Fitness certificate to participate in adventurous sports: Himachal HC mandates age limit for thrill activities
Himachal mandates age limit for adventurous sports: The Himachal Pradesh High Court issued a directive imposing an age limit for individuals participating in adventurous sports such as river rafting and kayaking.
The court highlighted the necessity for senior citizens to obtain a fitness certificate prior to their involvement in these activities.
The court order by bench comprising Chief Justice M.S Ramachandra Rao and Jyotsna Rewal Dua reads, “It is desirable to fix upper age limit to persons who are intending to do kayaking or associated river sports and also to prescribe the necessity of senior citizens participating in such activities producing a Fitness Certificate. The desirability of having capability to swim may also be required to be prescribed.”
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The recent ruling by the court aims to enhance safety measures in adventure sports, particularly following a tragic incident resulting in the death of a 65-year-old tourist.
Meanwhile, in November 2023, the High Court reviewed compliance with safety regulations in river rafting and other adventurous sports. During this assessment, the court identified deficiencies in safety protocols and highlighted violations of Rule 11(b) of the Himachal Pradesh River Rafting Rules, 2005. According to the rule, operators must possess either two rescue rafts or a combination of one raft and a kayak.
Meanwhile, Indian Meteorological Department issued orange alert in Himachal Pradesh accompanied by lightning, hail, and gusty winds at speeds of 30-40 km per hour in isolated regions.
- With inputs from agencies
