Safety Measures
We are mindful of the safety of our clients and go above and beyond industry standard practices to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Any water-based activity has inherent dangers and we strive to mitigate these as much as possible. Below you will find our safe practice guidelines and requirements from clients prior to engaging in any experience with AWE. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience in the backcountry.
- Behaviour that has an adverse effect on safety or the well-being of others will not be tolerated on any of our experiences. Guests are asked to respect the trip plan/itinerary, and to refrain from embarking on any unscheduled side excursions. While we appreciate that guests wish to explore their surroundings, we ask that you keep your guide apprised of any such plans. We also request that guests inform us in the event of illness or injury while on tour.
- Alcohol and Cannabis. We have a zero-tolerance policy with respect to the consumption of alcohol and cannabis on our experiences. We ask guests to respect this policy and to not bring personal alcohol and/or cannabis on their excursion.
- Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to offering an environment where all people feel welcome and included. If you have a physical, sensory, mental health or other disability please get in touch and our coordinator will work with you. We also offer a welcoming environment for members of the LGBTQ2 + community. Behaviour that is harassing or discriminatory will not be tolerated, condoned or ignored at AWE.
- Personal Floatation Devices: PFDs are mandatory and are required to be worn at all times when in the boat, or within 15 feet of the shoreline. This is strictly enforced by our guide(s) and is for the safety of our guests. We require the use of PFDs when on or near water and recommend that you wear your PFD over your clothing if you intend to approach the water in camp. For individuals engaging in the food fishery or on our marine experiences you will be provided with a mandatory “floater suit” which will provide you with buoyancy and thermal protection should you find yourself overboard.
- Hypothermia: Hypothermia is one of the biggest concerns in any backcountry adventure and adventurers are frequently unaware of it until it’s a problem. A person can become hypothermic quite easily when exposed to water, even for brief periods of time. The key to remaining safe is preparing in advance with appropriate clothing and ensuring you pay attention to how you feel. If you feel cold, address it before it becomes a problem or notify your guide who will help you. Again, this applies to guests participating in both our winter and summer experiences. Please refer to our gear list for recommended clothing. One of the key rules is to avoid cotton and opt for wool or synthetic clothing.
- Leave No Trace. At AWE we respect the environment and strive to reduce the impact on it at all times. We ask that you also engage in Leave No Trace practices when participating in our experiences. This also includes not taking “souvenirs” from designated protected areas, such as the Avalon Wilderness Reserve or National Parks. As a condition of our permit, we comply with all rules and regulations established by the Reserve and Parks Canada.
- Clients are required to carefully review, complete and sign a waiver prior to beginning any of our excursions. Failure to complete the waiver in full will make a client ineligible to participate in an experience.