Safe & Enjoyable Bushwalking

  1. Objectives Of The Club
  2. Organization Of The Club
  3. Organization Of Scheduled Walks
  4. Walk Requirements
  5. Equipment
  6. Walk Leaders
  7. Safe And Enjoyable Bushwalking
    1. Bushwalking is a very enjoyable activity but it is essential that certain precautions are taken to ensure safety in the bush.  Hazards are always present, but can be minimized with careful preparations.
    2. GETTING LOST - This is often due to:
      • Poor planning and preparation;
      • Splitting up the party;
      • Over confidence and overlooking likely hazards;
      • Neglecting to observe recognizable features along your route e.g. prominent objects or features such as gullies, trees or outcrops of rock.
    3. IF LOST - you should:
      • Stop and calm down;
      • Consult your map and attempt to establish your location;
      • If you have lost contact with the main party, do not move away - call out or whistle at frequent intervals - the main party will be attempting to locate you;
      • If in a group, keep together - a larger group is easier to locate than a small party or individual.
      • If caught in the dark, fog or blizzard, do not move away - seek some shelter if absolutely necessary.
      • If it becomes necessary to move on, mark your route with some obvious markers for others to trace you.  Attempt to stay in open country.
    4. GETTING HURT - Some main causes can be:
      • Carelessness or skylarking,
      • Inattention when given a direction,
      • Unsuitable equipment, clothing e.g. inappropriate footwear,
      • Not enough care on rough or uneven country.
    5. HYPOTHERMIA (exposure to cold) or HYPERTHERMIA (exposure to heat) - Both of these conditions can tend to be treated lightly, but can be far more serious than first considered.  In our normal walking areas, weather conditions are unpredictable and can change rapidly.  It is important to recognize the symptoms of these conditions and the precautions you may be able to take to avoid exposure.  Correct clothing and equipment will help in minimizing these hazards.
    6. BASIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT
      • Appropriate clothing, footwear and accessories.
      • A change of clothing e.g. either carried on pack walk or left at vehicle on a day trip.
      • Water or liquid container and adequate fluids for your trip.
      • Sun protection, wind and waterproof coat (such as Gore-tex), thermal, fleece clothing and sun glasses.
      • Fire starters, matches in waterproof container, whistle, pocket knife and personal first aid kit.
      • Compass and map (or GPS)
      • Emergency food supply.
    7. BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
      • Leave details of your planned trip with a reliable contact person.
      • Have a good meal before starting out.
      • Have frequent snacks and liquid during the walk.  Allow extra in extreme weather conditions.
      • Plan to reach your destination with time to spare.
      • Be prepared for the possibility of having to spend the night in the open in remote conditions.
      • For safety, four should be the minimum number in a walking party, particularly in remote areas.

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