Planning to participate in water-based outdoor and adventurous activities

Initial Planning

Identify the activity you plan on doing to ensure that it aligns with the skills, interest levels and fitness of everyone participating.
Decide on the location, considering factors such as distance, accommodation, facilities, environment constraints, safety and suitability for the activity.
Check the weather forecast for the day of the activity. Know the tide times and currents if you are visiting a coastal location.
Budgeting and fundraising may be necessary for costly activities, taking into account travel expenses, food, accommodation, and gear rental.
Obtain permission forms and insurance as necessary for adventure activities. Always have emergency contact details readily accessible.

Make a detailed list of the necessary equipment for your activity, like wetsuits, lifesaving gear, or navigation tools.
Ensure that all gear is in good working order pre-activity and fits comfortably and securely. Damaged or ill-fitting equipment can prove to be a hazard.
Plan for emergency equipment or gear as well, such as first-aid kits, emergency food and water, map and compass, whistles, and torches.

Identify the skills needed for the activity, such as swimming capabilities for water sports, endurance for long treks, or a good head for heights for climbing activities.
Implement training sessions to build these skills if required. It’s important that everyone is comfortable and confident with what they are expected to do.
Apply the correct techniques for the activity and maintain them throughout to prevent injuries and ensure maximum performance.

Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment for the identified activity to identify potential hazards.
Based on the assessment, establish safety protocols and emergency procedures in case of accidents.
Review and revise safety measures throughout the activity and ensure that all participants are aware of the safety measures in place.

Plan to minimise your impact on the local environment. This might mean packing out all your rubbish, sticking to existing trails, and not picking wildflowers or disturbing wildlife.
Consider the safety of the natural environment you will be occupying. Weather, wildlife, and natural landscapes can all present hazards if not properly understood and planned for.

After the completion of the activity, arrange for a debriefing to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the planning and actual activity.
Input these learnings into future planning processes to ensure every outdoor adventure offers a safe and exciting experience.