Representing providers of Outdoor Adventurous Activities in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons
SWOAPG_admin In response to a letter we wrote to the First Minister in June, SWOAPG has (at last!) received the attached response from the Welsh Government. This reminds us that “the operators of [outdoor sport and leisure] facilities must take all reasonable measures to manage risk and maintain physical distancing“; and goes on to explain that … Read more
If you need to update your LCMLA qualifications, there are 2 update workshops in the next few months in our area: 20th Sept run by Richard Hill at Woodlands OEC 5th Dec run by Peter Blackburn at Plas Pencelli OEC More info on the BCA website British Caving Association | Training – LCMLA Update Workshops … Read more
The latest ‘Waterfall Country Update’ from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is available here:
SWOAPG has received the following request, which our Members may wish to assist with: “Research project: Lyme Disease and outdoor workers. Could you help complete a survey? “Do you do paid or voluntary work outdoors in parks, woodlands, cemeteries, gardens, farmland, countryside or other similar locations in Wales? “If the answer is yes, I … Read more
There is a large, fallen tree branch hanging precariously above the path at the zig-zags between the Dinas Rock Hill Fort and Loonies’ Leap – please beware that it could fall at any time (if it hasn’t already!). We have informed NRW, the landowner. Thanks to the providers who brought this to our attention!
The Outdoor Alliance Wales and BCA Qualifications Management Committee have been trying (unsuccessfully!) for several weeks to get a definitive answer from the Welsh Government as to whether / under what circumstances Provider-led caving is currently permitted in Wales, since it is not explicitly covered by the Covid regulations and guidance. The latest information we … Read more
SWOAPG Members identified at an online workshop on 19 August the following suggestions for ‘good practice’ for preventing Covid-19 transmission in the Waterfall Country Gorges: Managing clients & equipment Be vigilant: repeat and reinforce messages (politely!) to clients Use a table to separate staff from clients during equipment issue Consider using masks / visors during … Read more
Following a question raised with us about social distancing with under-11s, we’ve done a bit of digging! The Welsh Government Guidance currently states that: “In circumstances where young children mix with others, it may not be practical to attempt to maintain continual 2 metre distancing (between children, or even between children and adults). This is … Read more
Thank you to those of you have already signed-up for Wednesday evening’s workshop. Following recent reports of “Providers in the gorges making no attempt whatsoever to social distance – neither between group members nor between the leader and the group members”, we believe it is important for ALL gorge users to attend this workshop, to … Read more
We have received a report today that the stone which forms the ‘launch platform’ at the very corner of the top jump at loonies’ Leap on the Lower Mellte is LOOSE! Please undertake your own risk assessment as to whether it is still safe to jump from this point… Stay safe out there!