Activity centre 'rules needed'

VOLUNTARY guidelines for children's outdoor activities are not enough to prevent a repeat of tragedies such as last year's canoeing accident at Lyme Regis, Dorset, in which four sixth formers were killed, the Consumers' Association warns today.

Draft proposals from the Department of Education put the onus on parents and schools to carry out checks instead of forcing outdoor activity centres to meet safety standards, the association says. It wants to see 'stringent safety rules' imposed.