How to Stay Safe During Outdoor Activities

Image: Envato

Do you enjoy outdoor activities? These activities are suitable for staying healthy while some are full of fun. Activities like rock climbing, mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, etc. are not free from risks. Before you leave home to tackle that local rock or to hike all day, prepare yourself for any eventualities.

Here are five ways to stay safe during your outdoor activities.

1.Know Your Capabilities

The excitement associated with outdoor activities can lure you to take up challenges you can’t manage. Sometimes, you may scrape through, but with many tense moments. But is it worth it? Over-straining yourself can be disastrous: think of unbearable legal bills, dismemberment, and even death.

Since you’ll be taking part in the activities with others, you also must think about their limits. The fact that you can tackle that cliff doesn’t mean everyone else in the group can also do it. So, don’t push people to do things beyond their limits. After all, outdoor activities are supposed to be fun, not to leave some people sad or nursing injuries.

2.Know When to Turn Back

Want to go hiking in the forest, or you want to go mountain climbing? It may be of interest for you to know that most mountain climbers die while descending and not while ascending. Why? It is because they went too far and cannot get back. And have you ever heard of people getting lost in the forest or the sea? It may happen to you if you go further than you can manage.

So, whatever you are doing, know when it is the right time to turn back. You’ll need some energy to come back, not to mention the supplies like water and food that may run out.

3.Have the Right Gear

To be safe out there, get the right gear for the day and the activity you plan to undertake. The weather may be bad, but if you have the right gear, you can still enjoy your outdoor activities.

You can shop around for the right gear in the local shops and buy them early enough. Starting early can let you know what you can’t get locally to order them from elsewhere. 

Each activity has a set of gear that it requires. For example, if you plan to go cycling, you will need a helmet, padded shorts, cycling jersey, computer, bottle cage, water bottle, spare tube, pump, chain oil, and necessary tools. If you are going to be out in the sun, and you wear glasses but you want to protect your eyes, look into getting a pair of prescription sunglasses! 

4. Make a Plan and Stick to It

Participating in outdoor activities requires planning. As you plan, you pick the items necessary for the activities you’ll undertake. Changing your mind while already out will expose you to risks you never prepared for. Besides, sticking to your plan will make friends and relatives know where you are in case you may need some urgent help.

It will be easier to rescue you when your friends or family member know where you are. So never change your plan midway. If you are forced by circumstances to change your plan, call someone back home and let them know.

5. Check the Weather

Since you’ll be outdoors, the weather will determine your safety. You can check the weather forecast for the day and prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario. When the weatherman says you expect some rain, get your waterproof gear ready and think about activities you can handle safely when it is wet.

Activities like mountain climbing can be dangerous when the ground or rock surfaces are slippery. Sailing can also be dangerous on a windy day or when a storm is expected. So you can avoid such activities and go biking or hiking. It is advisable to check weather forecasts early enough so you can plan well for the day.

Outdoor activities are the best ways to unwind and rejuvenate yourself. It requires proper planning so you can be safe throughout the adventure. Wherever you go or whatever you do, ensure you have the right gear and don’t forget your first aid kit.

Additionally, don’t rely so much on technology for your safety. Tech gadgets may stop working break when you need them most. So when going out, rely much on your instincts and capabilities and less on technology.