Safety

Safety is the #1 priority on this field program, and is EVERYONE'S responsibility. You will be provided with extensive safety information prior to traveling and will not be permitted to attend until you demonstrate understanding of the information. We have never had a serious injury during the field school. There are, however, several risks in your participation, which are outlined below.

Instructors and staff are well prepared to provide first aid for minor injuries. There is a well-equipped hospital in Churchill, but at Wapusk National Park, emergency medical care would require helicopter evacuation.

Weather

Churchill is a rugged place with highly unpredictable weather. Although August weather is generally nice, sudden storms, downpours, fierce winds, cold temperatures, and sometimes heat, combined with severe densities of biting flies at times can push individuals to their tolerance limits. It is essential to keep this in mind every morning when you pack your gear and to prepare for rain and other adverse weather every single day. The single biggest differences between those who enjoy the fieldwork and those that do not is the quality of clothing. We will often be many kilometres from any shelter and sudden rains and accompanying temperature drops can quickly induce hypothermia in poorly dressed individuals. As such, no individuals will be allowed into the field without adequate waterproof pants and jacket, sweaters, pants, gloves/mitts, and toque.

Wildlife

It is highly likely that we will encounter polar bears at some point during the program. Instructors, as well as additional Parks Canada staff at times, will be present and armed with firearms and noisemakers to deter any aggressive animals. Instructors and staff have undergone extensive training in dealing with wildlife conflicts and have safely resolved hundreds of these interactions. The camp that we stay in at Wapusk National Park has 9 foot barrier fencing all around it. We have never had a bear go under, over or through the fence in the summer months. Other wildlife are unlikely to pose a significant risk to participants.

Firearms

Instructors and Parks Canada staff will be carrying firearms for protection against wildlife in extreme cases. You will recieve written and verbal information about gun safety prior to and during the program. It is important to be aware of the firearms at all times, and to never walk in the path of a gun, regardless of the situation.

Helicopters

We hire certified, experienced pilots to fly us out to Wapusk National Park. You will likely be entering and exiting the helicopter while it is still running, and as such it is very important to follow instructions that will keep you out of the path of the spinning rotors. We will not fly in very adverse weather conditions. Once again, detailed information on helicopter safety will be provided.

I can honestly say there was never a point where I was even close to uncomfortable or concerned in some way, the organization was phenomenal

- Heidi B, 2010 participant