Parachuting

Includes: parachuting, skydiving Outdoors, Adventurous activities, Height

Age:
16+
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Take a leap

For thrill-seeking members, parachuting is an adrenaline-fuelled experience. See the world from a different perspective - and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Overview

Parachuting involves jumping from an aircraft attached to a parachute.

To take girls parachuting, you will need to find a British Skydiving approved site.

Fun fact: The history of parachutes may date as far back as far as medieval times. And early parachute-like devices may have been used for stunts to entertain guests at court ceremonials in China - as long ago as the 12th century!

Parachuting is an adventurous activity and should follow the adventurous activity policy and procedures.

Approved: 28 February 2022
Version: 1.1
Content owner: Adventure team

Parachuting is allowed from age 16 upwards. 

Planning checklist

If you're working with an external provider or external instructors to run this activity outside the unit meeting space, follow these extra steps. 

  • Arrange for a home contact. Leave any route or other relevant details with your home contact and complete a home contact agreement form. Let them know if you make any changes to your plans.
  • Tell your local commissioner.
  • Tell the activity provider about the ability and experience of the participants and any disabilities, access needs or health conditions that need to be considered when running the activity.
  • Choose a reputable and licensed activity provider (where applicable).
  • Check the qualified adults hold the correct qualification to be able to run the activity (see the information below).
  • Get copies of the instructor qualifications and public liability insurance of the activity provider before you book.
  • Ask for a copy of the providers' safety guidelines and risk assessment.
  • Make sure you have the correct ratio of participants (girls and volunteers) to qualified adults (those running the activity). This is different to the ratio of leaders to girls.
  • Check with the venue that they have the correct equipment and, if needed, specialist clothing that will meet the requirements for your group.
  • Source any specialist equipment or clothing needed to run the activity not provided by the venue, and make sure this is in good condition and fit for purpose.
  • Check that any equipment is suitably insured by the provider and agree what happens to the equipment if it gets damaged.

Some venues might ask for a disclaimer or waiver to be signed for each person taking part in the activity. This is something which parents/carers must sign on behalf of their child. You can do this along with the consent form. Parents and carers should be given sufficient information from the provider along with the waiver so they can make an informed decision to sign it or not. Leaders can only sign disclaimers and waivers for their own personal participation.

The instructor must hold a British Skydiving qualification.

The instructor should brief participants on:

  • The use of safety and other equipment
  • The purpose of the flight
  • Sensations likely to be experienced when parachuting

Parachuting must be undertaken using the standards and controls laid down by British Skydiving and must take place at a British Skydiving approved site.

Parachuting is often undertaken through other charitable organisations as a way of fundraising. In this situation it is still your responsibility to ensure that the activity provider is reputable and operates the activity safely.

Activity providers will have certain weather conditions where they will cancel these activities, this could be before the activity starts or half way through, should the weather conditions deteriorate.

Leaders should check the terms and conditions with the activity provider to ensure that you will get a full refund should the activity be cancelled by the activity provider due to weather limits.

If parachuting abroad, the above qualifications and regulations may not be applicable. The leader will need to make enquiries about the reputation and safety standards of the activity provider. Contact your international adviser or outdoor activities adviser, or email [email protected] for more guidance.

The ratios below are given as a maximum and ratios must be considered as part of the risk assessment, this may lessen due to any medical conditions, physical ability or other factors.

Leadership team ratio

As this activity will take place outside of your usual meeting place the leadership team adult to child ratio is mandatory.

  • Rainbows: not a Rainbow activity
  • Brownies: not a Brownie activity
  • Guides: not a Guide activity
  • Rangers: 1 Girlguiding leader

Qualified adult/participant ratio

The activity leader (qualified adult) should determine what size of group is safe. There must be enough qualified adults to ensure the safety of all participants.

The number will be determined by any limitations placed on their qualification, permit or the rules of their operating organisation as well as the risk assessment. This should take into consideration the location, weather and experience of both the qualified adult and other participants. The leader should assess the risk and any concerns must be raised to them.

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