Activity Safety Plan
Description
Basic Safety Rules
| Rule Category | Basic Rules |
|---|---|
| Supervision | – Qualified adult leaders required – Maintain appropriate student-to-leader ratio |
| Preparation | – Complete route planning and risk assessment – Ensure all gear is checked before departure |
| Safety | – Carry first aid kit and emergency communication device – Monitor weather conditions continuously |
| Environmental Care | – Follow Leave No Trace principles – Respect wildlife and natural habitats |
| Student Conduct | – Stay with the group at all times – No alcohol, drugs, or prohibited items |
| Emergency Protocols | – Know evacuation routes – Report injuries or hazards immediately – Obtain parental consent |
Overall Activity Risk Classification (High, Moderate, Low)
High.
Follow all divisional protocols when planning high risk activities.
This activity is appropriate for students in grades 9-12 only.
Risk Management
- Consult Risk Management for additional general safety requirements and outside provider guidelines.
- Single-day or multi-day trips from school or base camp which are more than 2 hours away from of the arrival of emergency medical assistance.
- For multi-day trips, also consult Outdoor Education (Camping).
- Also consult Outdoor Education (General Procedures).
- Consult Risk Management for additional general safety requirements.
Activity Categories
Insert Table Here.
General Risk Management
| Risk | Assessment | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Weather (storms, cold) | High | – Check forecasts daily – Have emergency shelter – Carry extra warm clothing |
| Wildlife Encounters (bears, etc.) | High | – Educate students on wildlife safety – Carry bear spray – Store food properly |
| Getting Lost / Navigation Error | High | – Use GPS and maps – Maintain group integrity – Assign experienced leaders |
| Injury (sprains, fractures) | Moderate | – Pre-trip fitness screening – Carry first aid kit – Train leaders in first aid |
| Water Safety (contaminated water) | Moderate | – Carry water purification tablets – Educate on hydration safety |
| Hypothermia / Heat Stress | Moderate | – Monitor weather and student condition – Layered clothing – Scheduled breaks |
| Minor Cuts / Blisters | Low | – Pack first aid supplies – Teach proper footwear use |
| Equipment Failure | Low | – Inspect gear before trip – Carry repair kits |
Property Risk Management
| Risk | Assessment | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Loss or Theft of Expensive Equipment | High | – Maintain inventory checklist – Assign responsibility for gear – Secure storage when not in use |
| Damage to School-Owned Gear (tents, packs) | High | – Inspect gear before and after trip – Provide training on proper use – Carry repair kits |
| Fire Damage to Equipment or Campsite | Moderate | – Enforce fire safety rules – Designate fire zones – Carry fire extinguisher or water |
| Water Damage to Electronics or Gear | Moderate | – Use waterproof bags – Avoid river crossings without proper planning – Keep electronics sealed |
| Vehicle Damage During Transport | Moderate | – Use licensed drivers – Inspect vehicles before departure – Secure gear properly |
| Minor Wear and Tear on Gear | Low | – Regular maintenance schedule – Educate students on careful handling |
| Misplacement of Small Items (utensils, tools) | Low | – Label all items – Use group gear bins – Conduct gear checks at each stop |
Liability Risk Management
| Risk | Assessment | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Student Injury or Fatality | High | – Comprehensive risk assessment – Qualified supervisors – Emergency response plan – Adequate insurance coverage |
| Lack of Parental Consent / Documentation | High | – Obtain signed consent forms – Provide detailed trip information – Keep records securely |
| Inadequate Supervision | High | – Maintain required student-to-leader ratio – Ensure staff have outdoor training – Background checks for supervisors |
| Failure to Follow Provincial Safety Guidelines | Moderate | – Align with Manitoba School Safety Guidelines – Document compliance – Regular staff training |
| Transportation Accidents | Moderate | – Use licensed drivers – Inspect vehicles – Ensure proper insurance coverage |
| Improper Handling of Medical Conditions | Moderate | – Collect medical info prior to trip – Carry medications and first aid – Train staff in emergency care |
| Breach of Privacy (student info) | Low | – Secure all personal data – Limit access to authorized personnel – Follow school privacy policy |
| Equipment-Related Liability | Low | – Inspect gear before use – Provide training on proper handling – Document maintenance |
Personal Injury Risk Management
| Risk | Assessment | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Falls on Uneven Terrain | High | – Pre-trip briefing on safe hiking – Use proper footwear – Maintain group pace |
| Severe Injury (fractures, head trauma) | High | – Carry comprehensive first aid kit – Train leaders in emergency response – Establish evacuation plan |
| Hypothermia / Heat Stroke | High | – Monitor weather and student condition – Provide layered clothing – Schedule hydration breaks |
| Animal Bites or Stings | Moderate | – Educate on wildlife safety – Carry insect repellent – Pack allergy medication |
| Dehydration | Moderate | – Ensure adequate water supply – Teach hydration practices – Carry purification tablets |
| Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Blisters | Low | – Pack first aid supplies – Teach proper footwear and blister prevention |
| Sunburn | Low | – Apply sunscreen regularly – Wear hats and protective clothing |
Equipment
Clothing/Footwear/Jewellery
- Complete a clothing and footwear check prior to departing on the excursion.
- Clothing appropriate to the location, activities and environmental conditions must be worn.
- Where conditions warrant, rain gear and/or a dry change of clothing kept in a watertight bag/container must be accessible.
- Comfortable and durable closed-toed shoes or boots appropriate to the route (for example, hiking boots) must be worn. Students and
- parents/guardians must be informed of the importance of wearing footwear that has been broken in prior to the trip (i.e., not wearing new footwear).
- When long hair poses a safety risk it must be secured. Devices (for example, hair pins, elastics and barrettes) used to tie back long hair must not present a safety concern.
Facilities
- Check with local authorities for current information regarding the route and appropriate safety measures.
- The trip guide must be familiar with the route (for example, length of route, terrain).
- Only designated trails are to be used.
- Appropriate environmental and sanitary practices (for example, washroom routines) must be taught.
Environmental Considerations
- When environmental conditions (for example, humidex warnings, thunderstorms, or higher elevations of pollutants) may pose a risk to student safety, teachers must follow their school board/school protocols and procedures related to environmental conditions (consult Weather) and insects.
- Students must receive instruction on safety procedures related to environmental conditions and be made aware of ways to protect themselves (for example, wearing a hat during hot sunny weather).
- At all times the school board’s weather and insect procedures are the minimum standards. In situations where a higher standard of care is presented (for example, outside activity providers or facility/program coordinators), the higher standard of care must be followed.
Special Rules/Instructions
- A principal/designate (remaining at school), each teacher, and trip guide (when appropriate) on the excursion must have:
-
- a map of the route
- an itinerary including an emergency action plan (for example, supervisory chain of command, emergency evacuation plan, emergency access points, local emergency contact phone numbers)
- Parents must be informed that backpacks will be appropriate for the size and weight of the student (for example, approximately 25% of body weight).
- Length and difficulty of the hiking route must be commensurate with age, skill level, and experience of the students.
- A system for keeping track of students must be in place (for example, buddy system).
- Daylight hiking only. Except in emergency situations.
- All parameters of Outdoor Education (Swimming) must be followed if students will be swimming or entering bodies of water as part of the backpacking/hiking experience.
- When planning an activity, participant level of fitness, their previous training, and the intensity and length of time of the activity must all be taken into consideration.
- Skills must be taught in proper progression and all activities must be based on the skills that are taught.
- Activities must be modified according to the students’ age, ability, language skills, previous experience, the number of participants, and the facility/space available.
- Be aware of students with a medical condition (for example, asthma, anaphylaxis, casts, previous concussion) that may affect their participation. Consult Medical Conditions for additional information.Students must not participate until they receive concussion information specific to school board procedures/policies, activity specific information on concussion prevention, the inherent risks of the activity, how to minimize the activity risks, and rules/procedures for safe play.
- Students must be instructed on the importance of reporting suspected concussion symptoms.
- For all off-site activities refer to the school board’s transportation procedures/policies related to appropriate methods of transportation, appropriate parent/guardian communication, and obtaining parent/guardian permission.
Information for Students
Prior to departure, students must receive instruction on:
- appropriate and safe behaviour
- route for the trip, and the route for the day (reviewed each morning)
- emergency procedures
- signal to assemble
- the importance of treating their feet for hot/sore spots
- risks of the activity along with strategies to minimize those risks
- ways to protect themselves from environmental conditions (for example, use of hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, personal water bottles, insect repellent, appropriate clothing)
- safety procedures related to severe weather conditions (for example, wind, lightning). Consult Weather.
- suitable, nutritious food and how to pack it appropriately for carrying.
- safe drinking water sources on the trip (including what an adequate supply of safe water would be for one day and water purifications methods).
Supervision
- All activities must be supervised.
- On-site supervision is required.
- For all overnight excursions, two supervisors are required as a basic minimum, one of whom must be a teacher.
- Where males and females participate on an overnight excursion, both male and female supervisors are required.
- The teacher must assign a leader to the front and back of the group.
- The front and back of the group must be within whistle contact of the teacher/trip guide at all times.
- If the group is divided into two or more excursions, each excursion must have a trip guide with the required certifications.
- The level of supervision must commensurate with the inherent risk of the activity. The level of risk is related to the number of participants, the skill level of the participants, the type of equipment used, and environmental conditions.
- Supervision Ratios
1 supervisor per 8 students
First Aid
- A fully stocked first aid kit must be readily accessible. (Consult Sample First Aid Kit)
- A working communication device (for example, satellite phone, cell phone, or satellite GPS messenger) must be available at all times. The device must be suitable for the activities/locations, be maintained, waterproofed, protected, and dedicated for emergency communications only. The phone number for the device, phone numbers for emergency services, and phone numbers for school contacts in the event of an emergency must be included with the phone.
- At least one teacher, trip guide, instructor, or supervisor must have current certification in a minimum of one of the following advanced wilderness first aid certifications:
- WMA Wilderness Advanced First Aid
- St. John Ambulance Wilderness First Aid Level 3
- Canadian Red Cross Advanced Wilderness and Remote First Aid
- Equivalent to any of the above.
- The school’s first aid plan/emergency response (consult First Aid Plan and First Aid Emergency Response) and the school board’s concussion protocol (consult Concussions) must be followed.
The school evacuation and lock down plans must be communicated to students and followed in the case of an emergency.
Definitions
Origin Date
October 14, 2025Last Reviewed
June 5, 2026Next Review
October 29, 2026
