Enjoy the long weekends but stay safe, MSC urges

21 January 2016

Enjoy the long weekends but stay safe, MSC urges

With several long weekends on the horizon, the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is urging people to keep safety front of mind to ensure their outdoor trips go smoothly.

MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley said the upcoming Wellington, Auckland and Nelson anniversary and Waitangi weekends, spread across the last two weeks of January and first week of February, meant more people would be getting out and enjoying the outdoors with families and friends.

“This weekend is Wellington Anniversary weekend, and there are other holidays approaching fast. This is a great time for families to take a break, get away and spend time together in the outdoors. It’s good to see people making the most of this period, but we want them to take some simple precautions too,” he said.

“Regardless of whether you’re heading out for a few hours or a few days, or how experienced you might be, good preparation is vital.”

Mr Daisley encouraged people to consider the Outdoor Safety Code prior to departure – plan your trip, tell someone, be aware of the weather, know your limits and take sufficient supplies.

“The weather in New Zealand is notoriously changeable and packing the right clothing, including lots of layers, is essential. If you have children with you, carry plenty of food and water and remember they need more regular breaks. An adventure with children doesn’t have to be hard, but it does require a bit more thought.”

He said it was also important to make sure the whole family knew what to do in case of an emergency, and to have the right equipment on hand in case there was a problem.

“Make sure someone outside your group knows where you’re going and when to expect you back so they can raise the alarm if you’re not back when you should be.

“Expect the best but prepare for the worst. Ensuring you’re well prepared for your chosen outdoor activity doesn’t have to take long, but it can make all the difference between a great experience and a bad one,” Mr Daisley said.

For information on the Outdoor Safety Code and other resources, visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz

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