KNOWN RISKS ON SCOUT OUTINGS

 

All Scouts and their families are aware of the many benefits to participating in Scout activities.  Our Scouts learn to become mature, responsible, self sufficient young adults through Scout activities.  We get the opportunity to grow physically, emotionally and socially through a variety of fun, educational, and sometimes demanding activities. Many of these activities bring a measure of risk.  Through careful planning, training, quality leadership, and most importantly total cooperation from Scouts and adults alike, risk can be controlled, but not eliminated.  It is very important to consider the following before signing up for, or participating in a group outing. Knowing your risks, and mitigating them, can make for safer outings. 

RISK CAN INCLUDE, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:

Transportation:             Any time we get in a vehicle, we assume risk.  It is everyone’s responsibility to allow their driver to concentrate on safe driving techniques, including obeying all traffic laws.

Weather & Climate:   Good or bad weather, all weather has its risks. Sunburn for the unprotected. Hypothermia if it gets too cold, wet, or windy.  Hyperthermia if it gets too hot.  Some climates can experience lightning, high winds, violent storms, or extreme temperatures.   Winter conditions with snow, ice, and low temperatures require specific BSA winter awareness training and preparation for risk control and enjoyment.

Altitude:                        Altitude sickness can occur as low as 7-8000 feet, and can develop into a critical condition if not monitored and treated.

Water:                         Even good swimmers can drown in the right circumstance. Trips that include exposure to lakes, rivers, waterfalls, pools, or other forms of water leave an opportunity for injury or death.  Hypothermia, broken bones, abrasions and other maladies can occur from exposure to water.

Lost/Found:                 Should a Scout become lost, he must be found. He must also know what to do until he is found.  A Scout who becomes lost could end up becoming the focus of a search/rescue operation, and the resulting costs may become the responsibility of his parents/guardians.

Injuries:                      First Aid kits are a staple of Scout activities. We are always facing the possibility of bumps, bruises, bug bites, abrasions, cuts, burns, blisters, sprains, and other injuries. Rock climbing can present special risks that must be mitigated by Scout suitability and readiness, adult supervision, training, planning, proper equipment and other factors.

Don’t Forget:             The unexpected: Wilderness outings can encounter unpredictable wildlife, cliffs & loose rock along trails, water crossings, and other risks.

Also Consider:            Should an injury or illness occur, everyone should know in advance how far away they will be from rescue/medical treatment on every outing.

WHEN YOU ARE CONSIDERING PARTICIPATING IN AN OUTING, KNOW THE RISKS IN ADVANCE AND HOW TO CONTROL THEM.
THEN HAVE FUN.