An independent review of a school kayaking trip which ended in 15 teenagers being rescued off Victor Harbor has found preparations were below standard.

The report, by an interstate kyaking expert, found a severe weather warning was issued after the group was on the water but the expedition knew winds were forecast to reach 30 knots.

Students did not have the skills to handle the deteriorating conditions and there was no formalised risk management process, the report also revealed.

Westminster School principal Bradley Fenner said no action would be taken against school staff.

"Our consideration of the independent report led us to the conclusion that disciplinary action is not required," he said.

Staff acted correctly in the emergency by focusing on the safety of students, he said.

"We will be implementing all recommendations and working to improve out procedures to ensure that nothing like this happens again," Mr Fenner said.

"The school prides itself on student care and safety so this is an obvious concern for us, particularly as our outdoor education program has been widely recognised among the best in the country."

New South Wales kayaker Ian Dewey, who conducted the review, found planning, risk and emergency management and communications systems were below the standards of the Education Department and Australian Canoeing.

Source: Adelaide Now... The Advertiser, News Limited, 07 Aug 07. http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,22203838-5006301,00.html