The sheriff has issued a report and determination summaries following the further consideration of two fatal accidents which occurred during water-based, instructor-led activities.

Kayden Walker (12) died in July 2019 during a river boarding activity on the River Tay in Scotland. Ruaridh Stevenson (adult) died in April 2024 whilst instructing a canyoning decent of the Dollar Glen, also in Scotland. 

The report highlights actions which the sheriff considers may have prevented these deaths, including some which are relevant to all adventure activity provision: 

• Undertaking an assessment of risk which reflects the risks of the activity and those of the venue in which it is to be delivered 
• Developing methods of work (operating procedures) which adequately avoid or control the risks identified 
• Being aware of and having alternatives for the environmental conditions present ‘on the day’. 

The report also made comment, directed to the Health and Safety Executive via the AALA, about the activities which should fall within scope of the AALA licensing scheme and the provision of guidance to providers. 

The FAI determination summaries includes a link to the full determination which provides the only authoritative document.