Assessing the safety and emergency preparedness among tour guides in adventure tourism: a case of white-water rafting in Jinja

Abstract

White-water rafting in Jinja, Uganda, is a key adventure tourism activity, yet the safety and emergency preparedness of tour guides remain critical concerns. This study aimed to: (i) evaluate the knowledge and application of safety protocols by tour guides, (ii) assess the availability and use of emergency response equipment and first aid measures, and (iii) explore the challenges faced by guides in implementing safety and emergency preparedness measures. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted, employing a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 38 white-water rafting guides, selected through simple random sampling from five major rafting companies in Jinja. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires, which assessed safety knowledge, practical application of protocols, availability of emergency equipment, and training status.Findings revealed that 73.7% of guides always conducted safety briefings, but 71.1% reported low confidence in handling rafting emergencies, and 78.9% lacked knowledge of CPR or basic first aid. Rescue drills were irregular, with 65.8% of respondents never conducting them. Regarding equipment, 52.6% reported that first aid kits were never available, 50% stated that emergency communication devices were not used, and 47.4% indicated that helmets were not consistently provided to clients. Personal flotation devices were used by 78.9% of guides, yet 39.5% rated the overall adequacy of safety equipment as inadequate. Challenges included lack of access to equipment (31.6%), inadequate training (26.3%), and poor coordination with management (13.2%). Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between education level and first aid knowledge (χ² = 9.842, df = 3, p = 0.020), while sex and work experience were not significant. The study concludes that despite some guides demonstrating procedural knowledge, overall safety preparedness is limited. Recommendations include strengthening training programs, ensuring proper equipment availability, enforcing safety protocols, and conducting further research on guide training effectiveness and tourist perceptions.