Develop your skills

Whatever your planned activity for the day, be honest with yourself about you and your companions’ knowledge, fitness and ability. We all like to kid ourselves that we are fitter, or indeed more capable than we are but in this instance it pays to be honest.

Know where you are & where you are going
Use an app and a paper map to keep on track.

Thousands of people call for help every year because they are lost and/or tired. Nowadays paper maps may seem unnecessary but they are light to carry and their batteries don’t run out of charge! Follow our simple guide to staying on track

Know your limits

If the weather, ground conditions or route are beyond your capabilities or equipment, consider your options – it’s OK to choose a more suitable route or to turn back. Remember to allow enough time for the least able member of your group.  Check out National Park and AONB websites for walking routes for all abilities.

When open water swimming, know how far you can swim in the conditions for the day. You may need to swim less or closer to the bank or shore. If you are not a confident outdoor swimmer or are new to open water get some practice and advice from your local open water swimming venue

Respect the water

If you are on the beach or walking along the coast;

  • Don’t get cut off by the tides – check tide times
  • If possible choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, but lifeguard patrols can’t be on every beach this summer so be adventure smart to keep you and your family safe
  • Don’t use inflatables – they get swept out to sea, with you or your child on them.
  • Don’t jump into pools unless you know there are no hazards beneath the water
  • If you are caught in a rip current, don’t try to swim against it. If you can, stand and wade, don’t swim.  If you can’t stand, swim parallel to the shore, raise your hand and shout for help

If you are heading out on the water;

  • Check the anticipated currents and tidal predictions for your trip and make sure they fit with what you’re planning to do
  • Look after your boat; know how to fix common problems and how to carry out basic maintenance
  • Plan your passage – check if there are any hazards or navigational risks you should avoid
  • Make sure that everyone on board, or in your group, knows where the safety equipment is stowed and how to use it
  • Make a habit of clipping onto suitable points around the boat at night, when you are alone on deck or in rough conditions
  • In a motorised craft? If it has a kill cord use it

Hold your horses…

  • If approaching a horse and rider on foot or bike, let the rider know you are there before you get close and give them a wide berth when overtaking
  • Whether you are riding, leading or driving, wear hi-vis, ideally on both you and the horse, which can be seen from above as well as from the front, rear and side

First aid saves lives….
and knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference.

First aid is a simple skill, but it has an incredible impact. Everyone should get the opportunity to learn it.

Sign up for first aid training England / Wales

Plan for the least able member of your group

For example, if reaching the summit is going to be a challenge then switch to a lower level walk that you can all enjoy and achieve comfortably. Check out National Park and AONB websites for walking routes for all abilities.

Float to Live…
Cold water shock passes in less than 2 minutes, so relax & tilt your head back with your ears under water until you can control your breathing. Use your hands to help you float.

You may not have intended to take a dip but you could suffer cold water shock if you slip, trip or fall into the sea, lake or river. Follow this simple advice to allow the effects of cold water shock to pass, your breathing to come under control and give you the best chance to shout for help and find something to help you float or swim to safety. You will be glad you packed some spare warm, dry clothing!

Don’t let your dog lead you astray…

  • If your dog is chased by cattle drop the lead so that you can both head for safety

Keep your cool around grazing animals
Farm animals and horses can be unpredictable….

  • If there are livestock, move quickly and quietly, and if possible walk around the herd
  • Try not to startle cattle or horses with shouting or sudden movements and don’t run
  • Keep small children close and dogs under effective control around cows, sheep and horses – they may startle an animal accidentally
  • If your dog is chased by cattle drop the lead, so that you can both head for safety
  • Avoid getting between cows and their calves.
  • Don’t panic, most cattle will stop before they reach you. If they follow just walk on quietly.
  • Don’t put yourself at risk. If you feel threatened by animals, move to the edge of the field and if possible find another way round.

 

If you’re doing something new or going somewhere new…
why not go with a qualified guide/instructor or sign up for some training?

There are lots of enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides and instructors to be found on VisitWales.com or you can follow the links below for specific activity courses, they can take your adventure to a whole new level, but in a good way!

Hill walking/Mountaineering
Canoeing and other paddlesports, including SUP
Mountain biking
Sailing, Windsurfing and Powerboating
Rock climbing

BE ADVENTURESMART

Think about Gear

You don’t need the latest high tech, high performance, painfully expensive jacket to be AdventureSmart.  The trick is putting a little bit of thought into what conditions you might meet and packing a bag with just enough to ensure you can cope with whatever the day may bring.

Watch the Weather

We are renowned for being a bit obsessed with the weather in the UK, which makes it surprising that people frequently don’t pay enough attention to how it might affect their days adventure.
Whatever your activity being prepared for the weather can make a big difference as to how you feel at the end of the day.

Develop your skills

Whatever your planned activity for the day, be honest with yourself about you and your companions’ knowledge, fitness and ability. We all like to kid ourselves that we are fitter, or indeed more capable than we are but in this instance it pays to be honest.

Know how and when to get help

Accidents can happen to anyone however adventure smart you are, so whatever your activity make sure you carry an appropriate means of calling for help should you need to.

 

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