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Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club
Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club
Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club
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Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy sets out our commitment to protecting the privacy of personal information provided to us, or otherwise collected by us, offline or online, including through this website (Site). In this Privacy Policy we, us or our means Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club Incorporated (Incorporation No. Y1580033).
Personal information
Personal information: The types of personal information we may collect include:
- your name
- images of you
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We may collect these types of personal information directly from you or from third parties.
Collection and use of personal information
We may collect, hold, use and disclose personal information for the following purposes:
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Disclosure of personal information to third parties
We may disclose personal information to:
- third party service providers for the purpose of enabling them to provide their services, including (without limitation) IT service providers, data storage, web-hosting and server providers, maintenance or problem-solving providers, payment systems operators. This may include parties located, or that store data, outside of Australia
- the emergency services, in the case of an emergency
- our employees, contractors and/or related entities
- our existing or potential agents or business partners (for example Bushwalking NSW Inc)
- payment systems operators
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- third parties to collect and process data, such as Google Analytics or other relevant businesses. This may include parties that store data outside of Australia.
By providing us with personal information, you consent to the disclosure of that personal information to third parties who reside outside Australia and acknowledge that we are not required to ensure that those third parties comply with Australian privacy laws.
Your rights and controlling your personal information
Choice and consent: Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By providing personal information to us, you consent to us collecting, holding, using and disclosing your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. You do not have to provide personal information to us, however, if you do not, it may affect your use of this Site or the products and/or services offered on or through it.
Information from third parties: If we receive personal information about you from a third party, we will protect it as set out in this Privacy Policy. If you are a third party providing personal information about somebody else, you represent and warrant that you have such person’s consent to provide the personal information to us.
Restrict: You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information. If you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes (for example for the Walks Program and notice of AGM Meetings)., you may change your mind at any time by contacting us using the details below.
Access: You may request details of the personal information that we hold about you. An administrative fee may be payable for the provision of such information. In certain circumstances, as set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), we may refuse to provide you with personal information that we hold about you.
Correction: If you believe that any information we hold about you is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading, please contact us using the details below. Please inform us and take reasonable steps to correct any information found to be inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or out of date in the Profile Form in the Members Area.
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Storage and security
We are committed to ensuring that the personal information we collect is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the personal information and protect it from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification and disclosure.
Although we take measures to safeguard against unauthorised disclosures of information, we cannot assure you that the personal information we collect will not be disclosed in a manner that is inconsistent with this Privacy Policy. We cannot guarantee the security of any information that is transmitted to or by us over the Internet. The transmission and exchange of information is carried out at your own risk.
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Our Site may contain links to other websites. We do not have any control over those websites and we are not responsible for the protection and privacy of any personal information which you provide whilst visiting those websites. Those websites are not governed by this Privacy Policy.
Amendments
We may, at any time and at our discretion, vary this Privacy Policy by publishing the amended Privacy Policy on our Site. We recommend you check our Site regularly to ensure you are aware of our current Privacy Policy.
For any questions or notices, please contact our Privacy Officer at:
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Guidelines For Walkers
Introduction
1. Every person participating in an activity organized by the UBMBC does so at his/her own risk and by participating acknowledges that neither the UBMBC, its office bearers or its activity leaders have accepted any responsibility or liability for any damage to property or for any death or injury suffered.
As a bushwalking club, UBMBC has a duty of care to its members. Bushwalking Australia defines “duty of care” as “What a reasonably prudent person would do to take reasonable care to avoid exposing fellow participants (having regard to their knowledge, age, experience and skill) to unreasonable risks of injury or loss.”
We expect that activity leaders and participants will take responsibility for their own welfare and safety in a manner consistent with their knowledge, age, experience and skill. All participants and leaders need to take reasonable care to avoid exposing any person including other participants to unreasonable risk of injury or loss.
2. When participating in club activities, members of UBMBC are covered by insurance policies through Bushwalking NSW and Bushwalking Australia. We have Personal Accident and Public Liability Insurance.
3. We follow ethical practices in relation to the conservation of flora, fauna, rock formations and archaeological sites set out in the Bushwalker's Code.
4. All Club Activities are strictly NON-SMOKING. Smoking is prohibited in all NSW National Parks & State Conservation Areas and in most areas in NSW State Forests.
Before a Walk
1. The club activity program is emailed to members and can be accessed on the club website ubmbc.org.au. We use the Bushwalking Australia grading guide. The Grading Guide gives walkers an idea of the difficulty. If you are uncertain about your ability to participate in an activity, please discuss with the leader.
2. New club members with limited walking experience should attempt a grade 2/3 walk for their first activity. This enables them to become accustomed to the club and allows leaders to assess their ability.
3. Joining a walk. The leader’s contact details appear in the program. Members should ask to join the walk. For new walkers the leader will ask questions about fitness, recent walking experience and equipment. The leader is entitled to refuse participation in an activity.
4. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. It is not possible for the walk leader to give an exact return time. There are many reasons why a group maybe overdue, weather conditions, injuries, change of route, vehicle problems may occur. This rarely happens with UBMBC.
5. Meeting Arrangements. Clarify the time and meeting place with the leader. Be on time. If you are delayed contact the leader’s mobile. If you have booked in for a walk and are unable to attend please inform the leader. The leader will wait no longer than five minutes if you are late.
6. Your Emergency Contact and Medical Information form, downloaded from the club website should be in your first aide kit in your backpack. This form will only be accessed in case of an accident or medical emergency.
7. Advise the leader in advance if you have a medical or physical condition that may affect your performance.
8. Advise the leader if you have skills such as first aid, navigation or knowledge of the area.
9. Make sure that you are fully equipped for the activity. A list of what to take on a walk is on the Frequently Asked Questions section of our club website.
10. First Aid Kit. Members are required to have their own first aid kit in their backpack. This enables first aid kits to combined in the case of multiple injuries or injuries to several people. If the group is separated or someone is lost it means that everyone has a first aid kit. Suggestions for items in your first aid kit is on the Frequently Asked Questions section of our club website. The UBMBC subsidises first aid training for members.
11. Guests. Visitors may take part in activities subject to the leader’s prior approval. Visitors must complete a , downloaded from the club website. Juniors (under 18) must also be approved by the leader, complete a and be accompanied by a parent, guardian or grandparent who is responsible for the junior.
12. Advise the leader if you would not like to be photographed during the walk.
During the Walk
1. Please assist the leader by being co-operative and enthusiastic. Follow the leader’s instructions and accept the leader’s judgement. Our leaders are experienced walkers who are volunteers.
2. Be prepared to car pool with others and to make a contribution for fuel.
3. Treat other group members with respect. UBMBC is a very friendly club where members help and support each other. Be prepared to learn from other members.
4. Advise the leader if you have any concerns. Eg the pace is too fast, you are feeling unwell, you have run out of water.
5. Do not become separated from the group. Call out if gaps get too large. A whistle can be useful.
6. Members are encouraged to carry a map and compass and to become proficient in using them.
7. Leave sufficient distance between yourself and the walker in front of you so that you are not injured by branches or walking poles.
8. Be aware of loose rocks. If a rock is dislodged, call “Rock!” to alert the group.
9. Emergency Procedure. If you have phone coverage, phone 000 (triple zero) Ask for police and be prepared to give map name and grid references for your position. If phone contact is not possible then activate the PLB.
After the Walk
1. Let the leader know that you have completed the activity.
2. Thank the leader and offer feedback on the walk.
3. Advise your emergency contact person that you are home.
4. To inhibit the spread of plant diseases and seeds, wash footwear, trousers and other equipment before your next bushwalk.
Acknowledgement of Risks and Obligations Of Members
This acknowledgement of risks applies to all Club activities I may undertake as a member of Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club (the Club). In voluntarily participating in activities of the Club which are described to me by the activity leaders I am aware that my participation in the activities may expose me to hazards and risks that could lead to injury, illness or death or to loss of or damage to my property. I also acknowledge that I may encounter weather conditions that could lead to hypothermia and being in locations where evacuation for medical treatment may take hours or days. In particular when participating in club activities, such as above the snowline activities I am aware that these activities could expose me to additional hazards and risks.
To minimise these risks I will endeavour to ensure that:
- Each activity is within my capabilities.
- I am carrying food, water and equipment appropriate for the activity.
- I must advise the activity leader if I am taking any medication or have any physical or other limitations that might affect my participation in the activity.
- I must advise the activity leader if I am taking any medication or have any physical or other limitations that might affect my participation in the activity.
- I will advise the leader of any concerns I am having.
- I will comply with all reasonable instructions of Club officers and the activity leader.
Members should be familiar with the Clubs “Guidelines for Walkers” and “Risk Management Guidelines”. Additionally leaders should be familiar with “Guidelines for Walk Leaders”.
By accepting this Waiver I agree to waive any claim for damages that I may have against the Club, the leader or other participants in tort or contract.
I also agree to be bound by the constitution of the Club for the time being in force.
I have read and understand the above requirements; I have considered the risks before choosing to accept this acknowledgment of risk. I still wish to join the activities of the Club. I acknowledge that I will take responsibility for my own actions and that agreeing to this form and the payment of my subscription will be deemed as full acceptance and understanding of the above conditions.
Canyoning Waiver
To participate in a canyoning trip you must be a current member of the Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club and have been approved to join the canyoning group. You must also agree to this acknowledgement.
Participants Responsibilities
- I will familiarise myself with the nature of the trip (eg Ozultimate, Ropewiki) prior to going on it and assess whether the trip is within my capabilities and notify the leader prior to the trip if have any concerns.
- By agreeing with this acknowledgement I agree that I will fully disclose to the leader prior to the trip any medical conditions or any physical limitations, which could affect my participation in this activity. Note: Canyons are in remote environments and individuals with physical medical issues can impact their own safety and that of the whole group.
- I agree to conduct myself in a safe and responsible manner and exercise due care to ensure my personal safety and that of others during this activity.
- During the trip I will make every effort to remain with the group and notify the trip leader or other participants immediately if I’m experiencing any difficulties or have any concerns.
- I must make sure that I have the correct equipment for safe participation in this activity, including appropriately certified critical PPE (helmet, harness, tether, descenders, etc) and I have familiarised myself with their proper use. I will also carry adequate supplies, eg water, food, first aid kit, contact form, etc.
- I have read and understand the “Guidelines for Canyoners” and the “Risk Management Guidelines” document. For canyon leaders I have also read and understood “Guidelines for Canyon Leaders”. I will also familiarise myself with other club documents relating to canyoning.
- I’m participating voluntarily and I understand that the trip leader is not a professional guide but a voluntary member of the bushwalking club and I will take responsibility for my own welfare and safety.
- I will comply with all reasonable instructions of Club officers and the activity leader.
Acknowledgement
If I do not understand anything mentioned in this acknowledgement I will seek clarification from the Canyoning Subcommittee before agreeing to it.
By voluntarily agreeing to this acknowledgement
- I am aware that these activities can present potential hazards and risks that may result in injury, illness or death and the loss of, or damage to property.
- I accept the risks associated with these activities and to the extent permitted by law, for myself and my heirs, executors and assignees, I release the Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club, the trip leader and other participants from all claims, actions, suits and demands resulting from my illness, injury, death and/or the loss of, or damage to my property arising from my participation in this activity. I understand that in the event of my death this waiver also binds my estate.
Note: This acknowledgement is in addition to and supplementary to the “Acknowledgement of Risks and Obligations of Members” that I agreed to on joining the club or renewing my membership.
Guidelines For Walk Leaders
Preparing the walk
1. If you are unfamiliar with a walker, ask questions to determine their experience, membership status and capabilities. Ask if the walker has a medical condition that could affect them during the walk. Leaders have the right to refuse participation in a walk. After 3 walks a temporary member is required to join the club.
2. Be aware that NPWS limits group size to 8 in wilderness areas.
3. If possible, survey the route. Check the weather forecast. Check local events as well as NPWS track and park closures. Note hazards and identify risks such as exposure and creek crossings. Be aware of changes due to track erosion or flooding. Is a rope or tape required? Where are alternate exits?
4. Proposed walks, including Short Notice Walks, may be entered in the activities program on the club web site for approval by Walks Secretary, Rob Herbert. If Rob is unavailable check with the designated Committee member, currently Peter Medbury. If the walk is a joint walk with other clubs, please list the Club Names in the 'Other Clubs' field on the 'Add Walk to Program' form.
5. Details of the walk (and photographs) can be advertised on the Club's Google Group.
6. On the day before the walk email late-returns-ubmbc@googlegroups.com with the names of the people on your walk. If the walk is delayed, the committee is then able to answer enquiries. Make sure a contact person is aware of the route you are taking and the expected return time. An updated email is required to late returns if there are any changes to participants or if the activity is cancelled.
7. The leader should ensure that someone in the group has a map, compass, mobile phone, GPS and PLB. The PLB and walk details can be registered on the Australian Marine Safety Authority website. Leaders are encouraged to learn how to do this.
8. Visitors must be approved by the leader and bring a signed temporary membership form to the walk (This a mandatory requirement for Bushwalking Australia). Originals or scanned copies must be sent to the Walks Recorder, Onni Elliott.
9. Organize transport and meeting points.
10. Make sure you have each participant's mobile number and they have yours.
11. If you wish to walk through private property, ensure you have the owner's permission.
During the Walk
1. Know the experienced members and newer walkers in your group. Be aware who has first aid qualifications and who is carrying a mobile phone or PLB.
2. Before the walk introduce the members and outline the walk. Explain the terrain, hazards and expected return time.
3. Wait 5 minutes for people who may have been delayed at the meeting place.
4. Check that all participants are equipped for the walk. Water, food, wet weather gear, sunscreen, first aid kit etc. Check that each Club member is carrying an emergency contact sheet in their first aid kit.
5. Appoint a "tail" and a deputy leader.
6. The leader sets the pace. Remember the group can only move at the rate of the slowest walker. Have regular breaks for drinks and regrouping. Check that all walkers are present.
7. Keep a record of any injury or incident that occurs during the walk and report to the Secretary.
8. Emergency Procedure. If you have phone coverage, phone 000 (triple zero.) It is advisable to have the Emergency+ app installed on your phone. This app also provides your location in the format preferred by the emergency services. Ask for police and be prepared to give map name and grid references for your position. If phone contact is not possible then activate the PLB. (This is the advice from the RAFA course. The police co-ordinate rescues so we were told to ask for the police first not ambulance or fire).
At the end of the Walk
1. Check that all walkers are present.
2. Remind members to pay their contribution for travel.
3. Wait until all vehicles have started before driving off.
4. After the activity please email Late Returns to advise that the group has finished the activity. If there were any changes to participants or if the activity was cancelled, please include this information in the email.
5. Email a scan or photo of any temporary membership forms to the Walks Recorder, Onni Elliott.
6. Advise your emergency contact person that you have returned.
Guidelines for Canyoners
Guidelines for Canyoners
Technical canyoning is physically and mentally demanding and may involve: carrying heavy gear whilst walking off-track in rugged terrain with steep climbs and descents; swimming and wading in deep, cold, creeks, pools, and fast-moving water; encounters with escarpments, exposed cliff-lines, open face waterfalls, narrow gorges, tunnels, passages and cave-like formations. Rappelling, also known as abseiling, is the act of descending a rope or pair of ropes in a controlled way. Refer to UBMBC Canyoning Program document for information about the program.
Joining the Canyoning Program
All members intending to join the UBMBC canyoning program must complete a creek walk with UBMBC.
Members who are new to canyoning must also complete an abseil training course with an accredited commercial training provider. After completing this, members should apply to the UBMBC canyoning subcommittee (canyoning@ubmbc.org.au) to attend an UBMBC rope practice day for the purpose of skills assessment.
Experienced canyoners should submit their relevant and recent canyoning experience to the UBMBC canyoning subcommittee (canyoning@ubmbc.org.au) and attend a UBMBC rope practice day for the purpose of skills assessment.
In joining or renewing membership with UBMBC, members who participate in canyoning must indicate that they have read, understood and accepted the UBMBC Canyoning Waiver by checking the box on the club website. The waiver describes the risks associated with canyoning and must be completed annually.
Canyons are graded, (see UBMBC Canyoning Activity Grading document) from 1 to 5 based on factors such as abseil length, difficulty, access, starts, swimming, exposure, etc.
Booking canyon trips
Canyoning details and contact information are found in the Activities area on the UBMBC website. Commitment is important for canyon bookings. Advise the leader of medical conditions, physical limitations or communication problems that may affect you on the activity.
Acceptance for trips is not on a "first come, first served" basis. Whether the leader accepts your booking, or not, is based on group needs, canyon activity grading and members' skills to ensure safety and enjoyment. Inform the leader of any useful skills you possess, such as navigation, medical expertise or canyon knowledge.
Teamwork
When moving through a canyon, do not become isolated. Stay with at least one other person and in sight of others behind, particularly when swimming or rock scrambling. If you lose sight of the person in front, yell out for them to stop and wait for you. Collaborate with others and be ready to assist with canyon tasks. Offer help or advice if requested.
The leader determines the approach route, the way through the canyon and exit. Do not proceed ahead of the leader unless instructed. Canyoners must follow the leader’s instructions and cooperate.
Communication
The canyon environment can be dark, noisy (water falls), echoing, disorienting, many times the abseiler can’t be seen by the belayer or the anchor manager. If, at any time, a member is feeling unwell, unsafe, or uncomfortable they should inform the leader who will take appropriate action. Members are encouraged to raise issues of concern.
The use of loud verbal calls (for example: “On Rope”, “Abseiling”, “Stop”, “Off Rope”, “Rope Down”, “Rope Up”, “Help”), whistles, UHF radios and hand signals are used to communicate in the canyon environment.
Canyoners should learn these methods of communication and discuss with the leader what methods will be used on the trip.
Standardized whistle signals are used to communicate:
- Stop or to get attention (1 blast)
- Off Rope or OK (2 blasts)
- Rope down/release (3 blasts)
- Rope up (4 blasts)
- Emergency (continuous blasts)
Hand Signals
- Return the hand signal with the same one, as confirmation you have received it.
- Point to where you want a canyoner to go, not the hazard.
Skill progression and documentation
Canyoners should continually improve their skills. Each canyon presents a learning opportunity, with members sharing their knowledge. UBMBC provides abseil, skills and rescue practice sessions. There are many online and physical resources which facilitate technical canyoning skill development.
Canyon Safety
Most canyons are accessed by bushwalking, so the UBMBC Guidelines for Walkers document also applies to canyoning. This includes carrying a first aid kit, additional supplies in case of benighting and an emergency contact form in your backpack.
Canyoners should be familiar with their abseiling equipment and how to safely abseil on different types of rope. They should be able to use prusiks for self rescue.
Approaching the Anchor
If possible, stay at least two body lengths from exposed edges unless attached to a safety line or on rope.
Use of ABCDE checks is essential for every abseil.
- A: The anchor is solid and correctly rigged.
- B: Harness buckles are tight and correctly rigged before approaching anchor.
- C: The carabiner is done up (look check, feel check).
- D: The descender is rigged correctly. Load test.
- E: Everything else – helmet, backpack, gloves, belayer, release safety lanyard.
The first person abseiling is advised to use a VT prusik (self-belay), French Prusik (autoblock) or be top belayed (depending on conditions).
Belaying
A bottom belay or fireman's belay involves a belayer holding the abseil rope at the bottom of an abseil. If the abseiler slips, a sharp pull and hold of the rope is required to stop the uncontrolled descent. Ongoing communication with the abseiler assists the abseiler with the remaining descent.
If a bottom belay is used, the abseiler shouts, “On rope!” (two whistle blasts). The belayer responds with “On Belay!” (two whistle blasts) when ready. The abseiler releases their safety lanyard, calls “Abseiling!” (two whistle blasts) and begins the descent.
Shout “Rock!” repeatedly if a rock is dislodged during abseil until the hazard has cleared.
After completing the abseil, canyoners should be well clear of the area below the abseil to avoid falling rocks.
In certain situations the leader may determine that a canyoner requires a top belay. A top belay is when an abseiler is connected to a separate belay rope. The top belayer can manage the descent in case the abseiler loses control.
Environmental Considerations
Strive to minimize your impact on the canyon environment. Before the trip, clean your footwear and equipment to prevent the spread of soil-borne pathogens.
Walk on rocky areas or established routes and avoid muddy or loose ground, vegetated, moss-covered, or steep creek banks. Carry out all food scraps and rubbish. Regarding human waste - leave no trace! A WAG bag should be used in a canyon.
Canyoners comply with all NPWS adventure sports policies. Canyon wildlife, including birds, yabbies, snakes and lizards should be left undisturbed.
Recommended Personal equipment
Members are responsible for the care and maintenance of their equipment. Climbing or canyoning helmets, harnesses, descenders and carabiners must comply with European or North American standards and be used as intended by the manufacturer.
Helmets from other sports are not acceptable. Helmets are to be worn when abseiling, belaying and in the canyon. The leader may require members to wear helmets on the approach or exit of the canyon.
Members require the following equipment:
- Helmet
- Harness
- Descender (approved for abseiling on single and double rope.
- Personal Safety Lanyard or Personal Anchor System (PAS)
- 4 HMS (Pear shaped) locking carabiners
- Waterproof Head torch plus spare batteries and/or a backup headlight.
- Loud whistle
- Protective and grippy shoes eg Volleys or shoes made specifically for canyoning.
- Canyon backpack. Big enough to carry ropes (with drainage holes for wet canyons)
- 3 prusiks
- Canyon keg or dry bag (preferably double bagged to prevent leakage)
- First aid kit with snake bite bandage & space blanket/bivy
- Emergency contacts list & medicare number
- Emergency snacks (eg protein bar)
- 2L water
- Food - lunch + snacks
- Toilet paper & bag for carrying out used paper
Leaders may also advise additional equipment depending on conditions, for example:
- Leather gloves or sailing gloves
- VT prusik & mechanical ascenders
- Thermal bottom and top
- Wetsuit
- Knife
- Beanie, etc.
Leaders may refuse participation if equipment is missing, does not meet standards or is damaged. For more information on canyon gear see Canyoning Australia.
Ropes
Ropes are supplied by the leader or group members at the leader’s request. They must be in good condition and may be inspected by members. The length of each rope should be known by the owner and conveyed to the leader and group. Ropes should have clear length markings at the ends of the rope.
Any damage or wear on ropes should be reported to the leader immediately.
When not in use, ropes are to be carried inside packs or rope bags, except when anchor points are close to each other. Who carries ropes is decided by the leader.
It is recommended that ropes be isolated below the anchor point (e.g. with double alpine butterfly knot, ATC guide (Jester), stein knot, etc.), except for the last person who will remove the isolation before descending. The leader decides whether the abseil is rigged single rope, double rope or releasable.
Grade 5 canyoners are permitted to rig anchors. Grade 4 canyoners may rig if supervised by a grade 5.
Guidelines For Canyon Leaders
Canyoning is an outdoor adventure activity that typically involves bushwalking, swimming, wading, abseiling, and rock scrambling techniques in order to negotiate a diverse range of river and creek systems. As with all club activities, safety of participants is of paramount importance.
Guidance for Leaders is provided in the following UBMBC documents:
- Guidelines for Canyoners
- Guidelines for Walkers
- Guidelines for Walk Leaders
- Guidelines for Canyon Leaders
Processes for Trip Proposal and Acceptance
Trip leaders who have been approved by the subcommittees may submit canyoning trips to the UBMBC walks secretary. The activities page on the club website requires leaders to complete details of the trip. These include date, activity grade, leader, assistant leader, contact details, number of participants and map. The trip is subject to approval by the walks secretary.
Once the trip is approved by the walks secretary, the leader may inform club members by email to Canyons_abseiling_ubmbc@googlegroups.com google group. Members who are approved to participate in the canyon may contact the leader to request participation. The leader will consider the composition of the group in deciding who joins the trip. The leader then informs participants, providing meeting details, travel arrangements and any additional information.
Before leading a canyon
- Check if abseiling is allowed in the chosen area and if the canyon route crosses into private property.
- Conduct a risk assessment as outlined in the UBMBC Risk Management Guidance document.
- If necessary, conduct a reconnaissance trip.
- Be familiar with the UBMBC Emergency Response Process document.
- Be familiar with UBMBC Canyon Activity Grading document.
- Canyoning groups will have a limit of 8 participants. A second group will not be run in the same canyon on the same day.
- Identify potential exit routes that could be used if there is an emergency.
- Check that all canyoners have at least the minimum skill level required for the canyon activity.
- Adhere to participant limits and guidelines as established by NPWS.
- The group should consist of members with suitable skill and experience to run a trip safely. The safety ratio of experienced to less experienced should be taken into account. Identify the grade, skills of individual members and designate roles to those who are suited to assist with leading, last person down, second last person down, anchor/pitch manager, who will be at the front of the group, who is at the back of the group for the approach and exit.
- Prior to approval, check participants are financial members, have signed the canyon waiver, and are approved for technical canyoning. Check participants for the grade, skills and competency required to complete the activity. (A list of current canyoning members and their grade is regularly updated and distributed to leaders).
- The leader always has the discretion to approve or disapprove of any member joining a canyon activity if he/she has concerns about competency or suitability.
- Consider what is the minimum number of participants required for the trip to be safely run. Cancel or change the trip if there are less than 3 participants.
- Ensure that the group is carrying at least the minimum group equipment (see list below).
- Ensure there is sufficient rope for the trip, including for the use of access lines for exposed edges or approaching anchors.
- Check for park, road and area closures through NPWS, State or local government. National Parks, council area and roads NPWS Alerts webpage, bmcc, Live Traffic, RFS fires near me, etc.
- Email trip information to the participants.
- The day before the activity email late-returns-ubmbc@googlegroups.com with the participant names. If the activity is delayed, the committee is then able to answer enquiries. Make sure an emergency contact person (ideally a UBMBC committee member or canyoner) is aware of the route you are taking, details of the canyon activity and is available on the day/s of the activity. An updated email should be sent to late returns if there are any changes to the activity or participants.
- If carrying a PLB rather than InReach or other satellite communication device, ensure trip description and emergency contacts are updated through the AMSA website.
- Provide trip details to your emergency contact/s.
- Monitor the weather up to two weeks prior to the planned canyon activity. Heavy rain or thunderstorms may increase the risk of flash flooding. If the soil is already saturated then rain during the activity will result in increased runoff. Also consider the size of the catchment. Catchment sizes for many canyons are given on OzUltimate.com. Also consider the type of surface of the catchment area. Hard surfaces such as roads and residential areas absorb little water and water can enter the canyon in a shorter time and in higher volumes than compared to wilderness canyons during flash flooding.
- Consider if recent rainfall may have increased the water level, altered the conditions and made the canyon more difficult. There may be waterlogged entry and exit tracks, unstable surfaces, landslides or fallen trees.
On the day of the canyon
- Either cancel or have a contingency plan to do a similar activity should the conditions cause concern. If activity plans change, notify Late Returns and emergency contact if possible.
- Brief the participants on: planned route, duration, possible exposure, specific landmarks and potential hazards.
- Monitor the weather on the day.
- Where possible appoint a suitably experienced assistant leader.
- Discuss with the team, roles and the importance of teamwork and introduce the assistant leader to the group.
- Where a leader should be positioned within the group depends on the experience level of the group, familiarity with the canyon, the safety ratio and what the leader decides. Ideally the leader should be positioned at the front of the group.
- Confirm communication methods with the group e.g. verbal, whistle or hand signals. Confirm communication method again just before long distances or operating out of sight.
- Be aware of the communication ability of members from non-English speaking backgrounds. Check that communications are understood.
- Check participants have at least an approved helmet, harness, personal safety lanyard and any essential equipment before leaving the cars.
- Check if any additional equipment is carried by group members that can be usedif required.
- Plan for an early exit contingency, should conditions deteriorate or prove more challenging than anticipated.
- Be prepared to initiate an emergency response such as activating a PLB in the event of participants being injured, lost or incapacitated. Inform the group as to what the emergency response plan is.
- Continue to monitor the fitness of the group – checking for fatigue, injuries, hypothermia and hyperthermia.
- Strong currents may make swimming, abseiling and rock scrambling more hazardous.
- Check all anchors before setting up ropes and descending to ensure they are in good condition and have not been adversely affected by UV sunlight, rock fall, flood, fire etc. Check quicklinks/maillons gates are tightly closed. Have sufficient material to build a new anchor if required.
- Check all ropes and equipment to ensure they are in good condition. It is good practice for the last person down to carry a backup rope and be capable of performing rescues.
- Explain the route for each abseil and any potential hazards.
- When throwing rope down, if the rope cannot be sighted on the ground, then knot the ends of the rope/s. This may not be practical in all situations, such as white water. Consider using a releasable anchor.
- The leader should either be or appoint a pitch or anchor manager to check those getting on the rope at the pitch head. Usually this would be the pitch rigger or last person down.This person is also usually best located to perform rescues if something were to happen and so should be suitably experienced.
- Use a bottom or top belay when it is suitable and safe to do so. Belayers should concentrate on the task at hand. Where appropriate self belay can also be used.
- Canyoners should stand clear of the area below the abseil to avoid being hit by falling rocks and debris.
- Pools should be checked for depth, submerged debris and other hazards prior to abseiling into deep-water or jumping into a pool. Where possible the first person should descend by rope or climbing down and check the pool is clear before others jump. If a submerged danger is present the first person down will indicate where it is safe to jump.
- Advanced Canyoners (Level 5) may rig. Rigging includes setting up anchors, attaching ropes to anchors, traverse lines, top belay and guided abseils. Working towards Advanced Canyoners (Level 4) may rig if supervised by an Advanced Canyoner (Level 5). Canyoners who do not have rigging experience cannot rig or check rigging.
- Buddy checks should be done - ABCDE checks are done aloud by the person about to abseil. The person next in line to abseil also checks the abseiler.
- The first person abseiling is advised to use a VT prusik (self-belay), French Prusik (autoblock) or be top belayed (depending on conditions).
After the Canyon
- Check that all participants have returned safely.
- Conduct a debrief where participants have the opportunity to provide feedback on the activity.
- Check equipment that was shared during the activity is returned to the owner. e.g. carabiners, ropes, rope bags etc.
- Check all cars start before driving away.
- Reply to the earlier pre-canyon email that you had sent to late-returns-ubmbc@googlegroups.com to inform the club committee:
- That the group has finished the canyon.
- If there were any changes to participants or if the activity was cancelled.
- If there was a near miss or incident on the activity, complete an incident form.
- It is recommended to report new hazards observed on the OZultimate.com canyon conditions webpage or RopeWiki.
- It is recommended to clean all ropes, check for damage, measure and mark rope lengths so they are ready for the next trip.
Leader Equipment
The leader should have at least one of each of the following items in addition to the personal items required for canyoning.
-
- Minimum
- Additional descender
- PLB or Satellite communicator eg InReach
- Compass
- Map
- Adjustable wrench (for maillons)
- Basic rescue equipment
- Fire lighting equipment
- Maillons
- Mobile phone (offline map/gpx recommended)
- Slings (anchor building material)
- Additional Carabiners
-
- Optional
- USB Battery (charge phone)
- GPS
- Emergency Shelter/bothy bag
Group Equipment
-
- Minimum
- Rope/s
- Backup rope
-
- Optional
- UHF Radios
- Rope Bags
Ropes
- Sufficient ropes so that if ropes become stuck on one of the abseil pitches and are not able to be retrieved progression through the canyon is possible with the spare rope/s (this does not include the backup/rescue rope).
- Take into account rope shrinkage, changes in anchor position and discrepancies in reported abseil pitch lengths.
Canyon Leaders
Leaders are experienced technical (abseiling) canyoners with advanced abseiling skills.
They should also have good interpersonal skills to develop teamwork and cohesion within the group. They should try to utilise members’ expertise to enhance group performance and be proficient in managing group participation, logistics, risk assessment and unanticipated problems that may arise during the canyon.
It is also acknowledged that qualities such as sound judgement, compassion and fairness are vital for canyon leaders but are less easily measured than skills, knowledge and experience.