Haunted Rafting Trips- Risk Managment Planning

 

Haunted Rafting Tours

Risk Management Planning

By Stephen Arden

 



OVERVIEW:

We only take risks that are manageable for large groups of people as well as managing large groups while traveling. We want to offer a unique outdoor experience that people can enjoy and get excited about the outdoors! Since we host our tour on a river which is a challenging natural environment we are committed to mitigating risks, injuries, and accidents. Our tours are also held at night which does offer a challenge to the participants as well as the guides. We make sure that our guides have had extended training on that stretch of the river and are aware of turns, eddies, big rocks, as well as other hazards. Guides will be required to have specific certifications. Guides will all be proficient in company protocols and contingency plans. To ensure that guides are up to standards they are trained and be required that they are then given periodic reviews. In the case there is a problem you want to make sure to take care of the issue quickly and efficiently. Make sure to strive to improve ways to mitigate risks by gathering information!

 

Guide Expectations:

Guides should take safety seriously and take the proper steps to mitigate risks. They should make sure that the first-aid kit is full and up to date. Guides should do a pre, during, and post trip safety checks of proper protective equipment. Also have guides will have contingency plans set up in case of evacuations.

 

All of our Guides are required to carry first-aid kits at all times. Every guide is provided a company issued Satellite Phone and SPOT emergency locater beacon in case of emergencies. The satellite phone can also be used to help warn the guide of possible hazards in the river, initiate evacuations, and make regular check-ins. Each guide will also be required to carry a whistle and a throw bag (recommended to carry a knife). All guides must be in shape in order to help facilitate operation and assist in rescue if necessary.

 Certifications Required for Guides:

·        Wilderness First Responder(WFR)

·        Whitewater Rescue Technician (Rescue 3)

·        Passenger Van Certification



Transportation:

Transportation can be a major risk. Once you have the participants down the river you are going to need to shuttle them back up. It is recommended that you use a van. Typically we use a 15 person passenger vans so we can load up plenty of people. The guide will also drive the shuttle. To assure quality of the shuttle we have DMV background checks and require our guides to get certified in operating passenger vans.

 

Safety On The River:

While on the river you are going to have to watch out for you standard hazards as well as haunted decorations and attractions. This includes static ropes 8-10 feet above the river. Anytime you get rope around the river you are asking for an accident. You also want to make sure that guest is not getting too scared to the point to where they are uncomfortable in the raft. This can be communicated through satellite phone if necessary.

Emergency Contact List:

Clackamas Fire- (503) 742-2600

Clackamas Police Department- (503) 618-2313