CARMELITE COLLEGE OF SIQUIJOR, INC.

Tinago, Siquijor, Siquijor

6225 Philippines

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 4

Grade 12
Second Semester
A.Y. 2021 – 2022
Fourth Quarter

Prepared by:

JOHN LOIS VAN PEREW PEREW, LPT

Subject Teacher
MODULE 5 - Risk Management of Outdoor Activities
Did you know?
Last August 19, 2015 a group of about 180 BSU students conducted a field trip to Madlum Cave
in San Miguel, Bulacan. Tragedy struck when heavy rains swelled the Madlum River and triggered a
flash flood that swept the students who were crossing the river, drowning 7 students.
Fact-finding committee on the tragedy found the following violations:
- Lack of guidelines on defining responsibilities of faculty advisers and student organizers
- Lack of medical clearance for students
- Lack of supervision of the students by faculty members during the trip
- Lack of emergency rescue and first aid team in the vicinity
- Waiver/consent form signed by the parents or guardians did not specify the itinerary
- Lack of permit/clearance from the local government unit

(*Madlum is sitio in Bulacan where many outdoor activities can be held such as hiking, trekking, caving,
swimming, rock scrambling, camping, river crossing, rappelling, and cable traverse.) Source:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/376605/news/nation/probers-of-fatal-field-trip-find-violationsby-bsu-
travel-agency accessed September 12, 2015

Being outdoors entails certain risks-risk of being injured, risk of having accidents, and the tragedy
of death. These risks may come from the participants, from the activity itself, from the very location of the
activity, or from environmental conditions. However, such risk may be minimized through proper
planning and management. In the above example of the Madlum tragedy, could such tragedy have been
avoided? This is what we will be discussing in this chapter. Perhaps at the end of the lesson we can go back
to this story and see if it could have been avoided and if so, how?
This module will be focusing on how risks are managed and how one can come up with a plan. It
will also deal with the basic logistical aspect of planning which is a significant factor in ensuring the
success of the outdoor activity.
Outdoor recreational activities entail a combination of challenge, risk, and adventure. The presence
of the risk factor in an outdoor activity creates some uncertainty and the possibility of negative outcomes.
Safety is always a consideration but this cannot always be guaranteed because there are factors where one
has little control or no control at all such as sudden rock fall or inclement weather condition. However,
there are ways of managing and reducing these risks and these can be planned prior to the activity. This is
what risk management is all about. Risk management, therefore, anticipates the possible of undesired
events and establishes a preferred course of action to avoid or minimize the possible occurrence. In
anticipating the undesirable eventualities, the plan starts from identifying the risks and the source of
hazards. After which, the possibility of the occurrence of such risk must be assessed and come up with a
strategy of minimizing the effect of the risk to the activity.

RISK IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT, AND REDUCTION

How do we identify risks?
What are hazards and what are risks? Hazards are things that have the potential to harm while risk
is the likelihood of realizing such potential. For instance, what are the possible risks in kayaking? A
potential hazard might be the lack of knowledge of the weather condition before doing the activity, with
such potential hazard, there can be the risk of the boat capsizing leading to the risk of drowning.
Risk identification therefore first involves knowing the hazards of the activity. There are three
sources of hazards that may give rise to the risks. Parkin & Blades (1998) in their published paper explains
that there are three factors to consider in identifying risk, namely, the participants, the equipment, or from
the surroundings. Some risks are visible and easily identifiable and others may be less definable.

Hazards from Human Factor

Human factors include hazards coming from the participants and the leaders or organizers of the
activity. Participant factors may include the unmanageable size of the group, the lack of skills, knowledge
and experience, poor health, age, and even attitude problems. Leader/organizer factors may include their
lack of knowledge of environmental hazards, poor coordination and management skills, inability to
respond to emergencies, poor planning, and communication, among other things.
Hazards from Equipment
Equipment includes the basic things to be used in the activity such as masks and flippers in
snorkeling, the boat and PFD in kayaking, ropes in trekking, etc. Equipment also includes the proper
clothing and footwear of the participants.

Hazards from the Environment

Weather condition tops the list of environment hazard. Others include the temperature, the terrain,
rock stability, darkness, and the other environmental hazards tackled in the previous unit.

After identifying the risks, how can one come up with assessment?
Many of the sources of hazards that may cause the risks that were previously mentioned have been
clearly identified and defined. Thus, one can find ways to manage and reduce the risk of accidents. For
instance, equipment should be clearly identified and checking them is a way of reducing risks. There are
however hazards that are not as easily defined, such as the attitude or state of mind of participants. If one
factor conflicts with another factor, there might be a great potential for accident.
Alan Hale in 1984 developed the Dynamics of Accident Model (Bunting, 2006) where he came up
with the accident equation on how accidents occur (see Figure 11). He said there is the potential for an
accident when two of the risks overlap, such that the greater the overlap, the greater the potential for an
accident.

Figure 11. Alan Hale's Accident Equation

Therefore, risk identification should also include identifying the likely risk combination. For
instance, in the Bulakan field trip tragedy one can identify more than two hazards overlapping and this
will mean higher chances of accident. What was there were more human hazard and environmental
hazards, then this will be an even greater risk of accident.
Hazard Factor: Weather + Hazard Factor: Human = accident
It has been raining prior to the (coordination) Drowning due to flash flood
field trip
Risk of sliding on slippery trail (no coordination with local
Risk of getting drowned due to government unit, lacked faculty
higher water level and flash supervision lack of clear trip
floods detail to parents)

If there was only one hazard factor involved, then there would be higher chance of preventing the
accident. Suppose, in this case, coordination with the local government unit was done (human factor
managed), then perhaps there would have been an emergency response team stationed on the site, such
that if an emergency situation occurs, there would be someone who could respond and help and there
would have been lesser chances of a tragedy occurring.
Risk assessment now includes understanding the degree of the risk and the probability or
likelihood of it happening or occurring. The experience of the organizers, facilitator, or leader of the
activities may have an insightful input on this matter. Knowledge of the location, the activity itself, the
level of competence of the participants, and the level of confidence given to activity coordinators/
facilitators/leaders in terms of their competence will also contribute in the assessment.
For instance, consider the number of participant as one of the hazards. What is the degree of risk
involved in having 180 students in one outdoor activity? Will the number impose a great risk based from
the previous experience or perhaps certain procedures were already set. If this is the case, will there still be
ways of reducing risk further? So all these questions are part of the assessment of identified risk.

How can risk be reduced?

 Risk reduction is coming out with strategies and implementing the strategies that will minimize the
risks of the activities. This will include detailed pre-trip planning, coming up with policies and procedures,
staff training, equipment inspection, and maintenance, and knowing the participants prior to the activity.
The pre-trip planning will cover basic knowledge of weather forecast, site selection (e.g., knowledge
of the water's currents; undertows; presence of aquatic hazards such as jelly fish or weeds; trekkers/hikers
having knowledge of the difficulty level of mountains; and environmental hazards such as leeches and
poison ivy), availability of emergency personnel in the area, and basic facilities of the site. Pre-trip planning
is basically having an understanding and knowledge of how the activity will go in a specific place at a
particular date and time.
The policies and guidelines may be set by activity facilitators as safety measures to participants.
Some policies are in accordance with national or local laws. For instance, divers must have a diver's
certificate before being allowed to dive at certain levels. It can also be local policy or law, such as no
campfires on certain mountains, no hiking on a particular weather condition, or no caving without
qualified guides. It can also be on school level policy or procedure; such as medical certificate must be
issued by physicians before being allowed to join an outdoor activity. Rules, regulations, policies, and
procedure are important measures to reduce-if not to eliminate the risk and are a part of the management
plan.
An important factor is also qualification and training of individuals to conduct or coordinate
activities. There are specific skills that are very crucial to conduct and facilitate outdoor recreational
activities. This plays a very important role in the safety of participants.
Equipment selection, inspection, and maintenance play an important role in reducing risks of
accident. Equipment to be used should be of approved standard. Inspecting each part of the gear and
trying them out before the activity, to make sure that they operate properly, is a must.
Lastly, a basic knowledge of the composition of the participants also helps in risk reduction.
Understanding the skill levels of the participants will allow the facilitators or leader to adjust and anticipate
certain difficulties and needs. Further, disclosing the risk and having the participants understand the
dynamics of accidents will make them more aware of responsibilities to ensure safety of oneself and other
participants.

LET'S DO THIS!
Activity: Risk Management Plan
The end goal for the activity is for your group to come up with a risk management plan for a
specific outdoor activity. This will be a group work. The outdoor activity may be of the group's choice or
may be assigned by the teacher.
Activity:
Planned Site of the Activity:
Come up with a risk manage plan by filling in the following details:
Hazard (Identify the Risk (Identify a Risk Assessment Risk Reduction
specific source of specific risk that the Strategy (What should
hazard) hazard my bring) be done to reduce or
manage the risk?)
Factors coming from
participants:
Environmental factors:
Equipment:

MODULE 6 - Budget and Logistical Issues

 Did you know?
Did you know that a medical health clearance is required before one can climb Mt. Pulag? The
management of Mount Pulag National Park adopts a no-health-clearance-no-hiking policy. This policy
came after a tourist from Quezon City died of cardiac arrest in her tent. Mt. Pulag is in a forest park in
Kabayan town in the Cordillera Region and is under the supervision of the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources. Source: http://www.rappler.com/nation/112687-hikers-health-clearance-
mount-pulag accessed August 30, 2016

Good planning leads to a successful activity and a successful activity leads to a rewarding and
pleasurable experience for the participants. Key to planning is dealing efficiently with route plan and
evacuation routes, safety and risk management plans, the logistics involved in the activity, and an
important factor to be able to carry out an activity is of course the budget.

PRE-TRIP PLAN, LOGISTICS, AND BUDGET

What are the things to consider in pre-trip/activity planning?
Site Plan, Route Plan, and Evacuation Routes
The following must be given consideration in planning for the route, activity, and selection of site:
 Itinerary
 Enumerating the activities and identifying the estimated date or time when the activities will
be taking place.
 Itinerary always starts from departure up to arrival to original take-off point.
 How to get to the site, which includes:
 Distance
 Transportation
 Alternate routes
 Having a background information of the activity site and mapping of the activity
 In snorkeling, one needs to identify the specific location of the snorkeling site and the
characteristics of the waters such as the current, undertows, waves, and aquatic hazards.
 In canoeing or kayaking activity, the important things to learn beforehand are knowing the
starting point of the river and the various points of the path or route. This also involves
knowing the characteristics of the river such as its rapids and rocks or where one can stop if
needed.
 Mountain climbing involves knowing the elevation gain, the kind of trail, environmental
hazard, temperature, and weather.
 In orienteering, the site and map need to be studied ahead of time so as to understand the
terrain, vegetation, etc.
 In scuba diving, a diving plan is a must. Just like snorkeling, part of the plan should also
involve the characteristics of the water.
 In camping, one needs to know the camping site location and its environment, its available
facilities (frontcountry camping), and water source, if any.
 An important part of route planning is also identifying the nearest emergency facility in case
it will be needed.

Safety and Risk Management Plan

 Safety and risk management plans for the site and itinerary should be in place.
 Activity-specific guidelines must also be formulated and orientation must be given to all
participants.
 Action plans for emergencies must be prepared and everyone involved in the plans must be
informed.

Logistics
 When done as a school or class activity, it is a requirement that:
 the scope of the activity is clearly outlined
 the approval of the school must be sought
 written parental consent is taken for each participant of minor age.
  Equipment list and checking of equipment
 List of essential things to bring must be given to participants
 Transportation (to and from the site such as land transportation and boat in case it is located in
another island or somewhere in the sea, tricycle, or other local vehicles)
 Food and menu preparation
 Application for permits and fees
 Some outdoor activities in the Philippines would require permits to be able to proceed with the
activity. Trekking in Mt. Kanlaon, Mt. Apo, and Mt. Banahaw are among those that need one.
Diving at the Tubbataha Reefs also needs a permit for entry. For all permits, fees are required.
 Other trekking sites do not require permits but registration to the local tourism office or local
government office is a requirement and some fees have to be paid. Registration is usually
required by the government in order to know who and where the tourists are going.
 Lodging reservations when needed (for instance a transit place before going to the actual site or for
extended stay)
 Coordination with on-site facilitator or guide and with local tourism office or government unit to
plan for contingency or emergency

Budget
Every activity will be requiring costs that will cover:
 Transportation
Most, if not all, outdoor recreational activities are done outside of the city. This will entail
traveling to the planned location.
Traveling can either be by bringingown vehicle or by using the public transportation. It also
means knowing ahead of time the routes leading to the location and it is also best to study the
terrain, the environment, etc., in case the participants would need to walk.
Traveling with own vehicles will include costs for gas and toll fees. On some places, parking
fees may be charged too.
When traveling using the public transportation, costs may include:
Plane ticket and airport taxes if you are flying to a more distant location
 Bus ticket for land travel
 Fares for tricycle or jeepney
 Boat fares for those going to islands, which may include insurance fees
 Food can be brought individually or prepared as a group wherein cost can be divided
among the participants. For hiking and trekking, freeze-dried meals, and energy food are
available but may be costlier. However, such luxuries are justifiable when at the end of a
tiring day, these foods will not require further energy and preparation other than boiling
 Rental for Gadgets or water. Equipment
 Lodging (if needed)
 Permit Fees
 Professional Guides
Guides are also required—if not recommended—for some activities such as spelunking,
whitewater rafting/canoeing or kayaking, and even trekking or hiking. Professional fees are also
paid to the guides.
It is very helpful to research (one way is through the Internet) for arrangements and travel guides.
Travel blogs are very helpful in giving tips on how to reach certain places and in obtaining other relevant
and important information. Many more popular outdoor recreation sites also have their own website,
where contact numbers or email addresses are posted. This way you can make inquiries by call or email
ahead of your planned outdoor activity.

LET'S DO THIS!
Activity. Preparations for an Outdoor Recreation Activity
As a class, plan-out a culminating activity that the class agreed upon in terms of what outdoor
activity and the venue for the activity. Then, divide yourselves into six groups so each group will be
responsible in planning for a particular task. Each group will write a detailed plan of what each was
assigned. After discussions, each group will present their plan to the class and the class will give its own
feedback and comments. The groupings may include (but not limited to):
Group 1: Site Research and Route Planning
  How to get to the site (transportation and costs)
 site description (trails, terrains, rapids, waves, currents, environmental hazards, etc.)
 On-site facilitator or guide
 Permits needed
 Emergency plans
 Lodging (if needed)
Group 2: List of Things to Bring
 Things that each participant should be bringing
 List of things needed as a group to bring (e.g., stove or pots)
 Delegation of who will be bringing what
 Emergency kit
 Equipment
Group 3: Menu Planning and Budget Proposal for the Whole Activity
 Meals
 Cooking needs
 Delegation
 Marketing and costing
 Coordinate with other groups to obtain other costs that will be incurred (e.g., transportation
and lodging)
Group 4: Permission Letters
 Letter to the school administrators
 Letter to parents (letter of consent)
 Other letters needed
 Forwarding and following up of letters
 Collecting return slips
Group 5: Itinerary and Coming-up with Safety Management Plan
 Planning of itinerary from departure to arrival
 Writing of safety management plan including rules and regulations
Group 6: Activity Planners and Facilitators
 Plan and facilitate activities (if camping, then maybe plan and facilitate a simple orienteering
activity)