Outdoor Safety

Water Safety: How to Stay Safe in the Sea, Ocean, Surf

An article from World Nomads on safe swimming in unfamiliar locations.

Excerpt

Swimming ranks as one of the most popular activities for travelers worldwide, but unfamiliar waters come with risks. Here are our tips to keep you safe.

• • Do your research on where to swim
  • How to spot and stay safe in a rip
  • How to bodysurf safely
  • How to boogieboard safely
  • Surf lessons & legropes
  • How to snorkel safely
  • Water safety tips

READ MORE

How to plan and prepare for a flood


Emergency Tips | ABC Australia

Flooding in Queensland

Useful resources from the QLD Government.

Floods can occur almost anywhere in Queensland and can rise over days, or in minutes in a ‘flash flood’. Don’t enter floodwater—even water 30cm deep could sweep you off your feet.

After heavy rain in your area…

• Keep informed about weather patterns and weather forecasts and act quickly on any advice
• Stay away from rivers, creeks and drains
• Get to higher ground
• Never try to drive, ride or walk through floodwater.

Flood
Storms and floods (Workcover Queensland)
Floodwater safety

Eight steps to being prepared

Flooding can happen at any time and sometimes with little warning. Therefore preparation is key to making sure you, your family and your friends are safe, as well as reducing the damage to your home and treasured belongings.

Even before bad weather is forecast, on a quiet evening when you have some spare time there is one important task you can carry out…

Pack an emergency Grab Bag – find an easy to carry and sturdy bag and pack it with warm clothes, a torch (with spare batteries), a radio (wind-up or battery powered), food, water, mobile phone (with useful numbers included) and charger, any medication you require, any important documents you have and a first aid kit. Make sure the bag is easy to find so you can quickly take it with you when needed in an emergency.

If a flood warning has been issued, follow these eight steps to be as well prepared as you can be. Tick off each step to reveal the next.

See also:

• Preparing for a flood (UK)
• Flooding and Flood Risks (US)

Flood emergency tools could save lives

and maybe the difference between life and death

The message from authorities is clear: If it’s flooded, forget it.

But in the unexpected event of a flood emergency, road safety experts say just three items could mean the difference between life and death.

• Having an emergency hammer, foil blanket, and waterproof torch can help in a flood emergency
• The base of a headrest can also can also be used to break a window in an emergency
• It is important to remember that driving to the conditions is the safest option

Source
ABC News

How to stay safe at swimming holes

Local swimming holes offer sweet relief from the blistering summer heat, cold glistening water and hangouts with mates – surrounded by the screeching of cicadas. This is the time to be found drifting gently in quiet lagoons, splashing in ponds and dams, and chilling under magnificent waterfalls. Sadly, behind the scenes this perfect summer image is tainted. Statistics tell us that every year visitors to our waterways are drowning … here are a few simple ways to stay safe at swimming holes, while still having fun!

Source
We Are Explorers

Southern Cross University

Water & Snow Safety

Because of Australia’s climate and population distribution, most people access coastal beaches or inland bodies of water for aquatic recreational or sporting activities. Swimming pools, both public and private, also provide opportunities for aquatic activities. Swimming is a popular leisure, fitness participation, and competitive activity. Therefore, aquatic safety is a national priority.

The Australian government also recognises the seasonal requirements for snow safety and has invested in programs and provides grants to organisations enabling snow (alpine) safety.

Together, aquatic and snow safety strategies are part of the Australia Government’s National Recreation Safety Program – Water and Snow Safety

Key Messages

1. Because of Australia’s climate, population distribution and cultural affinity for aquatic sport and recreation, governments uniquely place water safety as a public priority.
2. Snow safety is a seasonal component of the National Recreational Safety Program.

Source
Clearinghouse for Sport

Choosing the Right Lifejacket

Lifejackets are a vital piece of safety equipment that could save your life. The best idea is to make sure you wear it. Put the lifejacket on as part of your pre-trip preparation. It is a lot harder to put a lifejacket on in the water during an emergency.

Queensland’s beaches are one of our most popular outdoor recreation areas. If you enjoy swimming or surfing you must take care as our beaches can be dangerous.

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags – not outside them. The flags mark the safest place to swim and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.
• Always swim under supervision or with a friend. An adult who can swim should always accompany children into the water.
• Read and obey the warning signs on beaches and beach access points. They explain the rules of the beach and provide warnings of potential dangers and other useful information for you to enjoy a safe day at the beach.
• Alcohol and drugs impair judgement, so never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never swim in darkness.
• Avoid contact with any sea creatures you might encounter at the beach. While they may look harmless some may inflict a sting or a bite.
• Be mindful of objects that might be present below the water surface. Enter the water gradually – never run, jump or dive into shallow water.

The Ten Essentials are survival items that hiking and Scouting organisations recommend for safe travel in the bush.

The Ten Essentials first appeared in print in the third edition of Mountaineering Freedom of the Hills Mountaineers (January 1974). Many regional organisations and authors recommend that hikers, backpackers, and climbers rigorously ensure they have the ten essentials with them. However, personal preferences and differences in conditions may dictate otherwise and with experience most adventurers add and subtract from the list depending on the situation. Some lightweight hikers do not always carry all of the items and believe it is an acceptable risk they take in order to travel light and fast.

According to the eighth edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills book there are ten essentials, which are now referred to as the “classic” essentials. While still valid and widely used they do not reflect modern outdoor sports and all of the new gadgets that now are common.

Classic Essentials

1. Map
2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra clothing
5. Headlamp (or torch)
6. First-aid supplies
7. Firestarter
8. Matches
9. Knife
10. Extra food

In 2003, the essential list was revised as part of the seventh edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills to keep up with modern equipment. The current edition, 8th edition continues with the new essentials list with no major revisions. The new list takes a “systems” or functional approach.

The Current The Ten Essentials

1. Navigation. Topographic map and assorted maps in waterproof container plus a magnetic compass, optional altimeter or GPS.
2. Sun protection. Sunglasses, sunscreen for lips and skin, hat, clothing for sun protection.
3. Insulation. Hat, gloves, jacket, extra clothing for coldest possible weather during current season.
4. Illumination. Headlamp, flashlight, batteries. LED bulb is preferred to extend battery life.
5. First-aid supplies, plus insect repellent.
6. Fire. Butane lighter, matches in waterproof container.
7. Repair kit and tools. Knives, multi-tool, scissors, pliers, screwdriver, trowel/shovel, duct tape, cable ties.
8. Nutrition. Add extra food for one additional day (for emergency). Dry food is preferred to save weight and usually needs water.
9. Hydration. Add extra 2 liters of water for one additional day (for emergency).
10. Emergency shelter. Tarp, bivouac sack, space blanket, plastic tube tent, jumbo trash bags, insulated sleeping pad.

The textbook recommends supplementing the ten essentials with:

• Portable water purification and water bottles
• Ice axe for glacier or snowfield travel (if necessary)
• Signaling devices, such as a whistle, mobile phone, two-way radio, satellite phone, unbreakable signal mirror or flare, laser pointer.

Some experts recommend having duplicates of the Essentials in different sized kits: in pockets, on key rings, in pocket kits, belt pouches, belt packs, day packs, and backpacks.

Sources: Trail Hiking Australia & Wikipedia

Bushwalking Bushfire Safety

Australia like several other countries in the world has a reputation for serious bushfires. A basic understanding of bushfires is useful if you are a bushwalker or spend time in the outdoors. Read More

In the Mountains

Pick out the best route up a mountain whether you see one; look for the best fords in the river, even if you are never likely to cross it; keep your eye open for good campsites: if you are passing through the gorge of a river, by road or rail, try to figure out how you would have tackled it on foot in its natural state. Note the character of ridges and valleys, and especially note prominent objects so that you will recognise them when you see them again; keep looking back on your route so as to familiarise yourself with what you will see on the return journey.

A.P. Harper, Camping and Bushcraft in New Zealand for Beginners, 1945

New Zealand Resource from Wilderlife

A collection of resources to help you decide how best to leave your trip intentions with somebody responsible – where you are going, what you are doing, emergency contacts and so on; or to create your own Trip Intentions Form.

Trip Intentions (website)

Bugle (iPhone app)

Let Someone Know Before You Go (AdventurePro)

Get Home Safe (Smartphone app)

Trip safety – what you can do to stay safe in the bush (Bush Search & Rescue Victoria)

Outdoor Information Sheet (Victoria Police)

Trip Intention Form (NSW Parks & Wildlife)

Adventurous Journey Intentions Sheet (Duke of Edinburgh Australia)

NZ Outdoor Intentions Form (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Route Intention Form (Tramping New Zealand)

Outdoors Intentions for Land-based Activities (Adventuresmart NZ)

Queensland has spectacular wilderness areas perfect for bushwalking, mountain biking, canoeing, camping or picnics, etc. Our National Parks and State Forests, in particular, provide wonderful outdoor recreation experiences. Be prepared if you plan to spend some time in the bush.

• Plan your hike or ride or paddle. Always tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return. Let them know when you return safely.
• Check the weather forecast and plan for expected changes in weather such as tropical storms or extremes in hot or cold temperatures depending on the location or the season.
• Check the length and the degree of difficulty of your planned trip. Allow plenty of time to complete the trip, to see the sights and to experience the bush along the way. Harder and longer trips may require more experience and skills, better fitness and local knowledge.
• When walking, riding, paddling or exploring outdoors carry and drink plenty of water. Drinking water taken from a stream or lake should be boiled first before it is drunk.
• Wear sturdy shoes and socks, hat, comfortable clothing and insect repellent.
• Be self-reliant. Other handy items for long trips include food, warm clothing, first aid supplies, matches and a map. Take a tent and sleeping bag if you are planning to stay overnight.
• Never walk, ride or paddle alone. Read maps and signs carefully. Stay on the track.
• Never dive into a rock pool, creek or lake without checking the depth of the water and for any hidden dangers below the surface such as rocks and logs.
• Stay away from cliff edges and waterfalls and stay behind safety barriers. Rocks can be slippery when wet.
• Do not feed, approach or touch native animals.
• Be very careful with fire. Use a fuel stove for cooking instead of lighting a fire. Wear thermal clothing to keep warm rather than light a fire

See also:

• Trip Intentions
• Bushwalking

Queensland’s outback is a vast, wonderful and rewarding place for four wheel driving and trail horse rides, etc. Our remote wilderness areas have few towns and facilities (with large distances between them), so plan your trip and be prepared.

• When planning each day of your trip spend some time to calculate how long it will take to drive or ride between destinations. Be realistic about how far you can drive or ride in a day.
• Inform family and friends or the local police of your travel plans.
• Always carry current maps and other navigational equipment.
• Check facilities, road conditions, and the availability of water and/or fuel before departing on your
• outback adventure.
• Take extra care when driving four-wheel drive vehicles. For example, drive at reduced speeds on unsealed roads and never attempt to drive through swollen or flooded rivers and creeks.
• Always carry a spare tyre, tools and water. If travelling into remote areas off major highways take
• food, extra fuel and tyres. Do not overload your vehicle and never carry spare fuel inside an enclosed vehicle.
• Consider taking appropriate emergency communication equipment, such as satellite phones.
• Obey road closure signs and stay on recognised routes.
• Ensure gas bottles and camping equipment are current and undamaged.
• Be cautious with campfires. Bushfires in desert areas can spread very quickly. If you become aware of a bushfire be prepared to evacuate the area immediately.
• If you have trouble with your vehicle wait with the vehicle for help to come to you, where there is shade and protection from the heat.
• On outback roads wildlife and livestock sometimes graze on the roadside and can stray onto the road. Be very careful when driving at sunrise and sunset when animals are most active. If an animal crosses in front of you brake gently – do not swerve wildly to avoid it.
• During daylight hours always drive with your headlights on low beam, as outback conditions can make it difficult to see oncoming vehicles.

A storm is brewing: Your essential wild weather checklist

Queenslanders are a pretty resilient bunch when it comes to natural disasters, and as the most disaster-prone state in the country, we need to make sure we’re ready for whatever comes our way.

Like … tropical cyclones.

Although we’ve been through it all before, it pays to reset and check that you’re prepared when the first storm of the season hits. Plan ahead now and cross off this storm-ready checklist to safeguard your home and family.

Read More

Source
7NEWS.com.au and Suncorp
See original article on 7News

Sun Safety Queensland
Did you know anyone can get skin cancer? Skin cancer doesn’t just affect older people or fair skinned or people with red hair! The simple fact is that anyone of any age can develop skin cancer.

Not just Slip, Slop, Slap!
Your Summer Guide to Sunscreen

Beat the Heat
Playing and exercising safely in hot weather

UV Exposure and Heat Illness Guide
Helping to keep organised sport and physical activity safe, healthy and fun for all

Heat Related Illness
During very hot and extreme heat conditions, people are at greater risk of health problems. These can be specific heat-related illnesses or a worsening of existing medical problems.

To drink or not to drink?

Dehydration is a major risk associated with prolonged, strenuous, outdoor activities which can include professional and recreational water sports. The risk is compounded in hot weather, and if not managed appropriately can have major consequences.

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration is simply loss of body fluid, primarily through sweating.
Our bodies contain, on average, 60% water, 40% of which is stored in muscle.
As little as a 2% decrease in body fluid can result in dehydration which will have a detrimental effect on sport performance.

In an exercise situation profuse sweating and rapid expiration can cause dehydration.
Excessive sweating does not only cause fluid loss but also a decrease in the level of electrolytes, mainly sodium and potassium. Sodium is essential for fluid retention and potassium is responsible for nerve and muscle function. If the levels of either or both become sub-optimal the body is unable to function efficiently and problems can occur, ranging from muscle cramping to, confusion and in extreme cases, heart and kidney failure and even death.

Signs of Dehydration

• Dry mouth
• Thirst
• Headache
• Lethargy
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Reduced urine output
• Concentrated (dark colour) urine

Management of Dehydration

The foremost treatment for dehydration is prevention.

On average our bodies require 2 – 2½ litres of fluid per day to maintain adequate hydration levels.

Sweating, increased activity and heat stress will cause fluid loss therefore fluid intake should equal or preferably exceed the amount lost.

An adequate intake of water will be sufficient to prevent dehydration in normal circumstances, however in hot weather, or during periods of increased physical activity where there is a danger of extreme dehydration occurring, water alone will be inappropriate. The body requires sodium in order to retain fluid so therefore a higher intake of fluids with the correct balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates, in the form of sugar, will be required.

It should be noted that fluids which are high in sugar are not ideal as these could potentially worsen the degree of dehydration, therefore fruit juices and some Sports and Energy drinks should be avoided if possible.

Alcohol and caffeine containing drinks are not ideal as these will only increase the level of dehydration because of their diuretic effect.

Thirst is one of the last manifestations of dehydration and as exercise blunts the thirst mechanism it is therefore essential to be conscious of the need to rehydrate during periods of physical activity.

Download Fact Sheet

Source:
Rita Walker, Training Consultant, HMT Consulting.

Guide to Wilderness Medicine for Outdoor Professionals and First Responders

While written for a US based outdoor sector this article contains valuable commentary for Australian outdoor professionals (QORF)

The wilderness can be a harsh environment. Relatively common injuries can turn into infections without immediate access to proper treatment. Meanwhile, dehydration and shock are both serious threats if you aren’t prepared for your time outdoors. Additionally, there is the possibility of an animal attack while hiking on a trail.

Advanced care might be hours or even days away. This is when a minor injury can become severe and major trauma can take a turn for the worse, which is why it’s essential to take the appropriate steps in stopping (or minimizing) any injury progression. The need for accessible primary care during this time is becoming a concern — especially for those in remote and rural areas.

Read Full Article

Source
University of North Dakota

Outback Survival: Snakes and Snakebites

Learn how to avoid snake bites and take life-saving steps if bitten, with our Outback Survival Tips on snakes. (RFDS)

The Australian Snakebite Project.

Updated advice and procedures following the publication of a new snakebite study. The study has prompted the RFDS to reverse previous long-standing advice about the importance of identifying the colour and type of snake.

“Staying in the area after an attack can be dangerous and recent advances in medication mean we can now treat any snakebite with a generic polyvalent anti-venom, so identification is no longer necessary.”

Source: Royal Flying Doctor Service

How to survive a venomous snakebite

This is exemplary action in a snakebite situation.

So stay as still as possible. Don’t move a muscle, because moving moves the venom through the body.

Then, wrap the affected limb with a stretchy compression bandage — like you would for a sprained ankle/wrist.

Guide to Remote First Aid

Be prepared with this practical first-aid guide for everything from blisters to heart attacks.

Source: Australian Geographic Outdoor

Wilderness First Aid Basics

Wilderness first aid is the knowledge and ability to effectively address injury, illness, or emergency outside of modern facilities, out in the wild. Skills could include knowing how to dress a wound, treat a burn or bite, or set an injured limb. These are important skills that can save your life or the lives of other outdoor enthusiasts.

See also First Aid for Emergency Situations

Source
ACLS Online

Building your own first aid kit

Preparation “failure” for outings in the great outdoors can result in a wide variety of potential misadventures. These range from nursing a smarting headache or finger wound for days on end to facing a fight for survival after a fall or allergic reaction. Gladly, our chances of avoiding many such misfortunes rise significantly with a little bit of know-how and the addition of one simple but essential gear item.

Enter the hiking, backpacking and camping first aid kit.

Source
Building your own hiking or backpacking first aid kit
My Open Country (US)

First Aid Training Providers

A list of companies that provide first aid training to the outdoor sector.

Please contact them directly for information on course schedules, unit standards and prices.

Improving community and personal safety for trail users – what can you do?

Safety on the trails is important to us all. So, what can we do?

Here are some handy hints that have come from trail users themselves.

• Acknowledge other path users early – avoid surprising someone. It can be as simple as a smile, a nod or hello.
• Step off the trail if needed to give extra passing room.
• When approaching from behind advise early “Coming up behind I’ll pass when its safe” or “passing on your right / left”. This works for all trail users including bikes.
• If listening to music, consider using one earpiece or keeping the volume low, so you can hear other trail users approaching.
• Don’t become a ‘creature of habit’, mix up your routes, timing and locations.
• Take note of your surroundings. Listen and look for things that might be out of place.
• If you see something – say something. If you notice something that isn’t quite right advise other trail users and authorities.
• Share your intended route with someone else.
• Turn on your tech if you have it (GPS tracking, crash detection etc). Plan for longer on the trails then you think you’ll be. Take plenty of hydration, food and relevant first aid supplies.
• Join group runs if they are available to you. Consider listing group runs and make them accessible. Running with a group increases all kinds of safety and builds community.
• Keep talking to other runners – ask them what their barriers are and consider if there is anything you can do to potentially address or remove some of those barriers to help them.
• Not all disrespect leads to violence, but all violence starts with disrespect. Runners and Trail Users don’t let disrespect happen around you.

Source:  Trail Running Assocation of Queensland (TRAQ)

The Ten Essentials are survival items that hiking and Scouting organisations recommend for safe travel in the bush.

The Ten Essentials first appeared in print in the third edition of Mountaineering Freedom of the Hills Mountaineers (January 1974). Many regional organisations and authors recommend that hikers, backpackers, and climbers rigorously ensure they have the ten essentials with them. However, personal preferences and differences in conditions may dictate otherwise and with experience most adventurers add and subtract from the list depending on the situation. Some lightweight hikers do not always carry all of the items and believe it is an acceptable risk they take in order to travel light and fast.

According to the eighth edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills book there are ten essentials, which are now referred to as the “classic” essentials. While still valid and widely used they do not reflect modern outdoor sports and all of the new gadgets that now are common.

Classic Essentials

1. Map
2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra clothing
5. Headlamp (or torch)
6. First-aid supplies
7. Firestarter
8. Matches
9. Knife
10. Extra food

In 2003, the essential list was revised as part of the seventh edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills to keep up with modern equipment. The current edition, 8th edition continues with the new essentials list with no major revisions. The new list takes a “systems” or functional approach.

The Current The Ten Essentials

1. Navigation. Topographic map and assorted maps in waterproof container plus a magnetic compass, optional altimeter or GPS.
2. Sun protection. Sunglasses, sunscreen for lips and skin, hat, clothing for sun protection.
3. Insulation. Hat, gloves, jacket, extra clothing for coldest possible weather during current season.
4. Illumination. Headlamp, flashlight, batteries. LED bulb is preferred to extend battery life.
5. First-aid supplies, plus insect repellent.
6. Fire. Butane lighter, matches in waterproof container.
7. Repair kit and tools. Knives, multi-tool, scissors, pliers, screwdriver, trowel/shovel, duct tape, cable ties.
8. Nutrition. Add extra food for one additional day (for emergency). Dry food is preferred to save weight and usually needs water.
9. Hydration. Add extra 2 liters of water for one additional day (for emergency).
10. Emergency shelter. Tarp, bivouac sack, space blanket, plastic tube tent, jumbo trash bags, insulated sleeping pad.

The textbook recommends supplementing the ten essentials with:

• Portable water purification and water bottles
• Ice axe for glacier or snowfield travel (if necessary)
• Signaling devices, such as a whistle, mobile phone, two-way radio, satellite phone, unbreakable signal mirror or flare, laser pointer.

Some experts recommend having duplicates of the Essentials in different sized kits: in pockets, on key rings, in pocket kits, belt pouches, belt packs, day packs, and backpacks.

Sources: Trail Hiking Australia & Wikipedia

Safety Guidelines for Children and Young People in Sport and Recreation

These guidelines will assist you to provide a safe and positive experience for those involved in junior sport and active recreation.

These guidelines have been developed to support safe participation in sport and recreation for children and young people. Injury is a known barrier to participation and it is estimated that 50% of injuries are preventable.

From the Australian Government, Dept of Health & Aging

A collection of resources to help you decide how best to leave your trip intentions with somebody responsible – where you are going, what you are doing, emergency contacts and so on; or to create your own Trip Intentions Form.

Trip Intentions (website)

Bugle (iPhone app)

Let Someone Know Before You Go (AdventurePro)

Get Home Safe (Smartphone app)

Trip safety – what you can do to stay safe in the bush (Bush Search & Rescue Victoria)

Outdoor Information Sheet (Victoria Police)

Trip Intention Form (NSW Parks & Wildlife)

Adventurous Journey Intentions Sheet (Duke of Edinburgh Australia)

NZ Outdoor Intentions Form (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Route Intention Form (Tramping New Zealand)

Outdoors Intentions for Land-based Activities (Adventuresmart NZ)

Queensland’s outback is a vast, wonderful and rewarding place for four wheel driving and trail horse rides, etc. Our remote wilderness areas have few towns and facilities (with large distances between them), so plan your trip and be prepared.

• When planning each day of your trip spend some time to calculate how long it will take to drive or ride between destinations. Be realistic about how far you can drive or ride in a day.
• Inform family and friends or the local police of your travel plans.
• Always carry current maps and other navigational equipment.
• Check facilities, road conditions, and the availability of water and/or fuel before departing on your
• outback adventure.
• Take extra care when driving four-wheel drive vehicles. For example, drive at reduced speeds on unsealed roads and never attempt to drive through swollen or flooded rivers and creeks.
• Always carry a spare tyre, tools and water. If travelling into remote areas off major highways take
• food, extra fuel and tyres. Do not overload your vehicle and never carry spare fuel inside an enclosed vehicle.
• Consider taking appropriate emergency communication equipment, such as satellite phones.
• Obey road closure signs and stay on recognised routes.
• Ensure gas bottles and camping equipment are current and undamaged.
• Be cautious with campfires. Bushfires in desert areas can spread very quickly. If you become aware of a bushfire be prepared to evacuate the area immediately.
• If you have trouble with your vehicle wait with the vehicle for help to come to you, where there is shade and protection from the heat.
• On outback roads wildlife and livestock sometimes graze on the roadside and can stray onto the road. Be very careful when driving at sunrise and sunset when animals are most active. If an animal crosses in front of you brake gently – do not swerve wildly to avoid it.
• During daylight hours always drive with your headlights on low beam, as outback conditions can make it difficult to see oncoming vehicles.

Fatigue Management and Driving

Most fatigue-related accidents occur during normal sleeping hours, and the more severe the crash, the more likely it is that the driver or drivers were fatigued. Fatigue is a likely factor in almost one third of single-vehicle crashes in rural areas.

The five basic rules of the Outdoor Safety Code make it easier to ensure you can enjoy yourself in the outdoors and have great stories to share at the end. The rules were devised by outdoor experts to help keep you safe on your chosen adventure.

Preparation is critical, and safety and enjoyment go hand in hand. Never mind if you’re planning a half-day fishing trip or a multi-day bushwalk. Risk is not always measured by the length of a trip or the particular challenges of a destination.

Follow these five basic rules, and you’ll be off to a flying start on your next adventure.

Plan your trip
Seek local knowledge, plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.

Tell someone
Tell someone your plans and leave a date for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.

Be aware of the weather 
Weather can be highly unpredictable.  Check the forecast and plan for weather changes.

Know your limits
Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.

Take sufficient supplies
Make sure you have enough food, equipment and emergency rations for the worst case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication.

The 5 safety points above have been created through expert consultation and are the core to all outdoor safety practices. All of the points can be expanded upon depending on your specific recreation and geographic location, so use them as a starting point and make sure you know all you can about your activity before you head out.

Sources
NZ Mountain Safety Council
Outdoor Safety Code on YouTube