So, there I was, just arrived for a days gorge walking with my group of 21 boys, three teachers and three instructors. It was a fine day, hot, lower water levels in the river, perfect for the eleven year olds. We split the group into three, each instructor taking 8 clients, lovely small groups of well equipped, (wetsuit, boots, buoyancy and canoe helmet) well cared for clients.
Then something happened that I had not witnessed for some time. Man, I am fed up with this type of thing but hey, I said I would keep on reporting what I see as poor provision......
A group of 80 people turned up in two coaches. Their instructors from Morfa Bay Centre had already arrived.
I work with a group of local providers and we have set an upper limit of 30 clients to one location as we feel taking larger groups than this is unfair on other users, both the general public and other adventure activity providers and also because the standard of provision is likely to be poor in overcrowded situations.
I spoke to the Morfa Bay team and expressed my dismay at them turning up with such a large group and they didn't seem to think that there was a problem. Oh well. Ho hum, been there before......
We set off on our walk and returned to the car park for lunch. We spotted a Morfa Bay group returning from the Blue Stalactite Mine, 19 clients and two staff....... the clients had a helmet and a torch but were allowed to enter the dangerous mine environment wearing shorts and t shirts and trainers. This is absolutely unacceptable. Firstly a group underground of 19 people is dangerous and secondly the mine is equivalent to a cave environment, but more unstable, and so full body coverage and wellies or walking boots are essential. The spectacle of 19 clients and two staff was repeated at the end of the day as groups rotated.
SO, I WILL SAY THIS AGAIN.........
I want to see good provision with small groups taking part in fun but educational experiences and being led by instructors who understand the impacts of group use on the environment and who are employed by business that are prepared to invest in the proper kit and staff for the job in hand. A long sentence that - you work it out!!
I do not want to write any more of this type of blog entry. I want to see careful appropriate provision. Thats it.
Is that too much to ask for?
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