This Privacy Policy sets out our commitment to protecting the privacy of personal information provided to us, or otherwise collected by us, offline or online, including through this website (Site). In this Privacy Policy we, us or our means Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club Incorporated (Incorporation No. Y1580033).

Personal information

Personal information: The types of personal information we may collect include:

• your name
• images of you
• your contact details, including email address, mailing address, street address and/or telephone number
• your emergency contact(s)’ details, including name and telephone number
• your dependent junior(s)’ details, including name, age and/or date of birth
• your age and/or date of birth and gender
• your demographic information, such as postcode
• your preferences and/or opinions
• any information you provide to us through surveys
• your browser session and geo-location data, device and network information, statistics on page views and sessions, acquisition sources, search queries and/or browsing behaviour
• information about your access and use of our Site, including through the use of Internet cookies, your communications with our Site, the type of browser you are using, the type of operating system you are using and the domain name of your Internet service provider
• additional personal information that you provide to us, directly or indirectly, through your use of our Site, associated applications, associated social media platforms and/or accounts from which you permit us to collect information and
• any other personal information requested by us and/or provided by you or a third party.

We may collect these types of personal information directly from you or from third parties.

Collection and use of personal information

We may collect, hold, use and disclose personal information for the following purposes:

• to enable you to access and use our Site, associated applications, forums and email groups and associated social media platforms
• to contact and communicate with you and for members to communicate with one another
• for internal record keeping and administrative purposes
• for analytics, market research and business development, including to operate and improve our Site, associated applications and associated social media platforms
• to run competitions and/or offer additional benefits to you
• for advertising and marketing, including to send you promotional information about our products and services and information about third parties that we consider may be of interest to you and
• to comply with our legal obligations and resolve any disputes that we may have.

Disclosure of personal information to third parties

We may disclose personal information to:

• third party service providers for the purpose of enabling them to provide their services, including (without limitation) IT service providers, data storage, web-hosting and server providers, maintenance or problem-solving providers, payment systems operators. This may include parties located, or that store data, outside of Australia
• the emergency services, in the case of an emergency
• our employees, contractors and/or related entities
• our existing or potential agents or business partners (for example Bushwalking NSW Inc)
• payment systems operators
• anyone to whom our business or assets (or any part of them) are, or may (in good faith) be, transferred
• courts, tribunals, regulatory authorities and law enforcement officers, as required by law, in connection with any actual or prospective legal proceedings, or in order to establish, exercise or defend our legal rights and
• third parties to collect and process data, such as Google Analytics or other relevant businesses. This may include parties that store data outside of Australia.

By providing us with personal information, you consent to the disclosure of that personal information to third parties who reside outside Australia and acknowledge that we are not required to ensure that those third parties comply with Australian privacy laws.

Your rights and controlling your personal information

Choice and consent: Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By providing personal information to us, you consent to us collecting, holding, using and disclosing your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. You do not have to provide personal information to us, however, if you do not, it may affect your use of this Site or the products and/or services offered on or through it.

Information from third parties: If we receive personal information about you from a third party, we will protect it as set out in this Privacy Policy. If you are a third party providing personal information about somebody else, you represent and warrant that you have such person’s consent to provide the personal information to us.

Restrict: You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information. If you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes (for example for the Walks Program and notice of AGM Meetings)., you may change your mind at any time by contacting us using the details below.

Access: You may request details of the personal information that we hold about you. An administrative fee may be payable for the provision of such information. In certain circumstances, as set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), we may refuse to provide you with personal information that we hold about you.

Correction: If you believe that any information we hold about you is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading, please contact us using the details below. Please inform us and take reasonable steps to correct any information found to be inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or out of date in the Profile Form in the Members Area.

Complaints: If you believe that we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles and wish to make a complaint, please contact us using the details below and provide us with full details of the alleged breach. We will promptly investigate your complaint and respond to you, in writing, setting out the outcome of our investigation and the steps we will take to deal with your complaint.

Unsubscribe: To unsubscribe from our e-mail database or opt-out of communications (including marketing communications), please contact us using the details below or opt-out using the opt-out facilities provided in the communication.

Storage and security

We are committed to ensuring that the personal information we collect is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the personal information and protect it from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification and disclosure.

Although we take measures to safeguard against unauthorised disclosures of information, we cannot assure you that the personal information we collect will not be disclosed in a manner that is inconsistent with this Privacy Policy. We cannot guarantee the security of any information that is transmitted to or by us over the Internet. The transmission and exchange of information is carried out at your own risk.

Cookies

We may use cookies on our Site from time to time. Cookies are text files placed in your computer's browser to store your preferences. Cookies, by themselves, do not tell us your email address or other personally identifiable information. However, they do allow third parties, such as Google and Facebook, to cause our advertisements to appear on your social media and online media feeds as part of our retargeting campaigns. If and when you choose to provide our Site with personal information, this information may be linked to the data stored in the cookie. We provide a method for disabling cookies on our Manage Cookies page. If you do not want the tracking cookies please ensure you disable them.

We may use an analytics provider to collect and process data.

Links to other websites

Our Site may contain links to other websites. We do not have any control over those websites and we are not responsible for the protection and privacy of any personal information which you provide whilst visiting those websites. Those websites are not governed by this Privacy Policy.

Amendments

We may, at any time and at our discretion, vary this Privacy Policy by publishing the amended Privacy Policy on our Site. We recommend you check our Site regularly to ensure you are aware of our current Privacy Policy.

For any questions or notices, please contact our Privacy Officer at:

Introduction

1. Every person participating in an activity organized by the UBMBC does so at his/her own risk and by participating acknowledges that neither the UBMBC, its office bearers or its activity leaders have accepted any responsibility or liability for any damage to property or for any death or injury suffered.

As a bushwalking club, UBMBC has a duty of care to its members. Bushwalking Australia defines “duty of care” as “What a reasonably prudent person would do to take reasonable care to avoid exposing fellow participants (having regard to their knowledge, age, experience and skill) to unreasonable risks of injury or loss.”

We expect that activity leaders and participants will take responsibility for their own welfare and safety in a manner consistent with their knowledge, age, experience and skill. All participants and leaders need to take reasonable care to avoid exposing any person including other participants to unreasonable risk of injury or loss.

2. When participating in club activities, members of UBMBC are covered by insurance policies through Bushwalking NSW and Bushwalking Australia. We have Personal Accident and Public Liability Insurance.

3. We follow ethical practices in relation to the conservation of flora, fauna, rock formations and archaeological sites set out in the Bushwalker's Code.

4. All Club Activities are strictly NON-SMOKING. Smoking is prohibited in all NSW National Parks & State Conservation Areas and in most areas in NSW State Forests.

Before a Walk

1. The club activity program is emailed to members and can be accessed on the club website ubmbc.org.au. We use the Bushwalking Australia grading guide. The Grading Guide gives walkers an idea of the difficulty. If you are uncertain about your ability to participate in an activity, please discuss with the leader.

2. New club members with limited walking experience should attempt a grade 2/3 walk for their first activity. This enables them to become accustomed to the club and allows leaders to assess their ability.

3. Joining a walk. The leader’s contact details appear in the program. Members should ask to join the walk. For new walkers the leader will ask questions about fitness, recent walking experience and equipment. The leader is entitled to refuse participation in an activity.

4. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. It is not possible for the walk leader to give an exact return time. There are many reasons why a group maybe overdue, weather conditions, injuries, change of route, vehicle problems may occur. This rarely happens with UBMBC.

5. Meeting Arrangements. Clarify the time and meeting place with the leader. Be on time. If you are delayed contact the leader’s mobile. If you have booked in for a walk and are unable to attend please inform the leader. The leader will wait no longer than five minutes if you are late.

6. Your Emergency Contact and Medical Information form, downloaded from the club website should be in your first aide kit in your backpack. This form will only be accessed in case of an accident or medical emergency.

7. Advise the leader in advance if you have a medical or physical condition that may affect your performance.

8. Advise the leader if you have skills such as first aid, navigation or knowledge of the area.

9. Make sure that you are fully equipped for the activity. A list of what to take on a walk is on the Frequently Asked Questions section of our club website.

10. First Aid Kit. Members are required to have their own first aid kit in their backpack. This enables first aid kits to combined in the case of multiple injuries or injuries to several people. If the group is separated or someone is lost it means that everyone has a first aid kit. Suggestions for items in your first aid kit is on the Frequently Asked Questions section of our club website. The UBMBC subsidises first aid training for members.

11. Guests. Visitors may take part in activities subject to the leader’s prior approval. Visitors must complete a Temporary Members Form, downloaded from the club website. Juniors (under 18) must also be approved by the leader, complete a Temporary Members Form and be accompanied by a parent, guardian or grandparent who is responsible for the junior.

12. Advise the leader if you would not like to be photographed during the walk.

During the Walk

1. Please assist the leader by being co-operative and enthusiastic. Follow the leader’s instructions and accept the leader’s judgement. Our leaders are experienced walkers who are volunteers.

2. Be prepared to car pool with others and to make a contribution for fuel.

3. Treat other group members with respect. UBMBC is a very friendly club where members help and support each other. Be prepared to learn from other members.

4. Advise the leader if you have any concerns. Eg the pace is too fast, you are feeling unwell, you have run out of water.

5. Do not become separated from the group. Call out if gaps get too large. A whistle can be useful.

6. Members are encouraged to carry a map and compass and to become proficient in using them.

7. Leave sufficient distance between yourself and the walker in front of you so that you are not injured by branches or walking poles.

8. Be aware of loose rocks. If a rock is dislodged, call “Rock!” to alert the group.

9. Emergency Procedure. If you have phone coverage, phone 000 (triple zero) Ask for police and be prepared to give map name and grid references for your position. If phone contact is not possible then activate the PLB.

After the Walk

1. Let the leader know that you have completed the activity.

2. Thank the leader and offer feedback on the walk.

3. Advise your emergency contact person that you are home.

4. To inhibit the spread of plant diseases and seeds, wash footwear, trousers and other equipment before your next bushwalk.

This acknowledgement of risks applies to all Club activities I may undertake as a member of Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club (the Club). In voluntarily participating in activities of the Club which are described to me by the activity leaders I am aware that my participation in the activities may expose me to hazards and risks that could lead to injury, illness or death or to loss of or damage to my property. Those risks may include but are not limited to slippery and/or uneven surfaces, rocks being dislodged, falling at edges of cliffs or drops or elsewhere, risks associated with crossing creeks, hypothermia and heat exhaustion

I also acknowledge that I may encounter weather conditions that could lead to hypothermia and being in locations where evacuation for medical treatment may take hours or days. In particular when participating in abseiling or above the snowline activities I am aware that these activities could expose me to additional hazards and risks described to me by the activity leader.

To minimise these risks I will endeavour to ensure (1) each activity is within my capabilities, and (2) I am carrying food, water and equipment appropriate for the activity, and (3) I will advise the activity leader if I am taking any medication or have any physical or other limitation that might affect my participation in the activity, and (4) I will make every effort to remain with the rest of the party during the activity, and (5) I will advise the leader of any concerns I am having, and (6) I will comply with all reasonable instructions of Club officers and the activity leader.

I have read and understand the above requirements; I have considered the risks before choosing to accept this acknowledgment of risk. I still wish to join the activities of the Club. I acknowledge that I will take responsibility for my own actions and that signing this form and the payment of my subscription will be deemed as full acceptance and understanding of the above conditions. By accepting this Waiver I agree to waive any claim for damages that I may have against the Club, the leader or other participants in tort or contract.

I also agree to be bound by the constitution of the Club for the time being in force.

What is canyoning?

Canyoning is a dangerous activity that usually involves following a creek between high rock walls with few exit routes. It often requires abseiling over waterfalls or cliffs in order to exit the canyon. Canyoning requires participants to negotiate slippery rocks and ledges and also requires participants to be immersed in cold water for an extended period. This water may sometimes be fast flowing, from waterfalls or strong currents.

Participant Agreement

To participate in this trip you must be a current member of the Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club. You are participating voluntarily and you understand that the trip leader is not a professional guide but a voluntary member of the bushwalking club.

By voluntarily signing this waiver you are stating that you are aware that this activity may result in injury, illness or death and the loss of, or damage to property.

Risks Associated

I understand that I may face the following risks in a canyon environment. These include but are not limited to: Falling on wet slippery or algae coated rocks and ledges; becoming stuck on an abseil, possibly in a waterfall; anchor failure; equipment failure – such as ropes breaking or carabiners and abseil devices breaking or failing, harnesses breaking; rope being too short for the abseil; being hit by falling debris, rock or log fall etc; ropes becoming jammed and unable to retrieve ropes; abseiler inversion; abseiler slipping; failure of abseiler to brake properly and hitting the ground hard; falling from a height; abseiler mistakenly abseiling on a single rope which is not fixed to an anchor; abseiler burning or jamming their brake hand, clothing, equipment or another body part; improperly threaded abseiling device; belayer not paying attention; harness not done up; carabiner not done up; cuts or injury from sharp sticks or rocks; hitting a rock or another object during a water jump; slipping on take-off during a water jump; whiplash due to helmet being thrown back during a water jump; impact, injury or ear drum damage upon entering the water during a water jump; cramps while swimming; hypothermia from cold water and/or weather conditions; extended immersion in cold water; flash flooding in the canyon; becoming caught and pinned in fast flowing water; Hyperthermia and sunburn on the walk in or out of the canyon; exacerbation of existing medical conditions; fatigue; prolonged physical activity often while carrying heavy loads; injury or incapacitation of your guide; drowning; hail, sleet and other adverse weather conditions; bushfire; becoming benighted in a canyon; participants become lost; equipment is lost or damaged.

Participants Responsibilities

If you have any medical condition, physical disability or if there is any other issue that may affect you in the canyon please inform your trip leader immediately. By signing this waiver you agree that you are not taking any medication or have any physical limitations, which will affect your participation in this activity. If you do not understand anything mentioned in this waiver please seek clarification from your trip leader before undertaking this activity.

During the trip you should make every effort to remain with the group and notify the trip leader or other participants immediately if you are experiencing any difficulties or have any concerns. You agree to conduct yourself in a safe and responsible manner and exercise due care to ensure your personal safety and that of others during this activity.

You must also make sure you have the correct equipment for safe participation in this activity. That you have enough food and drink for the duration of the trip and that this trip is within your capabilities. You must follow the directions given by the trip leader for the duration of the activity.

I understand that by accepting this waiver I accept all the risks associated with this activity and to the extent permitted by law, for myself and my heirs, executors and assignees, I release the Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club, the trip leader and other participants from all claims, actions, suits and demands resulting from my illness, injury, death and/or the loss of, or damage to my property arising from my participation in this activity. I understand that in the event of my death this waiver also binds my estate.