1. SAFETY IN THE OUTDOORS 1.7

2. What is Safety? Physical Safety: Things that involve ensuring someone is physically safe, such as checking someone's harness, helmets etc. Emotional Safety: Things that involve ensuring that people are ‘feeling’ safe. Ensuring that they feel comfortable, ‘safe’ in their groups/activity

3. Categories of Risk People Levels of personal & social skills Knowledge and experience Ratio of leaders to participants Attitudes – such as compliance Differences in size and emotional maturity Health and fitness limitations

4. Categories of Risk Equipment Clothing and footwear Food and drink Transport Communications (whistle, radios etc) Activity-specific (boats, ropes etc) Safety equipment

5. Categories of Risk Environment Weather conditions Type of terrain Access to emergency services Wild animals and insects Consents and permissions from owners Security and traffic density

6. Responsible Behaviour Involving personal accountability or ability to act without guidance or superior authority Co-operation with others Self Management Compliance with instructions Care of equipment Appropiate communication Team Work Assisting and supporting others Tolerance Conflict Resolution Decision Making

7. Self Management Participating in an outdoor education activity requires a partnership to be formed between group members and the instructor(s). There are a number of areas in which participants can take direct control of their involvement to ensure an outdoor activity is both a challenging and an enjoyable experience.

8. Team-Work Trust Can be relied upon to do tasks properly when asked Keeps a team-mates information confidential Remains loyal to the coach/captain Effort Gives 100% commitment at all times Ensures is on time and fully prepared for practices and games

9. Team Work Attitude Is a follower (cooperating with the leader) Helps others in the team where possible Uses honesty at all times (especially in games) Motivating Friendly and welcoming towards new players Encourages and supports others Maintains a positive attitude

10. Decision Making Physical activity often requires people to make decisions. In a team situation, this is usually achieved through gathering and sharing as much relevant information as possible, considering viable alternatives, and arriving at a group consensus, taking as much time as possible. Individuals with previous experiences in similar situations can often show leadership and make a significant contribution to the decision making process. An effective group decision should consider the needs and safety of all people involved. Effective decisions made during outdoor activities influence mental and emotional well-being when people feel their needs are met and they are safely performing an activity.