SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR U3A BUSHWALKING

 ALL WALKERS

It is everyone’s responsibility to ascertain whether each walk is within their capabilities and not to undertake a walk that may be beyond their capabilities. Please read the Blog for walk details and check the day prior to a walk in case of changes.

On arrival at the meeting place (usually Llanberris Netball Courts Car Park), each walker should go to the class rep to have his/her name ticked off. Walkers should have the following on each walk:

• U3A badge with current details completed

• strong footwear (not new)

• weather appropriate clothing

• hat and sunscreen

• water, food

• mobile phone, turned on, with class tutor’s or rep’s number stored

• crepe bandage or substitute, in case of snake bite

• a whistle is also handy to carry

THE LEADER

Prior to doing the walk, the leader should check to ensure its access and suitability with another person. Provide information about the walk to Chris Charleson (christrudy1952@gmail.com) so it can be posted to the blog a week before the walk is to take place.

Information should include:

• Location

• Distance of the drive to the start of the walk (if not at Llanberris)

• Distance of the walk

• Grade – A, B or C (A is easiest and C

• is hardest)

• Short description of the walk

• Meeting point for walk or car pool

• Cost of car pool

• Names of leaders

• Time to meet at Llanberris or the start of the walk and estimated time of finish

• Need for morning tea and/or lunch

Provide 3 copies of the map for the walk, one each for the leader, whip and tutor (for the archive).

Before leaving Llanberris, advise walkers of directions to the start of the walk, possibly with written instructions.

Complete a head count before commencing the walk.

Ensure someone is carrying the first aid kit (provided by the group) which is returned to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk, and a mobile phone.

The leader should wear an orange fluoro vest (provided by the group) which is returned to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk.

Carry a walkie-talkie (provided by the group) which is returned to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk.

Ensure that there are adequate drink stops.

THE WHIP

The whip is the person who assists the leader by preparing for the walk and then walking at the back of the group to ensure everyone keeps up. The whip should remain the last walker at all times.

The whip should wear a fluoro vest and carry a walkie-talkie and return these to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk.

CAR POOLING

Drivers are entitled to an amount of money for the use of their car. Each walker should check the Blog for car pool details and have the correct change for the driver.

$10 for 25kms+

$5 for up to 25kms

DRIVERS

Drivers should ensure they have received a set of instructions for directions to the start of the walk.

Ensure you have the mobile phone numbers of the leader of the walk and of Helen B or her deputy.

ON THE WALK

It is everyone’s responsibility to remain behind the leader and in front of the whip, both of whom will be wearing fluoro vests. Ensure the person following is able to see you.

People who know they walk slowly should walk at the front or in the middle of the group.

If you feel unwell, please let the nearest person know.

Walkers in need of a toilet stop should tell the nearest walker before leaving the track.