Responsibilities of Probus Hikers

As a member of the Beaver Valley Probus Club, you will already have accepted a waiver releasing the Beaver Valley PROBUS Club from all liability as per the text below.  Regarding the Guest Policy, this activity does allow guests when space is available, but it is your responsibility to inform the hike leader in advance that you will bring a guest, and he/she will be expected to download the club waiver and print and sign it, preferably in advance.  The waiver reads as follows:

I acknowledge that this activity of the Beaver Valley Probus Club in which I am participating, involves risks, which are beyond the control of the Club. Notwithstanding the acknowledgement of such risks, I hereby release the Beaver Valley Probus Club, its officers, directors, volunteers, members from all claims for damage arising as a result of my participation in this activity organized by the Club.  I agree to pay the cost of any emergency evacuation of my person or belongings that may be necessary.  

• I affirm that I am aware of the nature of the activity, its length, duration and degree of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. 
• I have no medical or other condition, which might preclude my participation. 
• I agree to follow the instructions of the leader. 
• In addition to myself, this liability waiver applies to my personal representatives, successors, heirs and assigns. 

In addition to the above, each participate is responsible to:  

• Observe and obey all signs posted along the trail. 
  
  
• Carefully read the e-mails providing the details of each outing and assess your ability to participate.  All trails are not the same and we all have a different tolerance for duration, level of difficulty, humidity level, wet and slippery trails, etc.  Each leader pre-scouts the trail and is knowledgeable about the terrain and the conditions.  If you have any questions, the leader will be able to provide you with the additional details.
   
• Even taking the above into consideration, inevitably every outing includes hikers who like a fast pace and want to clip along, and others who want or need a slower pace.  There is always a "sweep" at the back of the group to make sure that no one gets left behind.  If you are among the less energetic hikers in the group, however, please be aware of anyone around you who may be trying to move forward, and allow them to pass.  If you leave the hike prior to the planned finish you MUST inform the hike leader prior to leaving.
   
• The hike leader must be "upfront" at all times leading the group and not be passed by extra fast individuals unless permission is given by the leader.
   
• Take and drink plenty of water (or equivalent) to avoid dehydration. 
   
• Carry medical information with you and advise someone in the group of any special needs you might have.

Guidelines for Hike Leaders  

This list of guidelines is for the leader of the hike. Members of the BVPC hiking committee will be at each of the hikes throughout the season to assist you.  If you do not have the items highlighted below, please advise the Activity Coordinator who will assist you in acquiring them in time for your hike.     

• If possible, pre-hike the proposed area to familiarize yourself with trail condition and terrain.  Obtain an up-to-date copy of the applicable trail map. 
• As soon as possible, advise the Activity Co-ordinator of the following information about your hike: start time, duration, a brief description of the trail, directions to the meeting/parking spot, degree of difficulty, plans for lunch. 
• If available, take a first aid kit and a cell phone for use in an emergency. 
• Try to be at the meeting place at least 10 minutes early. 
• Have guests sign the Beaver Valley Probus Club Waiver and Assumption of Risk sheet and return the completed copy to the Activity Co-ordinator at your earliest convenience. 
• Select the “sweeper”.  
• Take note of the number of people present and advise the sweeper.   
• During the hike keep the group relatively close together so no one loses sight of the person ahead.  Don’t let people wander. 
  When leading a large group a pair of walkie-talkies is a valuable tool.  
• Try to begin the hike on time.   
• Stop halfway through the hike for a 5 to 10 minute break.  This will provide time for drinks, snacks, nature breaks, etc. 
• A mini stop at the top of steep grades may also be advisable.  It is good practice to check with the sweeper to ensure everyone is ready to continue.
• On the Bruce Trail, if you lose the trail, turn around; retrace your steps until you come to the last blaze.  To help avoid this situation, you may wish to designate another person to help you look for the blazes as you proceed along the trail.  
• In the event of inclement weather, you may feel that the trail you have selected would be too dangerous to hike. It would be good if you have a suitable back-up trail in mind. If however it is stormy and you decide to cancel the outing, contact the Activity Coordinator prior to 8:00  in the morning so that an e-mail can be sent out in good time to advise the members of the cancellation.

Thank you for offering to share a hike with your fellow hikers.
It is folks like you that help to make this activity both fun and successful.