Following standard practice helps everyone have a good time and get back in one piece. The only real 'rule' in the mountains is that everyone comes home. Walking in a group is an example of good practice. Ben, Tim, Jim, Pete & Rob in Rum Jungle on Mt Barney. Rules are rigid but Principles bend depending upon their application.
The following principles have a proven track among many groups who enjoy the mountains for different activities including walking, running, scrambling, orienteering, rock climbing and free climbing. Observing the following promotes safety and the conservation of the mountains.
* Preparation is key. Make sure you have the right equipment (water, food, clothing, first aid, track notes, directions) for the adventure you plan.
* If you plan a day hike ensure you have adequate time to complete it in daylight. Starting early allows time for various options during the course of the day. A late start decreases your options.
* Develop a risk management plan that considers what to do in an emergency. Carry telephone numbers and street directions for the local medical centre or hospital.
* Check your equipment (especially water and footwear) before setting out. Dehydration and bad shoes usually make for an unpleasant day out.
* Write a brief description of what route/s you plan to take and approximately when you expect to return. Leave this information with someone you trust and contact them if your plans change.
* Don't rush. If you have plans for later in the day (dinner with friends) ensure there is flexibility in that arrangement. Accidents are more likely when you are under time constraints.
* Consider your group size. 3-4 people is ideal as they are able to move quicker than a large group and also minimise impact.
* Avoid adventuring alone. In a group 0f 3-4 if someone is injured one person can stay with them while other/s go for help.
* Never split the group unless you all agree to do so and have a clear plan on when and where to regroup.
* Pace your group on the slowest person. Bushwalking is not a competitive activity.
* Consider the capabilities of everyone in the group. A good day out leaves everyone satisfied with their achievements.
* The summit is optional but the return is mandatory.
* Unless you live there you are a visitor. Be considerate of the neighbours, both human and animal.
* Always use established tracks and avoid disturbing vegetation to limit erosion.
* Never dislodge or throw rocks.
* Carry all rubbish out with you and use toilets where provided.
* Consider removing other's rubbish. So you didn't put it there but it's the right thing to do ...
* If you have to toilet in the bush ensure you are at least 100m from a watercourse and bury all waste matter (including toilet paper) in the biodegradable layer 15 - 30 cm below ground level. Urinate well away from any tracks.
* Make way for others. General etiquette gives descenders the 'right of way' however this should not be enforced. Clear communication prevents insult and injury.
* Allow quicker groups to overtake or through climb especially in steep sections or bottlenecks.
* If you accidentally dislodge a rock assume others are below you (even if you cannot see them)and yell 'Rock' as a warning. Consider varying the size of your warning to the size of the rock and make sure all is well below before continuing.
* Do not turn your back on cliffs. Keep the drop in front of your eyes.
* The summit is half way. Relax and enjoy it but when you put your pack on refocus as the job is only half done.
* 70% of accidents occur on the descent because people fail to refocus after the summit or become physically or emotionally drained.
The following principles have a proven track among many groups who enjoy the mountains for different activities including walking, running, scrambling, orienteering, rock climbing and free climbing. Observing the following promotes safety and the conservation of the mountains.
* Preparation is key. Make sure you have the right equipment (water, food, clothing, first aid, track notes, directions) for the adventure you plan.
* If you plan a day hike ensure you have adequate time to complete it in daylight. Starting early allows time for various options during the course of the day. A late start decreases your options.
* Develop a risk management plan that considers what to do in an emergency. Carry telephone numbers and street directions for the local medical centre or hospital.
* Check your equipment (especially water and footwear) before setting out. Dehydration and bad shoes usually make for an unpleasant day out.
* Write a brief description of what route/s you plan to take and approximately when you expect to return. Leave this information with someone you trust and contact them if your plans change.
* Don't rush. If you have plans for later in the day (dinner with friends) ensure there is flexibility in that arrangement. Accidents are more likely when you are under time constraints.
* Consider your group size. 3-4 people is ideal as they are able to move quicker than a large group and also minimise impact.
* Avoid adventuring alone. In a group 0f 3-4 if someone is injured one person can stay with them while other/s go for help.
* Never split the group unless you all agree to do so and have a clear plan on when and where to regroup.
* Pace your group on the slowest person. Bushwalking is not a competitive activity.
* Consider the capabilities of everyone in the group. A good day out leaves everyone satisfied with their achievements.
* The summit is optional but the return is mandatory.
* Unless you live there you are a visitor. Be considerate of the neighbours, both human and animal.
* Always use established tracks and avoid disturbing vegetation to limit erosion.
* Never dislodge or throw rocks.
* Carry all rubbish out with you and use toilets where provided.
* Consider removing other's rubbish. So you didn't put it there but it's the right thing to do ...
* If you have to toilet in the bush ensure you are at least 100m from a watercourse and bury all waste matter (including toilet paper) in the biodegradable layer 15 - 30 cm below ground level. Urinate well away from any tracks.
* Make way for others. General etiquette gives descenders the 'right of way' however this should not be enforced. Clear communication prevents insult and injury.
* Allow quicker groups to overtake or through climb especially in steep sections or bottlenecks.
* If you accidentally dislodge a rock assume others are below you (even if you cannot see them)and yell 'Rock' as a warning. Consider varying the size of your warning to the size of the rock and make sure all is well below before continuing.
* Do not turn your back on cliffs. Keep the drop in front of your eyes.
* The summit is half way. Relax and enjoy it but when you put your pack on refocus as the job is only half done.
* 70% of accidents occur on the descent because people fail to refocus after the summit or become physically or emotionally drained.
* My son's Maths teacher runs his class by two excellent principles which apply well in the mountains: 1. Don't be stupid & 2. (Which comes into play if you get into trouble) Suck it up Princess.
* Aretha Franklin said it best: RESPECT is critical - all the way up and down.
No comments:
Post a Comment