Advice / Responsibilities for Walk Leaders

1. The walk leader is responsible for the safety measures employed before and during a walk. Not for the food, water, preparation and equipment of the individual. Safety includes guiding the group on the correct path, not getting lost or losing any member of the group.
2. The walk leader is not responsible for the food, water, preparation and equipment carried by the individual, there are documents on this Web Site to guide them.
3. The leader should warn members of / or avoid hazards on the walk, such as cliff edges, slippery tracks, dangerous trees, extreme weather and the nature of the terrain to be traveled over.
4. It is not advisable to walk in high winds, high temperatures over 28 Deg C, bush fire areas, areas made slippery by heavy rains and areas placed out of bounds by National Parks.

Drinking Water

The leader should request that each member carry at least 2 litre of water, or whatever the leader deems appropriate for that particular walk.

Fitness

The leader should refuse to take someone who is obviously not fit enough to do the grade of walk.

Determine If the walkers is / has:

1. Capable of completing the bush walk.
2. Asthmatic and carrying Ventolin.
3. Heart condition - needs medication.
4. Has a disability which may affect the walk.
5. Susceptible to fits.
6. Other condition which may not be acceptable on a bush walk.

Group Integrity

• The leader usually walks in front.
• The minimum size group is four, this includes the leader and 3 others, two walkers and the leader carrying an EPIRB tracking device is acceptable.
• Place an experienced person at the rear to monitor the progress of the group.
• Carry means of communication ie whistles or radios.
• A head count should be taken regularly, track junctions or open areas are ideal for this purpose.
• If a walker is missing, check with the group to determine where the walker was last seen.
• To locate the walker, retrace your steps to that point checking any alternative ways they may have gone.
• If the person is not found in a reasonable time, eg 1 hour, leave markers at the point last seen and note the map location.
• Obtain help (report to the police or other search group such as Wilderness Rescue).
• Whistles should be carried for this very purpose

Slower Members

• The group must not travel faster than the slowest person.
• Slow members must not be left behind.
• The leader should advise members at the start point to request a break or alteration in pace if they feel stressed, are experiencing difficulty or the pace is too fast.

Keeping Informed

People in your group should be watched for signs of stress. If anyone shows signs, such as feeling faint, breathing difficulties etc, stop and rest until they recover, then continue at a slower pace.

If in doubt - STOP!

Injuries

Injuries should be treated by a qualified first aider if possible. If casualty can't continue then send two capable people for help. It may be advisable to cancel the walk and return to the start point if the injury is a minor ankle / leg injury which may deteriorate as the walk progresses.