Ten year old Max Palmer drowned while ‘plunge pooling’ during a school trip to Cumbria in May 2002. Like most accidents, this tragedy could have been avoided if the risks had been properly managed.

This website is about learning lessons. It is aimed at anyone connected with educational visits, particularly those involving adventure activities. As well as reporting on the tragic ‘plunge pooling’ incident and the lessons learned, the site provides a range of information including a section on ‘Getting it Right' and various useful links.

The overwhelming majority of educational visits are carried out safely and responsibly by teachers who take the time and effort to get things right. The benefits of such trips to pupils can be immense.

Exposure to well managed risks helps children learn important life skills, including how to manage risks for themselves.The Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto aims to ensure that all young people have a variety of high quality learning experiences outside the classroom environment.

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