Just don’t it!!

Why do we do things? Skye

SUCCESS? “A culture of lifelong enjoyment and success in sport.” Success - the accomplishment of an aim or purpose What is the opposite of success? If success is guaranteed – is it success?

The number of venues has increased by 340%. The number of clubs has increased by 8%. The number of participants has increased by 152%. In the majority of cases, growth in participation has been greatest amongst those not affiliated to clubs or National Governing Bodies. What’s happening in the sector?

Why do it? In summer 2007, 30 climbers died on Mont Blanc On 12 July climbers were killed on Mont Maudit in an ascent of Mont Blanc It is estimated that over 1000 people have died on the mountain BUT still they come - 20,000 people climb Mont Blanc per annum

Should we do things? In 2012 there were 8,346 lifeboat launches throughout the UK and Ireland. On average 22 lives were saved daily BUT… thousands put to sea every year!

Risk benefit analysis

Adventure sports Risks Discomfort Hypothermia Sprains and strains Cuts, lacerations and bleeding Drowning Falls Crush injuries

Adventure Sports Benefits Physical activity and health Mental well-being Environmental engagement Social cohesion

Adventure sports Mitigation and management Should we make it safe? How safe is safe enough? What are the parameters of the activity? What skills are required to lead the activity? What skills are required to participate? What risks do we give ownership to the participants

Policies or people? At Tollymore we celebrate achievement and success of participants overcoming challenges and difficulties that involve genuine risks in the natural environment. We therefore do not analyse risks in isolation but very much consider the benefits of participating in these activities and exposing people to risk. To help do this we use good quality equipment and clear systems and procedures for planning, communication and decision making.

Policies or people? However – our most important asset in this are people. We use highly trained, competent and qualified staff who have a wealth of experience in effectively managing risk. We also develop the physical and decision making skills of our participants so that ownership and management of risk and adventure is not solely the domain of the staff.

Policies or people? Minor injuries, scrapes, bumps and getting cold and wet are common place when participating in these activities and are therefore par for the course; occasional, more serious but non life threatening injuries such as broken bones, sprains etc. are always a possibility. However, Tollymore staff are absolutely committed to ensure that participants are never deliberately exposed to unacceptable and untenable levels of risk.

Policies or people? It is important to note that Tollymore provides courses for beginners through to highly experienced and skilled participants. As participants in outdoor sports gain experience and progress to higher standards, the levels of risk and associated consequences generally increase but are managed not only by the processes and systems identified above but also by the participants own experience, ability, understanding and ultimately ownership, of these risks.

Rating risks At Tollymore we do not numerically rate risks as we believe that the combination of people (especially children) and dynamic environments are too complex to be simplified by numbers. Discussion on conditions, group skills and abilities are key to the decision making processes. The decision to “go” is reviewed continuously.

Rating risks In adventure activities there is always the risk of death or serious injury – so the impact of a hazard is always potentially high. The likelihood of minor injuries is always high. The likelihood of major injuries is always there but generally low through dynamic management. The likelihood of catastrophic injury is ever present but reduced to very low through dynamic management.