Careful planning and considerations related to safety can help educators mitigate risks associated with the activity and provide for safe and accessible outdoor learning experiences for students. Being aware of these safety standards can help educators plan safe physical activity opportunities for students.
To start, educators should be familiar with and follow their school board policies and procedures related to planning and implementing (e.g., weather and insect awareness and prevention strategies, field trip approval process, emergency action plans).
OPASSE safety standards are also an important component of the planning and implementation process. These standards provide direction for and highlight the importance of:
- Teaching students about safety, including how to protect themselves from sun exposure, heat-related illnesses, and insect bites (e.g., wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, checking for ticks).
- Being familiar with the location of your outdoor activity, including, prior to the activity, being aware of any risk factors that may need to be minimized/eliminated and communicated to students.
- Being aware of and prepared for the environmental conditions that may impact participation, including weather changes, air quality, and insect risks (e.g., ticks, mosquitoes).
- Using reliable sources to help guide decisions, including Environment Canada and Public Health.
- Safety in, on and around water, including water levels and water temperature.
OPASSE also includes Tools and Resources that highlight more specific safety practices for educators related to:
- Weather Conditions (e.g., Air Quality, Lightning, Temperature & UV Index, Tornado, and Wind Safety)
- Using Outside Activity Providers (e.g., requirement of educator, requirement of Outside Activity Provider)