Industry standards launched for outdoor adventure

The outdoor adventure industry in WA now has a set of standards for the safe and environmentally sustainable conduct of outdoor activities for groups. The standards represent phase one of the Adventure Activity Standards (AAS) project.

25 August 2008

Funded by the Department of Sport and Recreation and coordinated by Outdoors WA, the first phase of the AAS project has seen standards developed for abseiling, canyoning, rock climbing, artificial climbing and challenge ropes courses.

The Adventure Activity Standards detail minimum standards in planning, outdoor leader responsibilities, equipment requirements and environmental considerations.

The standards have been developed for organisations and outdoor leaders delivering outdoor adventure programs or activities for groups including commercial, not-for-profit, tourist and educational groups.

Department of Sport and Recreation Director General Ron Alexander said the standards would assist those in the industry to manage the quality of the delivery of these activities by using the standards as benchmarks to assess their own operating procedures. Increased safety, consumer confidence and program quality will result.

"The Adventure Activity Standards are a significant step forward in benchmarking standards that can be used by public, private and government entities in the outdoor sector," Mr Alexander said.

"The AAS project is an outstanding example of government and industry working together towards a shared outcome."

Mr Alexander said the Adventure Activity Standards would complement existing elements of the industry quality framework.

"We acknowledge that most outdoor adventure activity providers will have existing policies and procedures in place to ensure participant safety and environmental sustainability," Mr Alexander said.

"The Adventure Activity Standards will provide consistent minimum standards that can be used to evaluate existing policies and procedures."

The second set of standards including  bushwalking, snorkeling and wildlife swims, scuba, recreation angling, canoeing, kayaking, sea kayaking and river rafting was due for completion in July 2008.

Standards for mountain biking, trail bike riding, four wheel driving, horse trail riding, caving and surfing will follow.

The AAS project was commissioned as a result of recommendations of the Ministerial Task Force Review of Adventure Tourism Visitor Safety in Western Australia.