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.

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 Temporary Members Form, downloaded from the club website. Juniors (under 18) must also be approved by the leader, complete a Temporary Members Form 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.