Tragedy on a hiking trail prompts safety awareness call
In a tragic turn of events, the fourth fatality during the spring season in Arthur's Pass National Park has occurred. The MSC (Mountain Safety Council) extends its condolences for the death of Rebecca Woolley on Mt Aitken Track in Arthur's Pass National Park on November 2, 2021. This incident brings the total number of outdoor recreation fatalities in the park since 2008 to nine.
The most common cause of these fatalities is falling, accounting for five deaths. Other causes include river crossing drownings, hypothermia, and avalanches. Three of these tragic incidents involved trampers.
In an effort to reduce such incidents, the MSC has been advocating for safety measures. The New Zealand Land Safety Code, a set of guidelines for outdoor activities, recommends choosing the right trip for your skills, understanding the weather, packing warm clothes and extra food, sharing your plans, and taking ways to get help.
One such way to share plans and crucial trip information is through the new Plan My Walk app. This app allows users to add details such as group members, a daily schedule, and important trip notes and documents. All this information is shared with an emergency contact and group members, providing a valuable safety net.
The app also offers track inspiration, weather forecasts, track information, and a gear list, making it a comprehensive tool for planning outdoor adventures.
The MSC Chief Executive emphasizes the importance of choosing a track suitable for skills and abilities, and weather conditions. He stresses that checking the weather forecast and letting it influence the choice of walk should be done before leaving home.
Groups remaining together is crucial to prevent separation during outdoor activities. Waiting for group members at every track junction/bridge and keeping them in eye contact can help ensure everyone stays together. If someone in the group is slower, adjusting to their pace is important.
For more information on staying safe in the outdoors, visit the MSC website. If you have any other queries, you can contact Esther Bullen at esther.bullen@moun*tainsafety.org.nz.
Remember, the outdoors can be a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it's important to prioritise safety. Let's all do our part to ensure everyone returns home safely after their adventures.
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