section 2 youth involvement 2.15 …...adventurous outdoor activities that are interesting,...

Queensland Branch Scouting Instructions (QBSI) SECTION 2 YOUTH INVOLVEMENT: CHAPTER 2.15 ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES (Version 3) of 13

SECTION 2 YOUTH INVOLVEMENT 2.15 ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES

2.15.1. OVERVIEW

In helping young people to develop Scouts Australia has traditionally been involved in adventurous outdoor activities that are interesting, challenging and ideal for the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and character development of our Youth Members. These Instructions have been prepared to alert adults in Scouting to the need for vigilance, particularly where there is a potential hazard that may lead to injuries during Adventurous Activities. At all times adults in Scouting must act with due care and take reasonable steps to reduce risks and avoid accidents. Activities undertaken by Members fall within the following categories: DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES undertaken within the normal youth program by the various Sections and Formations. Leaders who hold a Certificate of Appointment can supervise these Activities. ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES that are based on appropriate community and Scouting standards, and require leadership by persons with the prescribed training or experience identified below, in addition to a Certificate of Appointment. RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES as determined by the Chief Commissioner of Queensland (refer to QBSI 2.15.5 of this document). Safety procedures are provided for activities that involve varying degrees of risk. No set of Guidelines can cover all circumstances nor can they cover all the alternative procedures that may be followed in particular instances to ensure safety. Often seemingly innocent circumstances may become hazardous through changing events or through the actions, or omission of an action, of a person who is involved. It is the responsibility of the person who is supervising the activity to take appropriate action at all times to reduce the risk of injury to participants. Required supervision qualifications have been included in these Instructions to assist activity leaders and those granting approval for an activity to consider the arrangements for supervision and instruction of specific activities. These instructions have been developed in accordance with Policy and Rules (P7 Duty of Care and R11 Adult Training and Development) to meet Queensland Branch requirements. The minimum standards identified in the Queensland Adventurous Activities Standards, developed by the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation, have also been incorporated in these Instructions.

2.15.2. SAFETY PRINCIPLES

Safety is a combination of safe attitudes, imagination and common sense. For any activity one must develop the habit of visualising what can occur in any location, in any set of circumstances, and what can be done to reduce risks. Obviously risks cannot be removed entirely, to do so would remove all the adventure from the activities and the training value would be minimal. There are two main principles of safety:

(a) Eliminate unnecessary hazards. (b) Minimise the effect of any mishaps by:

(i) Planning to overcome dangerous or unsafe conditions or situations; (ii) Ensuring that suitable equipment is provided and used properly;


(iii) Ensuring that all participants are trained in the relevant techniques, and rules.

2.15.3. SCOUT SECTION AWARD SCHEME

For most aspects of the Scout Section Award Scheme, a Leader who has completed Scout Skills 1, 2 and 3 can examine the requirements of the Scout Award Scheme at the Pioneer and Explorer level (in accord with the operational principles associated with the Section). For some aspects of the Explorer and Adventurer level (such as Water Activities Badge), a specialist who has competencies at the necessary level may be required to examine the young person in a specific test activity.

2.15.4. ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES

Adventurous Activities Adventurous Activities discussed in these Instructions include abseiling, bushwalking, canoeing, climbing, kayaking, sea kayaking, and sailing. In some circumstances the Chief Commissioner may vary the Adventurous Activities Instructions for a particular activity. In cases such as this, the Chief Commissioner’s written permission must be obtained. Adventurous Activities criteria Some day-to-day activities may cross the demarcation line to become Adventurous Activities. An example is bushwalking. Adults in Scouting must check whether the activities they are planning to run fall within:

(a) Day-to-day activities; or, (b) Adventurous Activities (requiring prescribed qualifications).

In addition to Scouting personnel with the required qualifications to supervise an activity, accredited supervisors from elsewhere may also be used. Recognition of accredited supervisors for Adventurous Activities is the responsibility of the Chief Commissioner or his or her nominee. Some Adventurous Activities may only be undertaken through registered external providers, for example, hang gliding, parachuting. Before activities that are operated by non-Scouting personnel are undertaken, sufficient documented evidence must be provided to ascertain the competency, experience and registration of the organisation and its instructors. The extent of these enquiries will obviously depend upon the circumstances. They might include whether the organisation and or supervisor holds a required Government licence, Outdoor Recreation Leader Registration, relevant VET units and a current log book, whether any regulating authority checks the equipment and or whether they hold adequate liability insurance.

2.15.5. RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES

Restricted activities are those for which adequate safety arrangements cannot be guaranteed. In determining restricted activities, consideration should be given to the Section participating and the level of supervision to be provided. A restricted activity may need to be determined in consultation with the Branch’s insurance provider. The Chief Commissioner of Queensland will make the final determination. These are detailed in QBSI 7.4 Restricted Activities. The practice of Scouting formations participating in restricted or Adventurous Activities which are not run in accordance with these guidelines, under the guise of doing so as individuals and not as members of Scouting, carries with it potential liabilities for both the Association and those organising the event, and is in no way sanctioned by the Association. The Association has no control over the private activities of its members and if various Members, of their own volition, elect to participate in restricted activities this is totally the


responsibility of the individuals concerned. However, to ensure the event is not wrongfully considered to be a Scout sanctioned event it is forbidden for Scout meetings and or gatherings, premises, equipment, newsletters, notice boards, etc. to be used in the organisation and or staging of any restricted or Adventurous Activity not run in accordance with these guidelines, and Scout uniform must not be worn either wholly or in part.

2.15.6. AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES

Written approval for the conduct of an Adventurous Activity must be obtained from the activity leader’s Group Leader or Team Leader. For some Sections the approval of the Chief Commissioner is required. The following general guidelines must be observed when such activities are undertaken. They may be incorporated into the activity and risk management plan submitted with the C5 Activity Advice and Approval Form. The guidelines are not restricted to Adventurous Activities. The Group Leader or Team Leader and activity leader or supervisor must be assured that:

(a) Written permission has been gained from the parents/carers of each Member to participate in the event and associated activities and that each Member is appropriately registered and financial (i.e. a Youth Enrolment Form A5, with indemnity, has been completed). The parents/carers must be fully aware of the hazards that their young person may face by attending the activity.

(b) Permission for the use of any activity site has been gained from the landowners/ managers.

(c) The activity leader for the event and any persons in charge of specific activities are personally and technically competent to conduct the activity and where necessary are registered to do so with Scouts Australia, Queensland Branch Inc. and or an external agency which meets community and Scouting standards.

(d) The equipment available meets all safety requirements, including safe working life and that adequate instruction will be given in its usage.

(e) The party members have been trained and prepared for the activity/event. (f) The activity leader or supervisor has a sound working knowledge of the locality of

the activity. (g) The activity leader is aware of, and will make allowance for, medical conditions that

may affect any participant in the activity. (h) The activity leader or supervisor has an emergency plan, which includes one

participant holding a relevant first aid qualification and appropriate first aid kit, details of medical and hospital contacts and participant medical details, and sufficient personnel to cope with an emergency.

(i) The transport arrangements will meet legal, insurance, comfort and safety criteria. (j) The activity leader or supervisor displays acceptance of his/her responsibilities and

willingness to exercise reasonable duty of care and has undertaken a risk assessment of the activity. Where considered necessary by the Group Leader and/or activity leader, the risk assessment and management which is completed should be formally documented.

(k) The activity leader has a complete listing of all participants, including the parents, guardians or next of kin’s whereabouts during the period of the activity/event.

(l) Both as a matter of procedure and as a courtesy, the relevant District Commissioner, or equivalent position, is advised of the event through the use of a C5 Activity Advice and Approval Form.

(m) Any incidents/accidents will be reported promptly to the Group Leader/Team Leader or Branch (depending on the circumstances) and appropriate documentation completed.

2.15.7. TRAINING

The scope of this Training section covers Level 1, Level 2, Guides and Instructors.

2.15.7.1. SKILL LEVEL APPOINTMENTS

For appointments at various levels refer to the following Adventurous Activities


qualifications flow chart. For Instructors and Assessors refer also to Policy and Rules R11.1. Level 1, Level 2, Guide and Instructor appointments can be in abseiling, bushwalking, canoeing, climbing, kayaking, sea kayaking, and sailing, and any other approved Adventurous Activities. The appointment will be issued by Queensland Branch on the recommendation of the Instructor upon the successful completion of the below requirements. Records in relation to appointments are held at the Branch Support Office and are maintained under the supervision of the Branch Commissioner responsible for adventurous activities training. Appointees will be endorsed for a particular level or area of activity, depending on the VET units successfully completed as part of their training.

ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES APPOINTMENTS FLOW CHART

Transition through Adventurous Activities Appointments NoviceAA Skill Level 1AA Skill Level 2 GuideInstructor

Novice No qualifications

AA Skill Level 1 Association Membership AA Common Units – PUA OPE 002B, SISO OPS 202A, SISO NAV 201A AA Level 1 skill specific units Commence Log Book

AA Skill Level 2 AA Skill Level 1 AA Level 2 skill specific units Current Log Book

Guide Certificate of Appointment or Invested Rover with Leadership Training 1, 2 and 3 AA Skill Level 2 Provide First Aid and Provide CPR - HLTAID003, HLTAID001 Common Core Part A - SISO ODR 302A, SISO ODR 303A, SISO OPS 201A, SISO OPS 304A,

SISO OPS 306A, SISX CAI 306A Common Core Part B1 - SISX EMR 201A, SISX OHS 101A, SISX RSK 301A Training of Trainers Module 1 TAEDEL301A, BSB CMM 401A AA Guide Unit for skill Current Log Book Guide Appointment by DCC Adult Training and Development

Instructor Wood Badge Guide appointment Common Core Part B2 - SISO ODR 404A, SISX EMR 402A, SISX OHS 402AAssessor Units –

TAEASS401A, TAE ASS 402A, TAE ASS 403A AA Instructor Unit for skill Current Log Book Instructor appointment by DCC Adult Training and Development

2.15.7.2. LEVEL 1

A Level 1 appointee is any participant who:


(a) Is a Member of the Association, an invested Venturer Scout or older, who has the physical stature, strength and stamina to undertake the tasks required.

(b) Has attended a training course or skills recognition process conducted by an accredited Instructor.

(c) Has commenced a logbook of personal experiences in the skill area. (d) Has been assessed as being competent in the Level 1 requirements as set out in the

SAIT adventurous activities training matrix.

2.15.7.3. LEVEL 2

A Level 2 appointee is any participant who: (a) Is a Member of the Association, an invested Venturer Scout or older who has the

physical stature, strength and stamina to undertake the tasks required. (b) Meets Level 1 appointment requirements. (c) Has attended a training course or skills recognition process conducted by an

accredited Instructor. (d) Holds a current first aid qualification (HLTAID003 or equivalent unit). (e) Holds a current resuscitation qualification (HLTAID001 or equivalent unit). (f) Has maintained a logbook of personal experiences in the skill area. (g) Has been assessed as being competent in the Level 2 requirements as set out in the

SAIT adventurous activities training matrix.

2.15.7.4. GUIDE

A Guide is a participant who: (a) Has completed Basic Training including Leadership Training 1, 2 and 3. (b) Meets Level 2 requirements. (c) Has completed a Training of Trainers (Module 1). (d) Is competent in Adventurous Activities Common Core Level 1, Part A and Part B (as

set out in Scouts Australia Institute of Training adventurous activities training matrix) or equivalent units of accredited training.

(e) Has been assessed as being competent in guiding and practical techniques for the adventurous activity skill in accordance with the SAIT adventurous activities training matrix.

(f) Holds a current first aid qualification (HLTAID003 or equivalent or higher level, as required).

(g) Holds a current resuscitation qualification (HLTAID001 or equivalent unit). (h) Has held the Level 2 appointment (where practicable) for a minimum of 12 months. (i) Has maintained a logbook of personal experiences showing the minimum annual

practical experience required for currency. (j) Has maintained personal skills assessment standard.

2.15.7.5. INSTRUCTOR AS PER POLICY AND RULES R11

An Instructor is a participant who: (a) Has held a Guide appointment (where practicable) for a minimum of 12 months. (b) Holds a Wood Badge. (c) Has completed the VET Assessors Course. (d) Has been assessed as being competent in instructional and practical techniques for

the adventurous activity skill in accordance with the SAIT adventurous activities training matrix.

(e) Holds a current first aid qualification (HLTAID003 or equivalent or higher level, as required).

(f) Holds a current resuscitation qualification (HLTAID001 or equivalent unit). (g) Has maintained a logbook of personal experiences showing the minimum annual

practical experience required for currency. (h) Has maintained personal skills to assessment standard.

2.15.7.6. APPOINTMENTS

A certificate will be issued by Queensland Branch for Level 1 and Level 2 appointments A Certificate of Appointment will be issued by the Chief Commissioner of Queensland Branch


on the recommendation of the Branch Commissioner responsible for adventurous activities and DCC Adult Training and Development for Guide and Instructor appointments. The Branch Support Office Training Department will keep a register of all current Guides and Instructor appointments in liaison with the Branch Commissioner responsible for adventurous activities training. All appointments are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Re-appointment as a Guide or Instructor may be made by the Chief Commissioner of Queensland Branch, on the recommendation of the Branch Commissioner responsible for adventurous activities training and DCC Adult Training and Development, subject to the individual meeting currency requirements.

2.15.8. ROVER SCOUT SECTION - CONDUCT OF ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES

This section covers the organisation, approval and safety aspects of Rover Scout adventurous activities such as abseiling, bushwalking, canoeing and climbing. Rovers shall abide by the adventurous activities guidelines as covered in Policy and Rules and Queensland Branch Scouting Instructions (as do all Members of Scouts Australia). For all Rover Scout Adventurous Activities a C5 Form must be submitted and the approval of the Group Leader/Formation Leader obtained.

2.15.8.1. RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITY

On each Rover Scout Adventurous Activity one participant shall be selected as the Activity Leader. The Activity Leader is responsible for the conduct of the Rover Scout Adventurous Activity and for the safety of the participants.

2.15.8.2. AUTHORISED ACTIVITY

A Rover Scout Adventurous Activity becomes an authorised activity when a Rover has been appointed as an Activity Leader, and the Group Leader or Leader in Charge of the Group has been notified of appropriate supervision by way of a C5 Activity Advice and Approval Form With associated activity plan and risk management documentation. The Activity Leader bears the responsibility for ensuring that an authorised activity is conducted in accordance with Policy and Rules and these Instructions including the appointment of a Guide, Instructor or other approved appointee for supervision of the skill part of the activity.

2.15.8.3. PARTICIPATION WITH OTHER SECTIONS

When participating in adventurous activities with Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts or Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts shall comply with the rules pertaining to those Sections.

2.15.8.4. PARENT’S CONSENT

Persons under the age of 18 years participating in Rover Scout Adventurous Activities must give the Activity Leader a completed Parent’s Consent form (C4) before commencing an authorised activity.

2.15.9. ABSEILING

Scope Abseiling is an Adventurous Activity. The following Instructions will apply to all persons attending any abseiling activity run by Scouts Australia, Queensland Branch Inc. for its members. For the purpose of these Instructions abseiling shall mean the commonly accepted methods of descending and ascending artificial surfaces or natural rock faces, steep or sheer drops or overhangs, efficiently and safely by rope. Methods and devices used will be approved by the Chief Commissioner on the recommendation of the Branch Commissioner (Adventurous Activities). Under no


circumstances will stunt methods be used. Helmets must be worn. The helmets must be CE, or AS/NZS (or equivalent US standards) approved for Abseiling & Rock Climbing. The use of gloves, while providing protection for hands during abseiling, is at the discretion of the Abseiling Guide or Abseiling Instructor supervising the activity, subject to activity context. All abseiling activities (subject to these Instructions) shall be supervised by appointed Abseiling Guides and/or Abseiling Instructors. A list of appointed Guides and Instructors is available from the ‘Members Only’ section of the Queensland Branch website. Participants Abseiling is an activity available to all Members of the Movement. Joey Scouts may participate in abseiling (including mobile climbing walls and indoor rock climbing) only where special permission in writing has been granted by the Chief Commissioner of Queensland prior to the event. Participants shall be classified as one of the following:

(a) Novice (b) Abseiler Badge (Scouts) (c) Abseiler Level 1 (d) Abseiler Level 2 (e) Abseiling Guide (f) Abseiling Instructor.

For appointment qualifications see QBSI 2.15.7 Training. The chart below shows the participation, supervision and training role of the above classifications of participants. ABSEILING SUPERVISION AND TRAINING CHART

1

CLASSIFICATION2

ABSEILING WHICH CAN BE PARTICIPATED IN/SUPERVISED/ INSTRUCTED

Abseiling Activity Large Event Training Training

District/Region/ Branch/National

VET Abseiling Courses

Scout Abseiler Badge

Novice Abseil under supervision

Abseil under supervision

Abseiler Badge Abseil under supervision

Abseil under supervision

Abseiler Level 1 Support abseiling activity

Support abseiling activity

Support abseiling training

Support abseiling training

Abseiler Level 2 Support abseiling activity

Assist with abseiling event

Assist with abseiling training


Guide

Supervise abseiling activity to appointment level

Guide or Instructor should supervise abseiling event to appointment level


Conduct training to appointment level

Instructor

Supervise abseiling activity to appointment level

Guide or Instructor should supervise abseiling event to appointment level

Course leader for abseiling training to appointment level

Conduct training to appointment level

Notes

(1) Applies to Supervising or Training a youth or adult party. (2) Appointment may be for artificial surfaces, natural surfaces, single pitch or multi

pitch abseils.


Definitions

(a) Novice - holds no formal abseiling competency, or insufficient recognised competency for Abseiler Level 1 appointment.

(b) Abseiler Badge - a member of the Scout section who holds an Abseiler Badge. (c) Abseiler Level 1 - holds the units of competency for an Abseiling Level 1

appointment (refer to SAIT AA training matrix). (d) Abseiler Level 2 - holds the units of competency and a current appointment for

Abseiling Level 2. (e) Guide - holds the units of competency and a current appointment as a Guide

Abseiling. (f) Instructor - holds the units of competency and a current appointment as a

Instructor Abseiling. (g) Supervising (Guiding or Instructing) - supervising the safety of participants while

abseiling. (h) Instructing - conducting a VET Abseiling Course on behalf of Scouts Australia

Institute of Training.

2.15.9.1. ABSEILER BADGE (SCOUTS)

An Abseiler Badge (Scouts) is any participant who: (a) Is an Invested Scout, who has the physical stature, strength and stamina to

undertake the tasks required. (b) Has attended a Scout Abseiler Badge training course conducted by an Abseiling

Guide or Instructor. (c) Has commenced a logbook of personal experiences in abseiling. (d) Has been assessed as being competent in the Scout Abseiler Badge.

2.15.9.2. ABSEILING ACTIVITIES

All activities involving novices, Abseiler Badge (Scouts) or Abseiler Level 1, shall be under the control of a person appointed as an Abseiling Guide or Abseiling Instructor. An Activity Advice and Approval form (C5) must be completed for each abseiling activity involving Members of the Association. Joey Scout Section Joey Scouts may participate in abseiling only where special permission in writing has been granted by the Chief Commissioner of Queensland. The following Guidelines apply:

(a) Participants may be required to wear a full body harness, at the discretion of the Guide or Instructor. This harness may be a manufactured full body harness or consist of both waist and chest harness connected to form a full body harness.

(b) A Guide or Instructor may supervise up to 4 active ropes at any time. (c) A person trained in abseiling and belay techniques will operate and/or belay each

individual rope. The Guide or Instructor is to confirm competency prior to operation, abseiling, and/or belaying taking place.

(d) Joey Scouts may undertake descents up to 10 metres. (e) The Section or Group Leader must be present with the Mob.

Cub Scout Section For Abseiling activities involving Cub Scouts the following guidelines apply:

(a) Participants may be required to wear a full body harness, at the discretion of the Activity Leader. This harness may be a manufactured full body harness or consist of both waist and chest harness connected to form a full body harness.




(d) Cub Scouts may undertake descents up to 10 metres. (e) The Section or Group Leader must be present with the Pack.

Scout Section For Abseiling activities involving Scouts the following guidelines apply:

(a) A Guide or Instructor may supervise up to 4 active ropes at any time. (b) A person trained in abseiling and belay techniques will operate and/or belay each

individual rope. Guide or Instructor is to confirm competency prior to operation, abseiling, and/or belaying taking place.

(c) Scouts shall not engage in a descent greater than 50 metres, nor in multiple pitch descents (i.e. where there is a need to change from one rope to another).

(d) The Section or Group Leader must be present with the Troop. Venturer Scout/Rover Scout Sections and Leaders For Abseiling activities involving Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts the following guidelines apply:

(a) On any activity involving Venturer Scout, Rover Scouts and Leader novices, a person appointed as a Guide or Instructor shall be in control.



(d) Abseiler, Level 1 and Abseiler, Level 2 must be under the supervision of a person appointed as a Guide or Instructor for all descents, except where the Group Leader, after receiving a recommendation from an Abseiling Guide or Instructor, may grant permission to a party of not less than five Abseiler Level 2 Members to engage in single pitch descents (i.e. where there is no need to change from one rope to another) of not more than 50 metres in an area familiar to all members of the party. The party must consist of only Abseiler - Level 2 members. Note: A familiar area is an area where all members of the party have previously abseiled under supervision of a Guide or Instructor.

2.15.9.3. ABSEILING EQUIPMENT

All equipment, including helmets must meet CE, or AS/NZS (or equivalent US) standards approved for Abseiling/Rock Climbing. Abseiling equipment used during Scouts Australia sponsored activities will be inspected for wear and damage prior to and after each activity by a Guide or an Instructor. This includes all personal gear. A thorough inspection of all equipment must take place every 12 months, and should be conducted by a currently appointed Guide or Instructor. The recommendation of manufacturers regarding the service life of their products will be adhered to. The use of all abseiling equipment must be logged. The log must identify each individual item, together with a record of use. Once an item of equipment has reached the end of its life, it must be removed from service and tagged or otherwise marked to prevent it being used for abseiling and or climbing.

2.15.10. BUSHWALKING

Scope Bushwalking may be a day-to-day or adventurous activity. Activity Leaders will need to carefully consider the activity to ensure the activity is adequately supervised. Bushwalking includes all outdoor walking activities regardless of how it may be known, e.g. tramping, trekking, hiking, undertaking a journey, expedition or ramble. Participants Participants shall be classified as one of the following:

(a) Novice


(b) Bushwalking Level 1 (c) Bushwalking Level 2 (d) Bushwalking Guide (e) Bushwalking Instructor

For appointment qualifications see QBSI 2.15.7 Training. The chart below shows the participation, supervision and training role of the above classifications of participants.

BUSHWALKING LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION CHART

1

APPOINTMENT WALKS WHICH CAN BE LEAD/SUPERVISED/INSTRUCTED

Environment Activity Training

Controlled Intermediate Uncontrolled Specialist - alpine, arid, tropical

Larger event -District/Region/ Branch/National

VET Bushwalking Courses

Certificate of Appointment (Joey Scout/Cub Scout/ Group Leader)

Day -to-Day lead day walk for Section/ Group

Certificate of Appointment (Scout/Venturer Scout/ Rover Scouts)

Day-to-Day lead and supervise walk for Section to maximum 2 nights & 35 km

Bushwalking Level 1 lead a walk, Member’s Section

Bushwalking Level 2

lead and supervise a walk, any Section

lead and supervise a walk, any Section (if appointed to this level)

Bushwalking Level 2 can assist

Bushwalking Level 2 can assist

Guide

lead and supervise a walk, any Section


lead and supervise a walk, any Section, (if appointed to this level)



Guide Bushwalking can assist

Instructor

lead and supervise a walk, any Section,





Instructor to be Course Leader, to level of appointment

Notes

(1) Applies to Leading a youth or adult party and Supervising a youth-led party. Definitions

(a) Controlled environment - tracked and easy untracked, up to and including Australian Standard Class 4 walking tracks.

(b) Intermediate environment - difficult tracked and trackless, Australian Standard Class 5 walking tracks.

(c) Uncontrolled environment - unmodified landscapes, Australian Standard Class 6 walking tracks, duration 2+ nights.

(d) Specialist environments - alpine, frost and snow, duration 2+ nights; arid, excessive dry heat, duration 2+ nights; tropical, hot and humid with rain, duration 2+ nights.

(e) Leading (Guiding) - walking with the party to overview bushwalking safety. (f) Supervising (Guiding or Instructing) - supervising the bushwalking safety of


participants on the walk, but not walking with them (i.e. ensuring that the party is trained and prepared to deal with situations which would reasonably arise and checking, possibly by site visits, communications devices, that they are safe during the hike).

(g) Instructing - conducting a VET Bushwalking Course on behalf of Scouts Australia Institute of Training.

2.15.11. WATER ACTIVITIES

Scope Water activities are Adventurous Activities. Water activities include canoeing, kayaking, sea kayaking, and sailing.

Participants Participants shall be classified as one of the following:

(a) Novice (b) Water Activities Badge (Scout Explorer or Adventurer Level) (canoeing/kayaking/

sea kayaking/sailing) (c) Canoeing or Kayaking or Sea Kayaking or Sailing Level 1 (d) Canoeing or Kayaking or Sea Kayaking or Sailing Level 2 (e) Canoeing or Kayaking or Sea Kayaking or Sailing Guide (f) Canoeing or Kayaking or Sea Kayaking or Sailing Instructor

For appointment qualifications see QBSI 2.15.7 Training. The chart below shows the participation, supervision and training role of the above classifications of participants. All participants must be able to swim at least 50 metres dressed in shirt, shorts, shoes and a properly fitting PFD (Personal Floatation Device) and thereafter remain afloat for three minutes. Participation in power boating activities must be in accordance with the relevant State legislation, including the holding of appropriate marine licences. It is recommended that power boat operators who support water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sea kayaking and sailing have received safety or rescue boat training. Joey Scout Section Joey Scouts may participate in Adventurous Water Activities only where permission in writing has been granted by the Chief Commissioner of Queensland after approving the activity and risk management plan. The following Guidelines apply:

(a) The activity is to be led by a Guide or Instructor with relevant skills qualification. (b) A Level 2 appointee in the relevant skill must be in each craft. (c) Where practical, power boat support should be considered.

Cub Scout Section Cub Scouts may participate in Adventurous Water Activities only where approval in writing of the activity and risk management plan has been granted by a Guide or Instructor with relevant skills qualifications. The following Guidelines apply:

(a) The activity is to be led by a Level 2 appointee or higher with relevant skills qualification.

(b) Only five craft (including the craft occupied by the activity leader) or one craft for sailing can be led by a Level 2 appointee at any time.

(c) Where practical, power boat support should be considered. Scout, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts and Leaders


Scout, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts, Leaders and Adult Members may participate in Adventurous Water Activities subject to the following Guidelines:

(a) The activity is to be led by a Level 2 appointee with relevant skills qualification. (b) Only five craft for paddling and one craft for sailing (including the craft occupied by

the activity leader) can be led by a Level 2 appointee at any time. A Scout Water Activities Badge holder (Explorer or Adventurer Level) can take control of the craft they occupy.

(c) For paddling expeditions each craft must be under the control of a Level 1 or 2 appointee or Scout Water Activities Badge holder. The Leader of the expedition must hold a Level 2 appointment or be a Scout Water Activities Badge holder (Explorer or Adventurer Level) in the relevant skill. Any participants completing an expedition award must take control of a craft. There must be a minimum of three craft and five persons for any paddling expedition, unless specific arrangements, with the same or lower risk are approved by the Group Leader/Team Leader.

(d) For sailing a Level 2 appointee or a Scout Water Activities Badge holder (Explorer or Adventurer Level) in the relevant skill must be in each craft. A support boat is desirable for sailing activities and mandatory where there are a number of craft and the area of activity is large.

WATER ACTIVITIES LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION CHART

1

APPOINTMENT ACTIVITIES WHICH CAN BE LEAD / SUPERVISED/ ASSESSED

Adventurous Activity

Larger event (District/Region/Branch)

VET Courses

Canoeing or Kayaking or Sea kayaking or Sailing Level 1 or Scout Water Activities Badge (Explorer or Adventurer Level)

can be in charge of the craft they occupy and assist with water activities in appointed skill

assist with water activities training in appointed skill

Canoeing or Kayaking or Sea kayaking or Sailing Level 2

lead, supervise and examine water activities, in appointed skill


Canoeing or Kayaking or Sea kayaking or Sailing Guide




Canoeing or Kayaking or Sea kayaking or Sailing Instructor

lead, supervise, examine water activities, in appointed skill

lead, supervise, examine water activities, in appointed skill

Course Leader/Assessor for water activities training, in appointed skill

Notes

(1) Applies to Leading a youth or adult party and Supervising a youth-led party. Definitions

(a) Adventurous activity - water activities which include, canoeing, kayaking, sea kayaking, and sailing.

(b) Leading - participating with the party to overview water activity safety. (c) Supervising - supervising the water activity safety of participants on the activity, but

not participating with them (i.e. ensuring that the party is trained and prepared to deal with situations which would reasonably arise and checking, possibly by communications devices, that they are safe during the activity).

(d) Examining - assessing award work.

2.15.11.1. CRAFT AND EQUIPMENT

Craft and equipment used during Scouts Australia sponsored activities will be inspected for wear and damage prior to and after each activity by the activity leader (Level 2, Guide or Instructor appointee). This includes all personal gear, eg personal floatation devices A thorough inspection of all equipment must take place every 12 months, and should be conducted by a currently appointed Guide or Instructor.


The recommendation of manufacturers regarding the service life of their products will be adhered to. Craft and equipment that does not meet industry standards is to be removed from service until repairs can occur if possible, and tagged or otherwise marked to prevent it being used. Items that are unable to be repaired should be disposed of promptly.

2.15.12. FIRST AID

Any activity party in the field must have at least one member who holds current first aid qualifications. Members over 15 years of age must hold current Apply First Aid training (or equivalent) with Resuscitation endorsement and Members younger than 15 years must have received appropriate first aid training through Scouting or an external agency. For intermediate environments (see bushwalking definition) or remote locations it is recommended that one member of the party holds a Remote Area First Aid qualification.

2.15.12.1. ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

A District/Region Commissioner may convene an Adventurous Activities Committee for the District/Region if appropriate for the purpose of:

(a) Coordinating resources and activities across the District/Region to support safe and effective Adventurous Activities.

(b) Providing advice to Leaders on Adventurous Activities requirements. (c) Maintaining a list of qualifies adventurous activity leaders within the

District/Region. (d) Registering and maintaining Adventurous Activity equipment within the

District/Region. Whilst the composition and terms of reference of the Adventurous Activities Committee are a matter for the District/Region Commissioner, in order to be effective the majority of members should hold an adventurous activities qualification.

section 2 youth involvement 2.15 …...adventurous outdoor activities that are interesting,...

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