Skip to main content

SAFETY AT CAMP

Safety at Camp

Guidelines for School Groups, Rafting & Water Activities

HADEDA Creek is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all of our guests. We understand that when it comes to School Camps, parents may be especially concerned about the wellbeing of their children. In our 25 years of running school camps, we have built up a system of safety standards to protect all of our guests and we have never lost a child or had a child suffer any serious injuries. We have created a disciplined approach which we apply during all activities and especially water-based activities.

We love the adventure — not the risk. Below are clear, practical safety guidelines we follow at Hadeda Creek and Fleetwoods, aligned with South African best practice protocols and guidelines for adventure-camp standards.

School Group Safety (must-haves)

  • Pre-trip paperwork: signed consent and medical forms for every pupil, emergency contact details, allergy/medication lists, and teacher/group leader declarations.
  • Briefing & expectations: mandatory safety brief for teachers and learners on arrival (behaviour, boundaries, buddy system, quiet hours).
  • Ratios & supervision: we enforce conservative child:staff ratios and additional teacher supervision; separate duty rosters for night and water supervision
  • Qualified staff: SANS-aware, accredited activity leaders and facilitators; first-aid trained staff (including basic life support) on site for every group.
  • Emergency planning: written evacuation, missing-person and medical-response plans; visible muster points and fire exits.
  • Medication & medical care: secure medication storage and trained staff to administer; local clinic/hospital transfer plan and transport on standby for larger groups.
  • Equipment & facilities: age-appropriate kit, inspected tents/structures, safe cooking arrangements, and potable water access.
  • Pre-trip teacher briefing pack: risk assessments, activity schedules, contact numbers, behaviour code, and contingency plans.

River Rafting & Water-Safety (for all guests)

  • Qualified guides: all rafting runs supervised by guides accredited in river rescue, swift-water techniques and CPR.
  • Mandatory PPE: correctly fitted lifejackets and helmets worn by everyone on the water; no exceptions.
  • Gear standards: regular inspection and maintenance of rafts, paddles, throw bags, rescue lines and craft; documented log of inspections.
  • Safety brief & swim test: comprehensive on-shore briefing before launch covering commands, capsizing procedure, swimming ability check for participants.
  • Grouping & skill matching: match runs to ability; novice groups on graded easy sections with higher guide:guest ratios.
  • Rescue readiness: rescue craft and trained responders on standby; clear radio/communication plan to base.
  • Environmental monitoring: monitor river levels, weather and official dam-release notices; cancel or alter activities if conditions unsafe.
  • No-go policies: strict rules on alcohol/drugs before water activities; clear age/health restrictions for certain runs.

Top-end Luxury Adventure Camp Standards (additional best practice)

  • Accreditation & compliance: adherence to relevant South African regulations (Dept. of Basic Education for school groups where applicable) and recognition of industry standards (SANS where applicable).
  • Continuous staff training: regular upskilling, scenario drills, and external audits of safety systems.
  • Medical provision: on-site advanced first-aid capability; rapid access to EMS or private ambulances for remote response.
  • Secure guest communications: wearables/bracelets with emergency numbers; clear check-in/check-out systems for children and vulnerable guests.
  • Inspections & insurance: third-party equipment inspections, documented risk assessments, and appropriate public liability/medical evacuation insurance.
  • Guest briefings & signage: multilingual, clear signage for hazards and coded briefings for VIP/school groups; visible safety information in accommodation.
  • Data & feedback loops: incident reporting, debriefs and continuous improvement driven by guest and staff feedback.

Practical reminders we enforce here

All water activities require lifejackets and guide sign-off.

Safety briefings are compulsory — no exceptions.

We’ll cancel or change activities if the Vaal or weather says “nope.”

Teachers and group leaders remain responsible for discipline and headcounts.