< Policies & procedures

Standard Operating Procedures

Risk Guidance

1. Introduction

This document outlines the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for canyoning activities organized by Canyoning Australia or it’s volunteers. It is designed to ensure the safety of all participants and activity leaders by identifying potential hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures. This SOP is a crucial part of Canyoning Australia's commitment to responsible and safe canyoning practices.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all canyoning activities organized and conducted by Canyoning Australia or it’s volunteers, including day trips and multi-day expeditions. It covers all aspects of canyoning activities, including but not limited to:

  • Activity planning and preparation

  • Participant requirements and responsibilities

  • Equipment inspection and usage

  • In-canyon procedures

  • Emergency procedures

  • Post-activity review

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Activity Leader:

  • Plan and organize the canyoning activity, including canyon selection, route selection, risk assessment, and emergency planning.

  • Ensure all participants have the required skills, experience, and equipment.

  • Conduct pre-activity briefings to inform participants of potential hazards and safety procedures.

  • Lead and supervise the group during the canyoning activity.

  • Make decisions in the field to ensure the safety of the group.

  • Manage any incidents or emergencies that may occur.

  • Ensure all participants adhere to this SOP.

  • Maintain communication with relevant parties outside the canyon.

3.2 Participant:

  • Provide accurate information about their skills, experience, and medical conditions.

  • Possess the required skills, experience, and equipment for the planned activity.

  • Attend pre-activity briefings and understand the potential hazards and safety procedures.

  • Follow the instructions of the Activity Leader.

  • Act in a safe and responsible manner.

  • Communicate any concerns or issues to the Activity Leader.

  • Carry their own first aid kit, including essential personal medications.

  • Complete required forms and Canyoning Waiver and Disclaimer.

4. Activity Planning and Preparation

4.1 Canyon Activity Selection:

  • Select canyon/activity that match the skills and experience of the participants including the activity leader(s).

  • Consider factors such as canyon grade, length, water flow, and potential hazards.

  • Obtain, if necessary, permits and permissions.

  • Check weather forecasts and water conditions.

  • Plan alternative routes or exit strategies.

4.2 Pre-Activity Briefing:

  • Conduct a pre-activity briefing to discuss the following:

    • Activity itinerary and objectives

    • Potential hazards and risks

    • Safety procedures and emergency plans

    • Equipment requirements and usage

    • Communication protocols

    • Participant responsibilities

    • Environmental considerations

  • Ensure all participants understand the information provided.

4.3 Participant Assessment:

  • Assess the skills and fitness of each participant to ensure they are capable of completing the activity safely.

  • Verify that participants have the necessary experience in abseiling, rope work, swimming, and canyoning techniques.

  • Consider any medical conditions or limitations that may affect their ability to participate.

4.4 Equipment:

  • Ensure all participants have the required personal equipment. Refer to the Gear guidance for detailed information on personal equipment required for canyoning.

  • Inspect all equipment is manufactured by a commercial manufacturer and compliant with industry standards (e.g. EN, UIAA, CE, IRATA, AN/NZS)

  • Inspect all equipment before the activity to ensure it is in good condition.

  • Provide group equipment, including:

    • Ropes

    • Anchoring material (if required)

    • Emergency communication device (satellite phone, PLB)

    • Rescue equipment

5. In-Canyon Activity Procedures

5.1 General Safety:

  • Maintain a safe pace and distance between participants.

  • Use appropriate communication signals (hand signals, whistle, verbal).

  • Be aware of potential hazards, such as:

    • Slippery surfaces

    • Loose rocks

    • Water flow

    • Drops and waterfalls

    • Submerged obstacles

    • Strainers

    • Changes in water levels

    • Weather conditions

    • Wildlife

  • Take necessary precautions to minimize risks.

  • Ensure all participants are within sight or sound of the leader(s).

  • Ensure no one is left behind.

5.2 Abseiling:

  • Establish secure anchor systems.

  • Use appropriate abseiling techniques.

  • Conduct buddy checks before each abseil.

  • Manage ropes properly to prevent tangling or damage.

  • Ensure the rope reaches the bottom of the abseil.

  • Warn participants of any specific hazards.

5.3 Water considerations:

  • Assess water flow and potential hazards before entering the water.

  • Use appropriate swimming techniques.

  • Employ flotation devices if necessary.

  • Avoid foot entrapment in strainers.

  • Be cautious of cold water and hypothermia.

  • Assess the weather forecast and catchment data and only enter canyons you and your party possess the skill and experience to safely engage

5.4 Communication: 

  • Use clear and concise communication.

  • Establish communication protocols before the activity.

  • Use hand signals, whistles, and verbal communication.

  • Carry and know how to use emergency communication devices (Personal Locator Beacon, satellite based text or voice communication devices e.g. Garmin inReach).

6. Emergency Procedures

  • Develop an emergency plan before the activity.

  • Carry appropriate first aid and rescue equipment.

  • Know how to use the emergency communication device.

  • In case of an incident:

    • Assess the situation and provide immediate care.

    • Communicate with external support if necessary.

    • Evacuate the injured person if possible.

    • Document the incident.

7. Post-Activity Review

  • Conduct a post-activity review to:

    • Evaluate the activity and identify any areas for improvement.

    • Discuss any incidents or near misses.

    • Review the effectiveness of the risk management strategies.

    • Update the SOP as necessary.

8. Risk Assessment

Canyoning environments are dynamic, and unforeseen hazards can arise. Effective risk management relies on thorough planning, appropriate equipment, competent leadership, participant awareness and self-assessment, clear communication, and the ability to adapt plans based on conditions encountered during the trip. All participants share responsibility for managing risks.

Refer to the Canyoning Activity Risk Assessment for additional information on risks associated with canyoning activities.

9. Review and Updates

This SOP and Risk Assessment will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Any changes in best practices will be incorporated into the document.

10. Acknowledgement

All participants and leaders must acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this SOP and Risk Assessment.