Acknowledgement of Risk

Adventurous activities (stand alone or as part of a residential programme) are physical and demanding sports, which obviously have inherent hazards associated with them. Cumulus Outdoors takes all necessary precautions to try and ensure the safety of all participants. Each participant should familiarise themselves with the hazards and try and minimise these as much as possible by complying with Cumulus Outdoors’s risk management guidelines which are available upon request. Furthermore, it is understood and agreed that individuals participate at their own risk and that accidents can happen without any contributory negligence from the centre or its staff. In addition, Cumulus Outdoors can accept no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property or for personal injury not arising as a result of its own act or default. You are aware of the risk of ticks and will check for tick bites upon return. If the participant does not adhere to instructions given (for their safety and the safety of the others in the group) we reserve the right to remove the participant from the activity.

Whilst participating in all our activities you/ they are covered under our insurance (£10 million), a copy of our insurance policy and risk assessments are available upon request.

You/ they will be involved throughout the activity in the decision-making process. If you/they feel overwhelmed or unwell at any point you/ they MUST tell the instructor who will be able to react accordingly.

Please ask if you are unsure about anything written here or said by the instructors before the session commences. Your/ their safety is our priority and we want you/ them to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

To be able to continue with your booking, we need to know that you all understand the activity/ activities you are about to undertake and potential risks. We will ask you all to confirm you have read and understood the above information.

Cumulus Outdoors provides activities that are both challenging and offer a genuine sense of achievement. As with all adventurous experiences, there is a potential for accidental injury or illness, and participants may experience feelings of fear or uncertainty. We adhere to best practices to minimise risks and employ instructors with nationally recognised qualifications.

Activities

Cumulus Outdoors includes a range of outdoor activities, which are physically and mentally demanding. Our activities include but are not limited to;

Coasteering

This activity is the exploration of a rocky coastline, involving swimming (realistic expectation of 350m total over the course), jumping from height, entering caves, and being affected by moving water. The National Coasteering Charter recognises that coasteering is an activity with the danger of personal injury or death. The sea is a dynamic environment, and conditions can change. Cumulus instructors continually monitor swell and tides before and during your sessions. You will be required to swim and move around in breaking waves and water with currents. It is important that you are confident in the water and fulfil the minimum standard for water confidence. Coasteering also involves a steep hillside walk to the activity venue.

Paddlesports

Paddlesports may involve paddling Kayaks/ Stand up Paddleboards/ Jumbo Paddleboards/ Raft Building & Canoeing. You may be exposed to natural elements, including water bodies, currents, wind, weather conditions and wildlife. You may be playing games and go for a paddle journey. Sessions are likely to result in participants falling or jumping into the water. British Canoeing recognises that paddlesports is an activity with the danger of personal injury or death. Our sessions take place at both a lake venue and in Swanage Bay. It is important that you are confident in the water and fulfil the minimum standard for water confidence.

Climbing & Abseiling

Rock Climbing may involve bouldering and scrambling up, down and across rock formations, roped climbing and abseiling with the possibility of sudden short falls. The British Mountaineering Council recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Climbing also involves a steep hillside walk to the activity venue. Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 120kg (19 stone).

High & Low Ropes Course

The High and Low Ropes Course involves taking part in a selection of moving obstacles at varying heights with the possibility of sudden short falls. The European Ropes Course Association recognises that rope courses are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 120kg (19 stone).

Sub-Contracted Activities

The Dorset Waterpark and MudTrail are operated by Dorset Waterpark Limited and Mackerel Fishing is operated by Swanage Angling. Cumulus subcontracts these activities, which are conducted in accordance with the operating procedures, risk assessments and insurance policies of the respective operators. For further information or to obtain copies of these documents, please refer to our policies page.

Cumulus Outdoor Events Ltd have specialist Public Liability Insurance of £10million. Personal belongings are participants own responsibility. We do not accept responsibility for loss of additional expenses due to sickness, weather, strikes or any other cause. Personal accident insurance is not included. Cumulus Outdoors is a trading name of Cumulus Outdoor Events Ltd.