Climb On Safely

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Climb OnSafely
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• Reminder to instructors Check the notes pages
  of this presentation for the text of the Climb On
  Safely, 20-099
• This is a hidden slide and will not show in the
  presentation.

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Climbing / Rappelling

• Great challenge great accomplishment
• Climbing merit badge
• Unit rappelling is more dangerous
• Unit leaders reinforce following directions
• Climbing instructors give technical direction
• Good climbers may not be good instructors

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Resources

• Instructors NOLS, WEA, AMGA, REI, EMS,
  Mountaineers, universities, Project Adventure
• Topping Out A BSA Climbing/Rappelling Manual
  (3207)
• Mountaineering The Freedom of the Hills
• Passport to High Adventure (4310)

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Recommendations

• Special training for
• Lead climbing
• Snow and ice climbing
• Top-rope all council / district activities
• Cub / Webelos Scouts are encouraged
• Normally climbing gym
• Age-appropriate instruction
• Size-appropriate equipment

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Overview

• Qualified supervision
• Qualified instructors
• Physical fitness
• Safe area or course
• Equipment
• Planning
• Environmental conditions
• Discipline

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1. Qualified Supervision

• Mature and conscientious adult, 21 or over
• Accepts responsibility for safety of youth
• Committed to Climb On Safely procedure
• Two adults (one 21), plus 1 adult / additional
  10 youth
• One person ARC Standard First Aid / CPR
• Help is Delayed module desired
• EMT, LPN, RN, etc. OK

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2. Qualified Instructors

• Over 21
• Completed 10 hours instructor training
• BSA climbing instructor
• Nationally / regionally recognized organization
• Climbing school
• College-level climbing / rappelling course

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3. Physical Fitness

• Class 1 medical record (34414) minimum
• Adapt supervision, discipline and precautions to
  individual health conditions
• Require a physical if problems are identified
• Inform the climbing instructor of medical
  conditions

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4. Safe Area

• Established / developed site or facility
• Qualified instructor survey in advance
• Determine suitability for age, maturity, skill
• Safely accommodate the number of participants
• Identify emergency evacuation route in advance

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5. Equipment

• Proper equipment for size and ability
• Helmets, rope and hardware approved by UIAA,
  CEN, or ASTM
• Equipment new or instructor provided
• Keep records on each equipment item
• Discard after three hard falls
• Discard after four years
• Wear a helmet when more than six feet above
  ground

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6. Planning

• Written parental consent for climbing/rappelling
• Inform parents / committee of
• Climbing / rappelling plan
• Severe weather alternate plan
• Other alternative plans
• Secure permits for public and private land
• Use a qualified climbing instructor
• Instructor has topo map and weather briefing
• Cell phone or radio is suggested

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7. Environmental Conditions

• Instructor responsible for monitoring
• Loose rock
• Poisonous plants
• Wildlife
• Weather
• Buddy system monitor
• Dehydration
• Hypothermia
• Unusual fear / apprehension
• Supervisor Leave No Trace

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8. Discipline

• Participants know, understand, respect rules
  and procedures
• Teach before the outing
• Review immediately prior to the activity
• Teach the reason why
• Follow instructors directions
• Be strict and fair

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Summary

• Qualified supervision
• Qualified instructors
• Physical fitness
• Safe area or course
• Equipment
• Planning
• Environmental conditions
• Discipline

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Questions?