Safety

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND RISK

Preseli Venture have been taking people adventuring in the Pembrokeshire coast National Park for over 20 years.  At Preseli Venture your safety is always our priority, alongside nurturing a respect and understanding of the natural environment and, of course, having some fun along the way.

High energy natural environments such as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park are constantly changing; wind, rain, surf, ocean waves, gravity, wildlife and multi-tactile surfaces combine to produce an environment from which risk can never be totally eliminated.  We at Preseli Venture assume that our clients understand that there is always some risk involved in the activities that we provide.

The exhilaration of exploring such environments is what Preseli Venture is all about. We seek to minimise and manage these risks by providing relevant equipment and experienced, qualified instructors who are supplied with up to the minute weather forecasts, trained in risk assessment and operate according to our in house procedures.  It is up to you to listen carefully to what they say, and to act upon their instructions.

We believe that adventure, in all its diverse forms, is an essential component of many people's lives. Take care, and we hope that you have a great time!

Accreditations and Inspections:

Wales Tourist Board
Preseli Venture is inspected annually by the Wales Tourist Board (WTB) under their Accreditation Scheme for activity providers. This inspection covers all aspects of the management and day to day running of the centre; written safety procedures for each activity, risk assessments for every venue, regular recorded activity equipment checks and maintenance reports, instructor training and qualifications. The WTB sets down strict guidelines for the management and operation of activities backed up by personal inspection by an appointed expert.

The Wales Tourist Board also inspect and grade our Lodge accommodation annually.
We have been WTB Accredited for our adventure activities, and awarded a 3 star Activity Centre grading for our accommodation for 2004.

Welsh Canoeing Association
Preseli Venture is inspected bi-annually by the Welsh Canoeing Association (WCA) and covers all aspects of delivering kayaking professionally, safely and enjoyably on the sea. During the inspection our kayaking equipment and safety equipment is checked as well as our normal operating and safety procedures. 

In addition Preseli Venture is an Approved Course Provider, and is contracted on behalf of the WCA to provide kayak coaching courses for the training and assessment of kayak instructors.

British Surfing Association
Preseli Venture is a British Surfing Association (BSA) Approved Surfing School and therefore adheres to the recommendations set down by the BSA for the safe and effective running of surfing events.
Written operating, safety and site-specific procedures, instructor qualifications and surfing equipment are all inspected.

Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA)
Preseli Venture are not required to hold an AALA certification, as this applies to unaccompanied children under 18 years. All of our clients are aged 18 year or older.
All the latest "best practise" recommendations from the AALA are passed on to us through the WTB scheme.

Insurance
We hold public liability insurance for all our business operations and we are happy to provide a copy of our certificate should you require one.

Public Service Vehicle (PSV) driving qualifications
All our minibus drivers (event coordinator and instructors) hold their PSV driving qualification.
Preseli Venture holds a PSV Operators License.

Instructor Qualifications

These general certificates are held by all the instructing team;

First Aid certificate
Current first-aid qualification, REC first-aid course or equivalent.

Life-saving qualification
SLSA (surf life-saving association) or
NARS beach lifeguard

Kayaking
Qualifications in accordance with the Welsh Canoeing Association/British Canoe Union:
Lead instructor; level 3 kayak coach, Canoe Safety Test
Assistant Instructor; Level 2 kayak Coach, Canoe Safety Test
Both are trained in general operating procedures and site-specific safety procedures.

Surfing
Qualifications in accordance with the British Surfing Association
Lead instructor; Level 1 Coach
Assistant; level 1 coach (or training)
Both are trained in operating procedures and site-specific safety procedures.

Coasteering
Recommendations are followed in accordance with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) document "Combined water/rock activities".
We also work closely with, and adhere to, the Wales Tourist Board inspection teams advice and recommendations

Mountain Biking
Recommendations and qualifications from the Association of British Cycling Coaches/BSCA as set out in their Mountainbike / Offroad Leaders Course;
Lead instructor; BSCA leaders course

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