HOW WE DO SAFETY
The safety of our team and participants is our priority, and we have an excellent safety record. The New Zealand Kayak School (NZKS) welcomes any questions about how we do safety.
Kayak New Zealand Limited training as New Zealand Kayak School has a Safety Management System that has been audited and certified by Qualworx against the Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities (Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activity) Regulations 2015). We undergo a full audit every three years, and a surveillance audit every other year. Our instructional team is qualified by the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA) and includes NZOIA assessors and Technical Advisors/Experts.
All of our courses are custom and tailored to the group we have in front of us. We are constantly evaluating the needs of the group, alongside weather and environmental conditions, the energy and well-being of the team and the desired training outcomes. This looks like making decisions multiple times per day, before each session. All of our delivery follows a progression that builds over the duration of the course.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS
In any adventure activity, there is an element of risk involved. Risks in undertaking white water activities include, but are not limited to: underwater immersion, swimming in rapids, contact with obstacles such as rocks and logs, loss or damage to personal property, personal injury, and drowning. An unpredictable or uncontrollable event may occur that may cause injury, serious harm or death.
The staff and management of the New Zealand Kayak School (NZKS) take all reasonable and practicable steps to keep participants safe while involved in white water activities. NZKS reserves the right to withdraw any participant who endangers either themselves or another participant, or if further participation may cause undue stress, harm, or injury. Participants agree to follow the instructions of New Zealand Kayak School staff and management and adhere to safety requirements at all times.
Participants need to be physically fit and able to participate in white water activities and are required to inform NZKS of any medical conditions, injuries, and any medication that may affect their participation. Health information provided to NZKS by participants is required to be as complete, honest and accurate as possible. Participants consent to receive any medical treatment that may be deemed necessary by NZKS in the event of injury, accident or illness while undertaking white water activities.
BEFORE YOUR COURSE
Participants are required to complete an NZKS health form that discloses any conditions, injuries and medication that we should be aware of to keep you safe. Participants are also required to read and understand the risks involved in participating in one of our courses, and to complete the Risk Disclosure Acknowledgement, see below:
I agree that by signing this ‘Understanding the Risks’ form:
- I accept there are inherent risks and hazards associated with participating in the activities and I understand what these are (including serious harm and death);
- I confirm I am physically and mentally fit to participate in white water activities.
- I wish to proceed with the activity at my own risk.
Participants under the age of 18 years need to have a parent or guardian complete this disclosure on their behalf.