Be Adventure Smart in 2021

by Rose Marie Gare-Simmons
Plan for a great day
  • Know where you are going – carry a map/chart and compass and know how to use them
  • Keep your energy levels up – carry food and drink
  • Make sure your mobile is charged – but don’t rely on it for navigation and communication
  • Apply sun cream, wear a sun hat
  • Keep in touch – make sure you carry an appropriate means of calling for help should you need to
  • Know where you’re going – choose a suitable route and allow enough time
  • Check the latest weather and ground conditions before you set off – take advice, only attempt a route if the conditions are within you and your companions’ capabilities
Know your limits
  • Be honest with yourself about you and your companions’ knowledge, fitness and ability
  • Check the latest weather and ground conditions before you set off -take advice, only attempt a route if the conditions are within you and your companions’ capabilities
  • If the weather or ground conditions are beyond your capabilities, or equipment, consider your options – it’s ok to choose a more suitable route or to turn back
Know how and when to get help
  • If you find someone in trouble, call for help, don’t put yourself at risk
    Inland: In an emergency call 999 – ask for the police and then the Mountain Rescue
    Inland waters: In an emergency call 999 – ask for Fire & Rescue Service
    Inland waters: In an emergency call 999 – ask for Fire & Rescue Service
    Sea and coastal area: In an emergency call 999 – ask for the Coastguard
  • Carry a whistle – six short blasts in short succession, repeated at 1 minute intervals is the international distress signal (you can also flash your torch in a similar manner)
Don’t let your dog lead you astray
  • If your dog is chased by cattle remember to release it off the lead
  • If your dog is in difficulty, water or otherwise, call for help, don’t put yourself at risk
    Inland: In an emergency call 999 – ask for the police and then the Mountain rescue
    Inland waters: In an emergency call 999 – ask for Fire & Rescue Service
    Sea and coastal area: In an emergency call 999 – ask for the Coastguard
Let the experts show you the way
  • If you’re doing something new or going somewhere new why not go with a qualified guide/instructor or sign up for some training
  • Look for well described, promoted routes suitable for your ability – Use with links to National Park Authority websites, described routes
The right gear’s a good idea
  • Know your kit – carry spares and be able to fit them
  • Apply sun cream, wear a sun hat
  • Carry a torch – it’ll save the day if you get caught out by the dark – six short torch flashes in short succession, repeated at 1 minute intervals is an international distress signal
  • Carry a whistle – six short blasts in short succession, repeated at 1 minute intervals is the international distress signal (you can also flash your torch in a similar manner)
  • Stay warm and dry; Wear walking boots, carry insulating layers and waterproofs
  • A fall might break your day – a good helmet and protective clothing might make your day
Float to Live
  • If you fall into water fight your instinct to swim until cold water shock passes; relax and float on your back until you can control your breathing
  • When open water swimming, if you are tired roll on to your back to rest, hold on to something that floats, signal for help if needed
  • When swimming in a river, float with your feet facing down stream and your bottom up – you can use your feet to kick off any hazards. Keep your bottom up to protect from contact with debris

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