This past week, we hosted our first #workshopwednesday over in the Outdoor Intelligence Academy Facebook Group. We had a nice turn out and a great outdoor safety discussion. Here’s the recap but if you would rather watch the videos, join the group!
Tonight we’re chatting about staying safe when we go outdoors. It’s always good to take time to remind ourselves there are a lot of things we can prepare for or even prevent with a bit of knowledge and basic skill.
What are the biggest safety concerns for when you go outdoors?
Right now, with climbing in the Okanagan, its dehydration, heat stroke, snake bites, and small bumps and scrapes from climbing. I am still not sure what to be doing with the snakes, certainly not something you encounter much out east!
Megan said “probably rock fall right now~! We are climbing frequently at a new crag which is still quite dirty and rocks are often falling near us and even hitting us on occasion! Things, we are doing to stay safe… don’t look up and keep head down when someone yells rock!; stay out of rock fall zone when not belaying; always have helmet on.”
What safety gear do you always carry with you on your outdoor adventures?
For me, a first aid kit, even just a small one for 1-2 people, is always with me. Inside are just basic supplies, more of an Ouch Pouch. I also carry a whistle and cell phone to be able to get help and my headlamp and fire starter.
Check out the Checklist for a Day Hike post to get the FREE download of what you should take with you on all your adventures!
Do you have a pre-made first aid kit or did you assemble your own?
I bought my kit premade and them beefed it up a bit. 2-3 pairs of gloves, CPR mask, better bandaids and gauze pads etc.
“I think it is essential to have heater packs with you stored away for all outdoor adventures regardless of location as shock sets in fast and most people loss a ton of heat when they get injured (regardless of how hot it is outside).”
Caroline, a Newfoundland based first aid instructor
What are your non-negotiable safety rules for getting outside?
This is SO dependant on the activity, area and group iam with. When I am guiding, i am a lot more firm about being the one to make the final call around safety or suggesting that someone not participate if it will affect the group.
“Proper footwear and enough water based on distance of hike are my main rules!”
Brittany
Personally, I don’t like drinking in the woods. When guiding, no one is allowed to participate under the influence. With friends, I choose who to go with and know their drinking behaviour before hand. I really do not like drinking and climbing or drinking and water sports.
How do you deal with people who don’t follow basic safety precautions?
It’s a lot easier when guiding, since i am the leader. I discuss the ‘rules’ with my groups before we hit the trail (either the night before or at the trailhead) so they can all be aware. simple rules are stay together, stop at any forks and wait, stay on the trail etc. If someone isn’t ok with these, they can stay at the trailhead. Along the way, if someone breaks a rule, we talk about and review why its important.
When out with friends, we just talk it out, ask questions to understand and come to a resolution together. communication within your adventure group is super important. everyone in the group should have space to bring up when they feel uncomfortable and others should respect that. you’re a team out there and you need to know where everyone stands. the reality is if someone just does whatever they want, you could be putting the whole group in danger.
Right now its hard to watch other people climbing and not belaying the way I think is THE best way. Its not my place as a stranger to tell them how to climb, I am not guiding and responsible for them and what if i give them my advice and then they get hurt?
” I’ve had friends go back home and get better footwear 😂”
Brittany
Wolf Tracks 
Bear Track
How do you stay safe when there is a risk of wild animal encounters?
If there is a high risk of meeting a bear, I won’t go. I’m very scared of bears, perhaps a bit irrationally so, its hard for me to venture off in bear country! Read our post about Bear Safety in Newfoundland.
snakes? ticks? cougars? suggestions??
“I recommend gators to protect you a bit from rattle snakes. Also a walking stick can help a TON if you ever get in a tango with one.”
Caroline
What is your biggest outdoor safety pet peeve – the thing that rubs your nerves when you see others doing or not doing something?
- not wearing a lifejacket on a river or in the ocean.
- not wearing a helmet on a bike or when belaying at a crumbly rock face.
- belaying with brake hand above the grigri or atc!
Give one piece of advice to a person who is new to getting outside.
Do your homework and learn about the hazards you may encounter. Remember, every region is different and will require you to get familiar with it. Research in advance and then ask locals. Then go prepared. Take the 10 essentials and always tell someone where you’re going.
“Start small and work your way up”
Brittany
Such a great session this week with our awesome Outdoor Intelligence Academy crew! Below are links to some of our best safety related articles for further reading.
-> Bear Safety in Newfoundland
-> Adventure How To: Hike Safely During Hunting Season in NL
-> Adventure How To: Survive a Wildfire While Hiking
-> Adventure How To: Checklist for a Day Hike
-> How to Dress for Cold Weather Activities
Looking forward to seeing you all again next week – put your topic suggestion in the comments below!