Thank you for offering to lead a walk for the club. Without your generosity there would be no club. The following are a few tips that will help you, and the club, and give participants a more enjoyable walk.

All participants of club activities MUST be paid up members.

Fully inform potential participants of the type of terrain, probable duration and activities needed to accomplish the walk. Stipulate the hazards (for example: steep descent, rock hopping, dense undergrowth), activities, clothing, drink, and food needed to accomplish it. Is the walk correctly graded? Err on the hard side, if the leader has not done the walk that is off track, in the last five to ten years then the participant should be informed and told that the walk has an exploratory component.

Question potential participants as to their experience to assess a participant whether they will be able to accomplish the walk. Leaders have the right to refuse to accept a participant if they believe the participant would not be able to accomplish the walk in a way that is safe for them and/or be a hazard to others.

Count the number of people in your walk at the start. Be in contact with the party at all times or aware of where they are. Designate someone to be at the rear of the group and ensure that they are able to communicate with the person leading the group. If the leader wants to reconnoiter, then inform the party and tell them to wait.

Always detour to avoid taking unnecessary risks (ie. Steep descents, rock scrambles, deep pools, slippery rocks, etc.) Warn people of the hazards as they arise.

Allow adequate rest breaks and ensure that participants know the walk schedule and rest breaks.

Carry or ensure someone is carrying a basic first aid kit. The club has purchased two first aid kits for co-ordinators to carry on walks; they are available from Roger 4788 1044 and Stephen 0425244240 (email:cheppen@hermes.net.au).

Click here to download an abseiling, canyoning or skiing waiver form. Each participant must read and sign a form prior to every activity.

Walks leaders please provide Ann Mikkelsen with a list of those who attended and any injuries or incidents.

Walks leaders should also leave their route and intended return time with a responsible person who should then contact Roger on 4788 1044 or Richard on 4784 3765 if the party has not returned by the following morning. They will then contact BWRS.