Browns Island Motukorea Sea Kayak Tour

Hazards and Risks

Adventurous activities involve inherent hazards and potential risks, often coupled with the severity of hazards and the likelihood of risks.

Hazard:
Anything that could potentially cause harm during this tour, including:

• Natural Features:
  Rocks along the shoreline, uneven or slippery terrain on the island, and open water conditions.
  Potential for strong winds or unexpected currents on the water.
  Changing weather conditions
• Weather Conditions:
  Cold temperatures, wind, or rain may occur, affecting comfort and safety.
  Changing visibility in varying light conditions (particularly at dusk or in the evening).
• Equipment:
  Risks associated with paddling and handling the kayak, including the potential for malfunction or injury from paddles.
• Situational Elements:
  Slippery surfaces on the boat launch areas or when walking around the island.
  Low visibility during parts of the tour (especially on the water).
• Man-Made Hazards:
  Interaction with nearby boats on the water.
  Boating traffic may create a potential hazard to paddlers, particularly if there are high-speed boats or vessels in the vicinity.
  Pontoons and docks used to launch or disembark the kayaks could also present hazards such as trips or falls.

Risk:
The potential outcomes that could arise from the hazards listed:

• Minor to Serious Physical Injury:
  Injuries such as slips, falls, strains, or sprains from navigating the terrain, paddling, or interaction with boats.
• Severe Outcomes:
  Risks like hypothermia, drowning, or serious injury due to environmental factors (water, weather, or terrain) or collisions with boats.
• Emotional Distress:
  Emotional distress arising from unexpected situations, such as interactions with nearby boats or challenging water conditions.

Hazard and Risk Rating: (Low 1 - 5 High)

This Activity has a Hazard and Risk Rating of 2

Adventurous activities offered by SNM could be dangerous if they’re not approached with care and responsibility. Participation in such activities is voluntary and not compulsory.

Hazards and risks are managed using a hierarchy of controls to choose the most effective control measures starting with elimination, then minimisation, substitution and isolation. Further measures take on administration controls and personal protective equipment if risks and hazards remain.