Should be appropriately equipped to ensure the safety of the group.
Should carry a small first aid kit.
Before departing on the bus the leader:
Should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. No one should be on the bus before the hike leader arrives.
Has the right to refuse anyone who is not adequately equipped (i.e. without adequate rainwear, spare clothes, food, torch and hiking boots).
Ensure that those assembled know which type of hike is to be led on the day in question i.e. hard, moderate or easy.
At the beginning of the hike the leader should:
Introduce himself or herself as the leader (either on the bus or at the beginning of the hike) and give details of the hike to be led e.g. distance, ascent, estimated time, etc.
Ask for a volunteer to act as rear leader. This duty ought to be rotated amongst a number of volunteers over the course of the hike.
Check the number on the hike and re-check it during the course of the hike.
Ask the group to observe the following basic measures: always stay as a group, do not leave the group without informing the leader or rear leader and co-operate fully with the leader and rear leaders.
During the hike the leader:
Sets the pace of the hike.
Knows it's important to re-group frequently during the course of the hike.
Ought be observant of the group, terrain and weather conditions and give support, encouragement, guidance or advice to individuals who need help.
Arrange for anyone suffering from exposure or exhaustion to be taken off the mountain by the easiest route possible by a competent person. If there is no one the hike capable of carrying out this task the leader should bring the entire group down by the easiest route.
Should not hesitate to curtail a hike or turn back if conditions warrant it.
It is important the group co-operates fully with the leader and rear leaders. For group members who do not wish to co-operate, it is important the leader clearly informs them of their responsibility for their own subsequent actions.
At the end of the hike the leader should ensure that all the group have returned to the bus.
