Earlier today extreme sports company Black Sheep Adventures based in Queenstown, New Zealand admitted two health and safety charges relating to the death of Emily Jordan whilst river boarding on the Kawarau river. This tragic case demonstrates the dangers involved in partaking in extreme adrenalin based activities whilst travelling. Most backpackers who travel to the South Island and more specifically Queenstown, known for being the adrenalin capital of the world, take part in some form of extreme activity whether it be a bungy jump, white water rafting or paragliding.
Undoubtedly partaking in some form of thrill based activity is a highlight of many a travellers trip abroad. However Emily Jordan's case demonstrates the need of all travellers to not only have the correct insurance cover but be diligent in researching the most safety conscious tour company to go with - especially as you often have to sign a waiver form against sueing the company if anything was to go wrong.
Time will only tell whether this case brings about changes to New Zealand law which currently means no tour company can be charged with corporate manslaughter following the death of someone partaking in an extreme based sporting activity.
In the meantime our thoughts go out to Emily's family and friends at this sad time.
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