Yep got me ranting at the TV as well, so much so that I've just written a grumpy old women email to ITV and Bear:
"Dear ITV and Bear Grylls,
I just have to register a complaint about last night's BBA (episode 2). I am all for encouraging people to get active, and get out into our wonderful countryside to explore, but last night's program was totally irresponsible showing Bear abseiling and caving without the correct equipment.
I was brought up through the Brownies/Guides/Scouts and was always taught to "Be Prepared". This means using the correct equipment, and making sure it is safe to undertake an activity before starting out.
Bear and the climber he was with should have been wearing a helmet when at Malham cove - Bear himself pointed out that the some of the rock on the cliff was loose, and with Bear, the climbing team and a filming team all dangling around on the cliff I expect the chance of rock fall would be even higher than normal. I don't care if the climber doesn't routinely use a helmet when he is on his own (I know many don't), but when on TV they should be setting a good example and being safe.
The caving trip to Long Churn was even worse. Once again Bear acknowledged that the cave was flood-prone, and that people had died there previously after being caught out. The first thing you learn when caving is to check the weather forecast, and you don't go into a cave like Long Churn in bad weather. When we do go caving, it is important to be correctly dressed to avoid hypothemia. Bear should be setting a good example, and demonstrating to people that all these activities are exciting, but you should be properly equipped. By naming the cave it will be so easy for people to google it, find out where it is, and follow in his footsteps - "Bear did it in his normal clothes with a torch in his hand so it must be OK".
I am so disapointed in this program, please stop and think about the possible consequences if someone decides to go and try to copy what Bear did without the proper knowledge and equipment. It doen't matter if you have a disclaimer at the start of the program - most people will ignore that or miss it anyway. Bear should be an ambassador, and always set a good example, not just play up the dramatic side to make good TV."
I wonder whether the CRO might consider also registering a complaint? It may have more weight coming from an official organisation.