Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Lessons Must Be learned from Canyoning Deaths

Lessons Must Be learned from Canyoning Deaths
July 13, 2010

Lessons must be learnt from the deaths of six students and their teacher at the Mangatepopo Stream while participating in a canyoning activity according to the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (NZMSC).

Following the release of the Coroner’s findings into the incident, NZMSC Chief Executive Darryl Carpenter said the inquiry provided important recommendations for both the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuit Centre (OPC) and the wider outdoor education sector and participants.

“We will be studying the Coroner’s findings in detail and working with industry, training providers and the education sector to ensure that any recommendations are incorporated into ongoing outdoor safety education for those providing an experience as well as those participating in an outdoor activity.”

The report recommends steps be taken to ensure that minimum standards are met and all reasonable steps be taken to reduce the chance of serious injury, including proper risk identification and management.

Specific to the Mangatepopo Gorge incident and OPC, the Coroner commented that there needed to be an awareness of the environment, identification of hazards, proper assessment of adverse events occurring, and that plans are prepared if an adverse event occurs including regular emergency exercises.

As a result, Carpenter explains “from a sector-wide perspective, New Zealand Mountain Safety Council supports the Coroner’s recommendation that Government consider ensuring minimum safety standards are met in outdoor education and adventure operations.

“If we are to reduce the risk of such tragedies recurring, the focus has to be on prevention and education. We support any moves to ensure robust standards exist across the outdoor recreation sector and that operators and participants receive adequate training and education in how to best manage the risks inherent in outdoor activities.

“We would go further and urge that Government consider requiring all activity providers undergo regular, external review of their operations to ensure minimum standards are met and that there is continual improvement in safety standards across the sector.”

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council made similar recommendations in its submission to the Department of Labour’s current review of safety in the adventure tourism sector.

Carpenter added “New Zealand Mountain Safety Council also welcomes the Coroner’s recognition of the importance of outdoor adventure in youth development,.

“Outdoor education enriches our lives as individuals and as a community. We fully support the Coroner’s view that all reasonable steps must be taken to minimise the chances of serious injury. While safety can never be absolutely guaranteed, parents and families should expect that the risk management approach adopted for outdoor activities organised for youth avoids serious injury or death.”

“The outdoors is a dynamic environment. Safe participation in outdoor activities requires constant vigilance, careful preparation, a thorough understanding of best practice, robust processes and access to the right skills and experience.”

“We encourage schools, parents and students undertaking outdoor activity to seek appropriate reassurance from their activity provider that their skills, knowledge and processes and standards are both adequate and up-to-date.”

“We recommend the following guidelines as a source of information before undertaking outdoor activities:

• EOTC Guidelines: Bringing the Curriculum Alive - the ‘blue book’ was recently reviewed and re-launched but had limited implementation support due to limited funding being available

• Outdoor Activities: Guidelines for Leaders (ONZ, 2009) – the ‘red book’ received a minor review recently but is due for a major review

• MSC manuals and resources such as Outdoor Safety: Risk Management for Outdoor Leaders. Most resources are due for review of their content as well as developing alternative media (such as DVDs and online resources) but there is limited funding available for this purpose.

“In addition, for individuals and groups intending to participate in an outdoor activity (and not delivered by a commercial education provider) we recommend that they initially consider the Outdoor Safety Code (plan your trip, tell someone, be aware of the weather, know your limits, take sufficient supplies, www.outdoorsafetycode.co.nz) and supplement this with the activity specific information."

A complete copy of the Coroner's Findings re Fatalities at Sir Edmund Hillary OPC can be viewed at www.adventurepro.com.au/news/Coroners_Findings_re_Fatalities_at_Sir_Edmund_Hillary_OPC.pdf

25th May 2010 - SAFETY IN NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE TOURISM

14th December 2009 - NZ BODIES TO UNDERTAKE CANYONING RESEARCH

24th September 2009 - OUTDOORS NZ SUPPORTS ADVENTURE TOURISM INQUIRY


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

AMPD Academy

Originally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Education / Recreation / Safety

 
 

Augmented Creative

Augmented Creative is an open organization of like-minded and highly dedicated, creative people who conceive, plan and execute visual solutions. We pursue new and innovative visual ideas to help…

read more

Arts / Attractions / Consultants / Design / Tourism

 
 

Anti Wave Global

Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Sport

 
 

GREENEDESK

Track. Engage. Retain GreeneDesk is a suite of cloud based software solutions helping health clubs, leisure centres and swim schools to effectively track progression, improve customer engagement and…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Education / Fitness / Technology

 
 

Mattioli

Gianni Mattoli Director 0412 360 378 E: gianni@mattoli.com.au E: marketing@mattioli.com.au Tony Aloi National Operations Manager 0425 762 864 E: tony@mattoli.com.au MEL · SYD · ADE…

read more

Aquatics / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 

Momentus Technologies

About: Momentus Technologies is a global provider of industry-leading venue and event management solutions that empower organizations to create extraordinary moments. With over 50,000 users in more…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

Clubware

Clubware’s online gym software is not your run of the mill management system. It has been carefully designed to incorporate all the elements that a fitness club would need. How did we do that?…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Recreation

 
 

BioLab Australia Pty Ltd

BioGuard is Australia and New Zealand’s most trusted supplier of premium, innovative and affordable commercial water treatment systems and chemicals. BioGuard offers a comprehensive range of…

read more

Aquatics / Technology / Waterparks

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business