Trampers urged to take greater care over weather

5 February  2010

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Press Release:

Trampers urged to take greater care over weather

Mountain Safety Council is urging trampers take greater after a series of search and rescue call-outs over a weekend of heavy rain.

Mountain Safety Council Programme Manager Chris Tews said Search and Rescue authorities responded to three incidents involving trampers who were trapped in huts due to river levels rising.

“Mountain Safety Council encourages people to enjoy the outdoors safely. These incidents suggest a lack of care and preparation was taken in checking weather forecasts and assessing how the forecasted rain was likely to affect the planned journeys.

“Always follow the Outdoor Safety Code: check the weather forecast before going into the bush and pack appropriate equipment and provisions for all possible outcomes.

When venturing into the outdoors the Mountain Safety Council advises everyone to use The Outdoor Safety Code:

•        Plan your trip. Seek local knowledge, plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.

•        Tell someone. Tell someone your plans and leave a date for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.

•        Be aware of the weather. New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable.  Check the forecast and expect weather changes.

•        Know your limits. Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.

•        Take sufficient supplies. Make sure you have enough food, equipment and emergency rations for the worst case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication.

For more information about outdoor safety visit,  www.mountainsafety.org.nz or www.landsar.org.nz  or 406 MHz beacons visit, www.beacons.org.nz.
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