Outdoor Recreation Event Safety and Risk Management Checklist
Organized outdoor recreation events in natural settings require specialized risk management for remote environments, unpredictable conditions, and participant skill variability. This checklist establishes safety standards for outdoor recreation event organizers.
- Industry: Events & Entertainment
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Outdoor Recreation Event Director / Wilderness Safety Officer
- Total Items: 26
Terrain and Hazard Assessment
Assess terrain and natural hazards.
- Full course scouted by event director before participant registration opens?
- All significant hazards identified and marked or mitigated?
- Water crossings assessed for depth, current, and safe crossing points?
- Course or activity modified if weather creates elevated hazard?
- Required land use permits from agency (National Forest, BLM, State Park) obtained?
Participant Screening
Verify participant screening and qualification.
- Minimum skill requirements communicated to participants during registration?
- Health screening (PAR-Q or equivalent) completed by all participants?
- Minors have parental consent and appropriate supervision?
- Informed consent and liability waivers signed by all participants?
Remote Location Emergency Response
Plan for emergency response in remote locations.
- Cell phone coverage along entire route assessed?
- Satellite communicator or emergency beacon available for no-cell areas?
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified guide or staff on event?
- Rescue and evacuation plan for each section of course established?
- Potential helicopter landing zones identified for severe medical emergencies?
Equipment and Gear Standards
Verify participant equipment standards.
- Mandatory gear list communicated to participants before event?
- Equipment check conducted at start to verify mandatory gear?
- PFDs required and checked for water activities?
- Helmets required and checked for climbing or biking?
Environmental Compliance
Verify environmental compliance for outdoor event.
- Leave No Trace principles briefed to all participants?
- Participant waste management plan in place (pack in pack out)?
- Campfire rules and restrictions communicated per current conditions?
- Wildlife safety briefing including bear, snake, or other local hazards?
Pre-Event Participant Briefing
Conduct pre-event safety briefing.
- Mandatory pre-event safety briefing conducted for all participants?
- Route, hazard locations, and checkpoints briefed?
- Emergency signaling, shelter-in-place, and communication protocols briefed?
- Sweep team (following last participant) in place to close the course?
Related Events Entertainment Checklists
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Why Use This Outdoor Recreation Event Safety and Risk Management Checklist?
This outdoor recreation event safety and risk management checklist helps events & entertainment teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for outdoor recreation event director / wilderness safety officer professionals, this checklist covers 26 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Outdoor Recreation Event Safety and Risk Management Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 26 inspection items across 6 sections: Terrain and Hazard Assessment, Participant Screening, Remote Location Emergency Response, Equipment and Gear Standards, Environmental Compliance, Pre-Event Participant Briefing. It is designed for events & entertainment operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Outdoor Recreation Event Safety and Risk Management Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Outdoor Recreation Event Director / Wilderness Safety Officer professionals in the events & entertainment industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.