SAFETY
OUR SAFETY PROCEDURES | SHOTOVER CANYON SWING
Safety first at Shotover Canyon Swing! WorkSafe NZ certified and trusted. Experience the thrill with confidence—book your adventure today
The Story Behind Shotover Canyon Swing: From Idea to World's No.1
Over two decades ago, the Shotover Canyon Swing was born from an innovative idea—an activity originally designed for friends that soon became a world-first extreme adventure. Since no similar activity existed globally, we had to design and engineer all components from scratch, ensuring safety and functionality through extensive testing. The result? A thrilling experience that stands as a testament to innovation, resourceful problem-solving, and our unwavering commitment to excellence and safety.
Certified Safety: Regulations, Audits, and Certifications Explained
At Shotover Canyon Swing, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s embedded in everything we do. We operate under strict national and international safety standards, ensuring compliance through regular audits and certifications.
Our Safety Certifications & Audits
We hold an Amusement Device Certificate (#938) from WorkSafe New Zealand, which defines our operating parameters and requirements. To maintain this certification, we comply with structural engineering reports, Queenstown Lakes District Council Code Compliance, and undergo a biannual Bureau Veritas Audit, which assesses our risk management, safety procedures, and operational systems.
In addition to these, we have earned QualMark Gold Certification, recognizing our premium safety and service standards, and the Trax Seal of Approval for our commitment to adventure safety. Our latest 2024 audit confirmed: “The company continues to show that their operating systems are robust and that they are proactive in making improvements, particularly in equipment management and staff training.”
Staff Training & Safety Standards: How We Train the Best Jump Masters
We proudly adhere to nationally recognized guidelines, ensuring that every member of our team undergoes years of thorough training before achieving the distinguished title of Jump Master. Our staff is the cornerstone of our commitment to safety, providing you with both expertise and peace of mind.
Training Process
Becoming a Jump Master isn’t just about skill—it requires extensive experience. Our team progresses through eight structured levels, moving from Jump Operator to Jump Master over multiple years. Training is conducted by our most experienced staff, incorporating hands-on practice, refresher courses, and emergency response drills to ensure we uphold the highest safety standards.
Your Safety: Our Commitment to Protecting You
We believe it is crucial to communicate our approach to safety and explain how we protect your well-being before you embark on your adventure with us. Below is an outline of the risks and the measures we take to ensure the highest safety standards.
Natural Hazards and Risks
Shotover Canyon Swing is in a remote area, surrounded by vast forestry, cliffs, and limited access. While we do everything possible to limit these hazards, we are still subject to risks such as fire, landslides, earthquakes, and other natural disasters beyond our control. Our team is trained to handle these situations, with response plans and safety equipment in place to keep you as safe as we can.
Swing Maintenance & Equipment Standards
We conduct daily equipment checks and routine maintenance to ensure that the swing meets all safety requirements. Our team consists of highly skilled professionals who specialize in swing maintenance. We also collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and external auditors to guarantee that our systems are consistently reliable and exceed safety standards.
Each of our two independent ropes has a breaking strain of 2.8 tonnes, enough to lift four cars. The Fox cables have a minimum breaking force of 231 tonnes, equivalent to about one and a half times the weight of a house. These components are frequently inspected, maintained, and upgraded to ensure an exceptionally safe experience.
Health and Wellbeing Considerations
Our platform staff have extensive knowledge of the swing’s effects on the human body. It is your responsibility to disclose any medical conditions so our team can provide appropriate advice. However, we are not medical professionals, and we strongly encourage customers to consult their doctor before participating. While the swing is generally low impact, it may cause discomfort or aggravate pre-existing conditions in rare cases.
Site Access and Transportation Safety
We provide the only transportation to our site, which carries inherent risks. To ensure your safety, we maintain strict vehicle upkeep and driver training protocols. Access from the carpark to the swing requires navigating a steep gravel track and three flights of stairs, so we recommend wearing suitable footwear. Rope railings are available for additional support.
Emergency Procedures: Prepared for Any Situation
While our safety procedures and equipment are of the highest standard, we train our staff to handle any unexpected situations. Our emergency protocols cover all operational aspects, and we have secondary systems in place to reinforce safety at every level.
Fun & Safety: Medical Considerations & Inclusive Access
At its core, the Canyon Swing is all about fun and adventure. Our team is passionate about delivering an experience that plays with gravity while maintaining the highest level of safety. We ask that you follow all staff instructions and communicate openly with us so we can ensure you have an unforgettable and safe experience.
Medical Conditions: What You Need to Know
If you have any of the following conditions or anything else you believe is relevant, you must disclose it on your safety form. Not all conditions will prevent you from participating, but our team must be informed to ensure your safety.
- High blood pressure
- Allergies
- Previous dislocations
- Pregnancy
- Hearing conditions
- Asthma
- Neurological disorders
- Epilepsy
- Head injury
- Artificial limbs
- Back injuries
- Eye conditions
If you have any concerns, we recommend speaking with your doctor or reaching out to our team for guidance before booking.
Inclusive Adventures: Making the Canyon Swing Accessible
We believe that adventure should be for everyone. Our team has experience assisting people with major neck, back, and limb injuries, as well as those with permanent impairments such as blindness, deafness, paraplegia, amputations, and paralysis. Participation is determined on a case-by-case basis, and our operational staff will assess each situation to ensure safety.
Accessibility Considerations
- The Canyon Swing site is located at the end of a 300m gravel track with 61 steep stairs leading to the platform.
- The Fox site requires navigating a 400m steep gravel track.
- We proudly hold a Trax Seal of Approval for accessible adventure experiences. For more information, visit their website or contact us directly to discuss your needs.
FAQs About Safety at Shotover Canyon Swing
Is Shotover Canyon Swing safe?
Yes! We follow strict safety guidelines, conduct regular audits, and operate under WorkSafe NZ certification. Our equipment undergoes frequent inspections, and staff are extensively trained.
What safety measures are in place?
We use multiple independent rope systems, routine safety checks, and detailed risk management procedures to ensure maximum security.
What if the weather is bad?
In extreme weather conditions (e.g., high winds, storms), we may delay or reschedule swings for safety reasons.
What happens if something goes wrong?
We have emergency response plans, first-aid trained staff, and backup systems in place to handle any unexpected situations.
Do you offer insurance for participants?
While we carry NZI Liability One Insurance, customers should check with their provider for personal coverage options.
Where can I see proof of certifications?
All certifications, including WorkSafe NZ, QualMark Gold, and Bureau Veritas Audits, are available upon request.
I'm doing the combo, where can I find safety information about the Shotover Jet?
You can check out the Shotover Jet Safety Policy here: https://www.shotoverjet.com/experience/your-safety/
By taking every reasonable step to manage risks, we ensure that thrill-seekers can enjoy an unforgettable—and safe—adventure at Shotover Canyon Swing.
