Unpredictable Weather Affects Events

Two planned events over the weekend were affected by the unpredictable weather. One cancelled in advance of the day, taking account of the forecast and the other going ahead, which resulted in RNLI being called out to rescue swimmers.

All event professionals must understand the impact of adverse weather and undoubtedly always plan for its occurrence through:

• planning to a greater detail and think of all the knock on effects, however extreme
• considering who needs to help you implement the plan and will need to input into resolution
• ensuring simplicity and clarity is given to the teams implementing it
• being adaptable and flexible in delivery
• being prepared to make tough calls to amend, postpone or cancel with the safety of participants, spectators and workforce at the foremost of decision making.

Decisions to cancel any event due to adverse weather or something else are never going to be easy to make. Fortunately no one appears to have been affected following the event in Scotland. and it’s positive to read that the organisers will review their procedures for future events.

If you would like to read the articles concerning these two events, please click the links below:

Swimmers rescued during adverse weather – click here.

Fundraising event cancellation due to gale-force winds – click here.