Whether you manage a whitewater rafting excursion, ahorseback-riding stable or a hunting grounds, it can be all fun andgames until someone gets hurt — or dies.

Simply put, your business has major liabilities that need to beaddressed. The biggest challenge to your outdoor sports businessmay be finding the right insurance plan.

Common types of incidents at outdoor sports locations includeauto accidents, and motorized vehicles such as ATVs, snowmobilesand snowcats, with most cases occurring when the client does notfollow guide instructions or make a poor decision.

For example, in the whitewater rafting industry, “seriousaccidents resulting in death usually include a client coming out ofthe raft and being caught in a foot entrapment between submergedrocks,” said Jim Sattler, president of Cbiz Sattler Insurance. “Additionally,many fatalities are influenced by the physical condition of theparticipants. We see many fatalities related to heart conditionsand cold water immersion.”

Recent data from the from the National Electronic InjurySurveillance System used by the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention in its Wilderness and Environmental Medicine Journalshowed that snowboarding is the most dangerous outdoor recreationalactivity by a wide margin, followed by sledding.

The research, which gathered data from 63 hospital emergencyrooms nationwide, also revealed that more than 68 percent ofaccident victims are male — which is to be expected, because menand boys have higher rates of participation in outdoor activities.A quarter of the victims were identified as age 14 or younger, anda third ranging from 15 to 24.

Here are five tips from Sattler for outdoors sports businessesto avoid an insurance pitfall:

Make sure your staff is properly trained and maintain a highlevel of professionalism. (Photo: iStock)

1. Educate your employees

When hiring your staff, make sure your guides are trained andmaintain a high level of professionalism.

When you place an employee out in the back country, don’t putthem on a horse that they’re not capable of handling. Never equipthem with firearms when they have never used a gun before and youcertainly should never hand them the oars to a raft if they can’tidentify a rapid.

Not having a properly trained staff could lead to a majorlawsuit.

California's 2014 drought exposes the 180- to 200-foot dropin water levels. (Photo: iStock)

2. Be prepared for a drought

When water and snow are involved, always financially prepare fora time when Mother Nature does not act accordingly.

Whether it’s a drought in California, or snowless winter inAlaska, the weather may not always cooperate. If you manage amountain or river resort, make sure your policy covers you duringtimes when there is no snow or water. This will help you maintainyour expensive outdoor resort permit during seasons that are not aspopular or lucrative.

Choose an agent who understands your potential risks.(Photo: iStock)

3. Find an insurer who understands your business

While you search for the best insurance coverage, be sure youragent understands your potential risk.

Look for a company that has been in the outdoor sportingindustry for some time. It is essential that the insurance providershares your same level of expertise.

The ideal agent would be someone who has been on the water, whoknows the outdoors and is an advocate for your industry on apersonal or even political level.

Create your incident response plan for the most seriousaccident. (Photo: iStock)

4. Create an accident/incident response plan

Have an incident/accident response plan in writing and assignstaff to address specific aspects of the plan.

Include an action plan for who calls whom. Include legal andinsurance contacts as part of the first contacts. Plan for the mostserious accident and be prepared to respond promptly andprofessionally.

You want to have one person who will speak to the media inthe event of an accident where people are harmed or killed. (Photo:iStock)

5. Be ready to talk to the media

Have one person assigned to address inquiries from the media inthe event of a serious accident.

Practice how to address the media with respect to family andfriends of the injured or deceased party. And pay attention to theinjured as well as the family and friends on the trip. If there's afatality, cooperate with the governing bodies, sheriff, coroner,permitting agency and be accessible.

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