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
You followed “protocol” . . . so why did bad stuff still happen?
In a story from 2002, two members of a church camp canoeing group tragically perished at the base of Upper Basswood Falls in the Boundary Waters (pictured below) – one a camp participant while swimming at the base of the
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
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,
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
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
Drone to the rescue?
A fire department in Maine recently used a drone to deliver a lifeline to two teenagers trapped in the middle of a river. The drone used is a DJI Phantom 3. Shades of things to come? Here’s another story about
Communication in the wilderness
With the advent of cell phones and satellite phones, not to mention SPOT devices, the question of whether to bring some kind of communication means when exploring the backcountry is being asked more and more. Indeed, all Northern Tier crews
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
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
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
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
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