4. Getting on the water

• All adventurous activities need DC approval, however many make an agreement with leaders over how that works in practice, i.e. “we are planning 4 sailing trips to Draycote this year one in May, June, July and September” “Ok have fun”.

• Check you have a permit/s to cover the class of water you want to use (National Directory of Waters)

• Ensure you have First Aid cover suitable for the event (Risk Assessment) paddling on the river outside the scout hut may require only basic first aid knowledge but a trip that will take you an hour or more away from help may require considerably more training and equipment.

• The first aider does not have to be the permit holder.

• If you are running an activity then you need a friend; unless it is a child only activity then you need two adults to run an event.

• More info here on ratios

Other than two adults being present there is no minimum ratio of adults to Scouts set for regular indoor Troop meetings, but for all meetings and activities Leaders should assess the risk and arrange for sufficient adults (aged 18 or over) to ensure a safe environment for the operation of the Group, which may vary depending on the programme being delivered.

h. For all Scouting activities leaders should carry out a risk assessment should be carried out as stated in Rule 9.4. This risk assessment cannot override the minimum requirements stated in 3.9e and 3.9h or those required by the activity rules in chapter 9.

• If it is child only i.e. an expedition then they may require a passport or supervise permit.