A number of outdoor organisations recommend certain ratios for certain activities as a starting point. However, they stress the importance of reference to accepted best practice for the activity along with careful consideration of the factors listed below, before setting the final numbers.
- What skills do the leaders/supervisors have specific to the activity?
- What is the nature of the site you are using? Is it land based or water based? What is the season? What is the weather forecast? What contingencies are required if the weather changes unexpectedly?
- What skills do the students have specific to the activity? Are there students with special needs requiring extra supervision?
These are only a few of the questions that need to be answered before setting
a ratio.
References
Te Kete Ipurangi (2002). Ratios
– More Than Just Numbers Cathye Haddock (http://www.tki.org.nz/r/health/eotc/outed_ratios_e.php).
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