdoor Scouting activities, reference is made, by way of example, to the Victoria, Australia state government’s below

Causes of accidents in the outdoors

The causes of accidents in the outdoors are many, but have generally been characterized as being related to one or more of GEAR, PEOPLE, and ENVIRONMENT. UNSAFE ACTS, UNSAFE CONDITIONS, and ERRORS IN JUDGMENT also contribute to the occurrence of

The “Rescue Curve” . . . self-rescue, or call for help?

In the wilderness, whether on land or on water, reported incidents make clear that rescue of one or more participants may be necessary. Whether the desired rescue is ultimately possible or successful depends on a number of factors, including the

Risk vs. the mission of Scouting

The potential for significant risk during a Scouting activity is generally not something that a parent would find comforting, if not disagreeable, particularly if such potential is significant. There are several Scouting stories on the web which suggest that one

Using an outfitter for a river trip? Do your due diligence and exercise judgment!

Few units have the necessary experience, skill, and equipment to address the needs for any and all outdoor activities. Hence, units frequently take advantage of a commercial outfitter’s expertise and equipment. Regarding the use of commercial outfitters for river-based activities

Cold water . . . the “Silent Killer”!

The temperature of the water upon which Scouts conduct boating or rafting activities is a major risk factor, the potential effect of which may be ignored more often than not. However, no aquatic activity should be planned and carried out without due

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,

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;

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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