Venturing into Nature during Upcoming Vacations?
Preparing for a Safe Summer Outdoor Adventure in Aotearoa
As the holiday season approaches and the days grow longer, the New Zealand Police and the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) are urging people to be prepared for a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience in Aotearoa.
The MSC offers a variety of resources to help you plan your trip. Their Plan My Walk app and website can provide information about destinations, help you prepare for your trip, and even allow you to send personalized trip plans to group members and emergency contacts.
Regardless of the weather forecast, the MSC advises packing warm layers and waterproof clothing. It's always better to be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Additionally, having more than one form of communication for help or updates, such as protecting your cell phone and using marine or mountain radio, is highly recommended.
The MSC provides several tips for exploring Aotearoa's tracks this summer:
- Research and pack appropriately for your chosen track.
- Have a plan B, which includes carrying emergency supplies such as a first aid kit, extra food, or an emergency shelter.
- Share your trip details with a trusted person. This way, they can call for help if you're not back by the agreed time.
- Use a registered distress beacon.
- Check the weather forecast and adjust your plans if necessary.
The NZ Land Safety Code provides five key steps for enjoying the outdoors safely: choosing the right trip, understanding the weather, carrying the right gear, telling someone where you're going, and knowing basic emergency procedures.
Senior Sergeant Lea Smith, the Police's National Search and Rescue Capability Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of being prepared. She advises making decisions together with your group, sticking with them, and using a registered distress beacon as an essential part of your equipment.
Remember to eat, drink, and rest regularly during your outdoor activities.
For more information on outdoor safety, visit the NZ Mountain Safety Council website. For Police-specific queries, contact [email protected].
With proper planning and preparation, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure in Aotearoa this summer.
Expand your knowledge on outdoor safety by browsing educational resources related to home-and-garden, learning, and travel on the NZ Mountain Safety Council's website. During your outdoor-living adventures, incorporate learning new skills into your lifestyle to increase self-development, such as thoroughly researching tracks, understanding weather patterns, and knowing basic emergency procedures. To make your home-and-garden more adventure-ready, consider investing in suitable equipment and gadgets, such as a registered distress beacon, personal locator beacons, and additional communication devices for safety.
