Heat illness is a serious matter in Scouting, as evidenced by more than a few instances where both youth and adults have perished during outdoor Scouting events due to the effects of heat. See this 2009 story. And, this 2013
Don’t ignore the “yellow warning signs” – they are a gift!
While outdoor participants are routinely faced with mental “red flags” (or warning signs) either during the planning or conduct of an outdoor activity (such as a bad weather report), there are times when such red flags constitute actual warning signs
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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