The author is aware of two units who each sent a crew to Philmont, and who each had an adult crew member have to remove themselves from the crew by the third day due to a physical inability to continue
What can be learned from tragedy?
In 2003 seven teenagers perished as a result of an avalanche while ski touring in British Columbia during an annual school-sponsored trip. As a result of the tragedy, an after-action report was commissioned, which made various recommendations and conclusions. Many
Unnecessary Risk – What is it?
The “Mission” of the Boy Scouts of America “is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” One of the Eight Methods of
The “Pitfalls of Impatience”
Renowned outdoorsman Cliff Jacobson, in a Scouting magazine issue of September-October, 2016, addressed the “Pitfalls of Impatience” in relation to actions taken during an outdoor activity. Cliff described four different scenarios that might reasonably be faced by a volunteer Scout
Class V rivers – no more!
Over the years, Scouts and their leaders have experienced white water activities which have included Class V rivers. Indeed, Scouts attending Bechtel Summit Base had the opportunity to raft on a Class V river. But, no more! Note the
“Safety countermeasures” – are you using them?
Priest and Gass, “Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming“, 1997, p. 98, make reference to the use of “risk management countermeasures” in support of a risk management plan. These “countermeasures” can be employed to either avoid, or minimize, the effect or
Scouting’s risk management challenges . . . there are many!
Being a well-meaning BSA adult volunteer in support of a unit’s outdoor program presents many challenges. The challenges presented are, for the most part, different than those normally faced by adults. Indeed, the challenges which must be faced, and successfully
Altitude sickness – nothing to ignore!
There were at least two reported hiking deaths in 2017 attributed to altitude sickness. One a 17 year old Boy Scout backpacking in Utah, and another a 20 year old female hiking in the Colorado mountains. A Boys’ Life article
Who can “assume the risk” of an activity?
The movie “White Mile” (trailer found here) (available on DVD and used in support of some university outdoor recreation courses) is based on a true life event where several adult participants perished during a “corporate-bonding” white water rafting event in Canada.
Can we rely too much on GPS for directions? Possibly.
Can we sometimes place too much faith in GPS for directions? Some stories make this seem so. In one 2016 story, a young woman became lost for 5 days near the Grand Canyon due to reliance on her car’s GPS,
Search and Rescue in the National Parks . . . what were the causes?
The National Park Service keeps records of search and rescue missions in its parks, and its 2014 annual report is enlightening as to such causes, most of which are applicable to the planning and conduct of Scouting activities. For instance,
Preventative search and rescue (PSAR) . . . a proactive approach to a safe activity
The National Park Service since 1997 has engaged in an effort call “Preventative Search and Rescue” (PSAR ), in a proactive attempt to reduce the need to engage in searches and rescues of park visitors. This effort generally involves educating
Who has supervisory authority over a high adventure crew?
In this story regarding a near-tragedy during a 2015 Northern Tier canoe trek, it is stated that the Northern Tier “guide” made a mistake by taking the crew too close to a waterfall, with the entire crew ultimately being swept
Portage, or rapids, at Northern Tier?
The participant handbook for BSA’s Northern Tier canoe programs states as follows with regard to its “whitewater” policy: “The running of rapids, whitewater or waterfalls is prohibited. All Northern Tier crews will portage around all falls, rapids, fast water, etc.
History repeats . . . the dangers of open (cold) water boating
On June 19, 2016, while attending a Russian summer camp, 14 children aged 11-15 (out of 47 participants) perished while boating on a large lake during a summer camp activity. The boats overturned during an advancing storm. The water temperature
Hiker fatigue raises its ugly head at Baxter State Park (Maine)
A recent study analyzed search and rescue (SAR) response reports for Baxter State Park in Maine (home of Mt. Katahdin, terminus of the Appalachian Trail) for the 20+ year period of 1992-2014. Perhaps not surprisingly, the study found that fatigue
White water rafting . . . proceed with caution
On May 14, 2016 a group of 13 Scouts and 6 adults ran a 16 mile stretch of the Dead River in Maine, stated to include Class III to Class IV+ (some say Class V+) rapids. The Dead River reportedly
Might different unit leaders address risk differently? Yes!
In their article “Risking a Debate – Redefining Risk and Risk Management: A New Zealand Case Study”, The Journal of Experiential Education, Spring 2001, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp 50-57, authors Robyn Zink et al discussed the results of a
Was the incident the result of product, process, or procedure?
In his article “Learning from accident analysis: The dynamics leading up to a rafting accident”, The Journal of Experiential Education, August 1998, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 86-95, the author Johan Hovelynck makes the point that accidents can be attributed
Can you make things worse?
I recently read the following quote: “No matter how bad things are, you can always make them worse.” The implications for an adult volunteer during a Scouting activity are many, including failing to appreciate the existence of, and to deal
Did the injury result from gross negligence, or willful or reckless misconduct, and does it matter? It might!
The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 immunizes from liability unpaid volunteers working for non-profit organizations whose negligence results in an injury to another during the course of their volunteer duties. This Act, of course, applies to adult Scout volunteers acting within
Better than a trail of bread crumbs . . . ?
A service iNeverSolo (info here) markets itself as being “better than a trail of bread crumbs”. It is a free service where participants taking outdoor trips (hikes, canoe trips, etc.) can register their trip plan on-line, which trip plan includes
“American Whitewater” Safety Code
American Whitewater has a safety code directed specifically to white water boating. See, http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start. The safety code covers the following subject areas: Personal preparation and responsibility Boat and equipment preparedness Group preparedness and responsibility Guidelines for river rescue International scale
Selecting a competent vendor . . . part of the unit’s duty of care!
Selecting an appropriate commercial vendor for an outdoor activity is part of the unit’s duty of care. For instance, if the vendor is a source of rental canoes, rafts, or kayaks, does the vendor: maintain the equipment (including PFDs) in
Can you cope at the boundaries of the activity?
Jeff Jackson, professor and coordinator of Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure Program, and co-author of “Managing Risk – Systems Planning for Outdoor Adventure Programs” (2011), in a recent webinar, makes the point that “safe failure” is more important than being “fail
Do nothing in haste . . .
“Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think
Hints to assist in avoiding or minimizing risk in the outdoors . . .
Peter Kick, in his 2015 book “Desperate Steps – Life, Death, and Choices Made in the Mountains of the Northeast“, lists the following hints to assist in avoiding or minimizing risk in the backcountry: Plan ahead – know your bailout
Injuries and near misses – what are their causes, and can they be avoided by following BSA policies and procedures?
Goode et al, in their 2015 publication “Looking beyond people, equipment, and environment: Is a systems theory model of accident causation required to understand injuries and near misses during outdoor activities?“, Procedia Manufacturing 3 (2015) 1125-1131 (available on-line at www.sciencedirect.com),
How many victims are there?
In the event of an unfortunate incident, involving one or more youth or adults, it may be simplistic to believe that the only victims are those directly involved – i.e., those who are injured, or worse. But, the list of
Is your unit capable of attending to risk issues?
Professor Angie Moline of Northern Arizona University several years ago released the results of a study directed to the level of preparedness of university faculty who supervised outdoor field programs for students in subject areas such as ecology, biology, environmental
Scuba diving and risk management
The February, 2016 issue of Boys’ Life contains an article titled “Scuba on Ice”, directed to a winter scuba activity on a frozen lake in Minnesota. An excellent adventure to be sure. Opportunities for Scouts to learn, and participate in,
Your outdoor activity is done . . . now what?
Most outdoor recreation commentators do not consider an activity completed until a “post-activity review” occurs. That is, what did we do, how did we do it, how did it go, and what do we need to change? Scout units may
How many lemons?
Several outdoor risk management commentators equate “risk factors ignored” to “lemons” such as might appear on a slot machine, such that when sufficient “lemons” accumulate due to ignored risk factors, the “jackpot” of overwhelming risk results, potentially leading to a
Wilderness first aid, CPR, BSA high adventure, and the standard of care
Being able to provide reasonable medical care during an outdoor activity is one aspect of meeting the standard of care toward the participants, Scouts or adults. BSA deals with this issue by requiring minimum medical certification standards for those attending
The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety . . . now retired, but still relevant!
The “Sweet 16 of BSA Safety” has been an integral part of the standard of care which must be exercised during the planning and conduct of Scouting’s outdoor program for decades. However, as of 2021, the “Sweet 16” is phased
Proper hydration . . . is anyone paying attention?
The “default” mode for outdoor participants, particularly youth, probably tends toward dehydration as opposed to being sufficiently hydrated. Why? Most will use the “thirsty” reflex to determine when to consume water, but at that point, most commentators take the view
Summit fever . . . something to be avoided!
The January 2016 issue of Boys’ Life magazine contains an article about a Scout group which attempted to hike to the summit of Mount Washington (NH) during February, 2015. Wisely, on the advice of a park ranger, the group put into
Gear, people, environment . . . pay attention to these!
Rick Curtis, author of “The Backpacker’s Manual” (2005), an excellent and highly recommended 400+ page treatise on backcountry skills, makes the point (pp. 226-228), also made by many others in the outdoor recreation field, that potential hazards in the outdoors
You recognized risk – but you chose to ignore it . . . this is why!
As an adult volunteer, you are frequently confronted with one or more risk factors during an outdoor activity. Will you be able to deal with them, or will you find cause to ignore them? Priest and Gass, in their book
Learn it young, remember it forever . . .
“Learn it young, remember it forever” . . . a promotional slogan adopted by Scouts South Africa, as discussed and depicted in this video. This slogan has real implications with regard to risk management in Scouting, reinforcing the fact
What is your “zone of operation” ?
Several outdoor program commentators characterize an outdoor program participant’s ability to function by relating their level of competence to the degree of difficulty of the activity, denoted as “operation zones“. Such “operation zones” are defined as follows: The “boredom zone”
Questions to ask about your outdoor program!
Cathye Haddock, author of “Managing Risks in Outdoor Activities”, New Zealand Mountain Safety Manual 27, pp. 91-93, 1993, suggests that administrators of outdoor education programs should address a number of areas of inquiry to ensure that their programs are well-planned
Canoeing hazards in the wilderness
Cliff Jacobson, in his book Canoeing Wild Rivers, 5th ed, 2015, lists the following as significant hazards when canoeing in the wilderness (pay attention future Northern Tier, Maine High Adventure, and other wilderness canoeists!): Over-reliance on maps and contour intervals
Some recommended outdoor risk management resources . . .
Apart from the author’s risk management book, the one and only book written specifically for adult Scout volunteers on the subject, there are a number of other resources directed to outdoor risk management which would find a useful spot in
Philmont PASS . . . or fail?
Philmont Scout Reservation has been in continuous use since 1942. During 2015-2016, for two years, BSA offered Philmont advisor training programs at various locations across the country (apparently the first ever offered specifically for Philmont advisors). The program, known as
Hiking dangers in Utah . . . and beyond
A September 28, 2015 article in The Spectrum newspaper discusses 10 dangers that “can ruin a hike”. While focused on hiking dangers in southern Utah, most, if not all, of the list is applicable to hiking in any location, particularly for Scout
The unit must have a culture of risk management to safely “sail the boat”!
Each Scout unit must establish a culture of outdoor risk management in order to enhance the odds that a successful, safe, outcome is achieved. The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council in its book “Outdoor Safety – Risk Management for Outdoor
Adult volunteers . . . will they survive the event?
The movie “White Mile” (trailer found here) (available on DVD and used in support of some university outdoor recreation courses) is based on a true life event where several adult participants perished during a “corporate-bonding” white water rafting event in Canada.
General vs. specific supervision . . . know the difference, and the potential effect!
The “qualified supervision” of BSA’s Sweet Sixteen involves many responsibilities, one of which is to understand when to exercise “general supervision”, when to exercise “specific supervision”, and when to transition from one to another. In a reported incident of years past,
Follow the “rules of adventure”
In his book “Deep Survival” (2003), author Laurence Gonzales offered the following “Rules of Adventure”, which are certainly applicable to the planning and conduct of Scouting’s outdoor program: (1) Know what you are doing (have you taken all applicable training and
Swift water rescue . . . a good skill to have!
It is not uncommon for Scout-sponsored boating trips to occur on rivers having inherent hazards such as cold water, in-water obstacles, rapids, high water flow rate, etc. Such hazards can place participants (youth and adults) in harm’s way under unexpected
Who will rescue you?
In the unlikely (hopefully) event that your group requires the assistance of rescuers, for whatever reason, would you know which agency or agencies would come to your aid? This may be important to know from the standpoint of having the
Open water paddling . . . be prepared, and be aware!
Open water paddling, particularly in bodies of water where the temperature is cold, places risk management at the forefront. The margin for error can be slim indeed as shown by this Chilean kayak story involving the founder of North Face. Experienced
New Hampshire’s and Utah’s new “search and rescue” cards . . . avoid being billed for your rescue!
Rescue agencies, including the National Park Service, as well as various state agencies, have long questioned whether those in need of rescue, who have created a need to be rescued due to their own negligence, should be billed for those
“Be prepared” in the backcountry
Hikes in the backcountry include their own challenges, including unknown, unexpected, and unforeseeable risks, resulting in the potential for harm. Being prepared for emergencies by carrying a rescue or survival kit is, of course, part of “being prepared”! The National
Foreseeability . . . it’s hard to predict the future, but someone has to try!
A leader’s duty of care to the Scouts includes attempting to understand those risks that are “reasonably foreseeable”, and then either accepting the consequences of those risks, mitigating the effect of the risks by making changes to the activity, or
Some stories of Scout volunteers . . . driver fatigue, Philmont, falling tree, and severe weather at summer camp
Several persons during a risk management training session shared some personal stories. Story #1: Regarding the issue of driver fatigue, one person confirmed that a scout leader returning from summer camp fell asleep and hit his car in traffic. As
Teachable moments in the wilderness
This post will be supplemented periodically with stories about teachable moments in the wilderness. There unfortunately does not seem to be a lack of them on the web . . . Cold water canoe accident 1982 Boy Scout cold water
Weather “trigger points” . . . use them!
Weather is a primary risk factor to be addressed. As some say, “WEATHER RULES“! One way to address the risk associated with weather is to employ pre-determined weather “trigger points” which may be cause to put “Plan B” into effect
An expert’s tips for avoiding accidents in the outdoors
Cliff Jacobson, a renowned author and outdoorsman with over 35 years experience canoeing in the backcountry, offers the following tips for avoiding accidents in the September-October 2012 issue of Scouting magazine: (1) Pay attention to the weather; (2) Dress appropriately
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
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
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
Is rescue possible in the wilderness . . . or is “hope” the only plan?
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
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
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,
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
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
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