Unstaffed Access & Safety




Unstaffed access gives eligible Salmo Climbing Society members more opportunities to climb outside of our scheduled public climbing hours.

During unstaffed access there may be no volunteer or staff member present, so members are responsible for understanding the gym rules, using the facility safely, and knowing what to do in an emergency.


Who Can Use Unstaffed Access?

Independent unstaffed access is available to members ages 16+ with an eligible membership or 10-punch pass.

Climbers 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult during unstaffed access.

Access is individual and linked to your Gymdesk account. Guests and non-members are not permitted during unstaffed access, and members may not share their access or allow others into the facility.

When Can I Access the Gym?

Always check the climbing gym schedule before heading to the gym. The climbing space may be in use for route setting, school groups, youth programs, maintenance or other scheduled activities. Unstaffed access is not available when another program or closure is scheduled.

Outside of scheduled activities, eligible members can use the gym anytime they can access the Salmo Valley Youth & Community Centre and reach the climbing gym door.

The climbing gym does not have separate exterior access, so access depends on the SVYCC building being open. RDCK Recreation hours are a good indication of when the building can reliably be accessed, although building access may vary.

Check the climbing gym schedule:
https://salmoclimb.gymdesk.com/schedule

Check RDCK Recreation hours:
https://www.rdck.ca/our-community/recreation/salmo-area-g-recreation-fitness-pool/

Before Your First Unstaffed Visit

Before using the gym unstaffed for the first time, please come to one of our public climbing sessions for a quick orientation.

We'll show you how to access the gym, point out the emergency and safety equipment, and answer any questions about climbing during unstaffed hours. No appointment is necessary.

Public climbing schedule:
https://salmoclimb.gymdesk.com/schedule

New to bouldering? You're welcome! We recommend spending some time climbing during our public sessions until you're comfortable using the facility independently.

Getting Into the Gym

Unstaffed access is through the Gymdesk app using your individual member account.

Your access is for you only. Please don't share your login or provide access to another person, and don't let anyone enter behind you unless they have their own authorized access.

Make sure the door closes securely behind you when entering and leaving.

Climbing Safely

Our regular gym rules apply whether or not a volunteer is present.

Be aware of the people around you and keep clear of another climber's fall zone. Keep shoes, bottles, phones and other belongings off the padded climbing area. Downclimb when practical and climb within your abilities.

If you notice a loose or damaged hold, damaged padding, or another facility issue, stop using the affected area and let us know.

If you're unfamiliar with bouldering safety or aren't comfortable climbing independently, please join us during a public climbing session first.

Climbing Alone

Whenever possible, we recommend climbing with another authorized member.

If you choose to climb alone, remember that there may be nobody immediately available to assist you if you are injured or experience a medical emergency. Make sure you know where the emergency equipment is and how to call for help before climbing.

In an Emergency

For a serious injury or medical emergency, call 911.

Emergency procedures are posted in the climbing gym. Please familiarize yourself with the emergency equipment and exits before climbing unstaffed.

First Aid Kit: Located above the shoe shelving.

SOS Button: Located above the iPad. Use the SOS button to call for emergency assistance if you are unable to use your phone.

AED: Located at the front of the Salmo Valley Youth & Community Centre.

Emergency Responders: Direct first responders to Sayward Lane on the east side of the building at 206 Seventh Street for access to the climbing gym.

Whenever possible, have someone meet emergency responders at the entrance.

Age & Supervision

During unstaffed access, climbers ages 16+ may use the gym independently.

Climbers 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The supervising adult is responsible for actively supervising youth in their care and ensuring that regular Salmo Climbing Society age and supervision rules are followed.

During our public climbing sessions, climbers ages 13+ may climb without an accompanying adult.

Unstaffed Access Rules

Using the gym during unstaffed hours means following the Salmo Climbing Society's regular gym rules as well as the additional rules for unstaffed access.

Access is for authorized members only. No guests or sharing access. Follow all age and supervision requirements, don't interfere with cameras, access-control or emergency equipment, and make sure the facility is secure when you leave.

Video Surveillance

For member safety, security and incident review, the climbing gym is monitored by video surveillance during unstaffed operation.

If an incident, injury, damaged equipment or other safety concern occurs, please report it to the Salmo Climbing Society as soon as practical.

Questions or Need a Hand?

If you're unsure about anything, come see us during a public climbing session. A volunteer can show you around, explain how unstaffed access works, and help you get comfortable with the facility.

Public climbing schedule:
https://salmoclimb.gymdesk.com/schedule