Bush Safety
Dos and Don’ts
| DO | give all group NAMES and complete route details of WHERE you are going to close relatives, friends or the Police. Include details of what equipment you’re taking, where your car(s) will be parked and their description. |
| DO | tell them WHEN you are LEAVING and RETURNING and anyone’s SPECIAL medical conditions e.g. diabetes, asthma. |
| DO | notify them of your SAFE RETURN. |
| DO | take the correct MAP and COMPASS. Know how to use them. |
| DO | take appropriate clothing and footwear. Always take a windproof and waterproof JACKET and clothing that can keep you WARM WHEN WET e.g. wool and definitely NOT jeans. |
| DO | take appropriate FOOD and WATER for the conditions and trip. |
| DO | have a current FIRST AID certificate. |
| DO | take waterproof MATCHES and some SPARE food in case of delays. Always take some cold snack food such as dried fruit, nuts or chocolate for quick energy. |
| DON’T | overestimate your abilities. Always ALLOW TIME for the unexpected e.g. thick scrub, cliff lines. |
| DON’T | go faster than the slowest member of your group. At regular intervals do a HEAD COUNT of your group. |
| DON’T | SPLIT up your walking group (except for below) during the trip. There is safety in numbers. |
| DON’T | leave an injured person ALONE in the bush. A walking group of THREE or more will allow one to look after the injured while the other goes for help. |
| DON’T | keep moving when LOST. Find a campsite nearby with water that will be visible from a helicopter. Wave vigorously at any helicopters; they are probably looking for you! |
| DON’T | forget if you are OVERDUE to PHONE home as soon as your mobile phone is able, or from the FIRST phone box or Police Station you come to. |
Your safety is dependent on your fitness and experience as well as your equipment and the trip leadership.
Every trip must include at least one experienced bushwalker to every three inexperienced walkers.
Walk Safely – WALK WITH A CLUB
What To Do If a Party is Overdue
- If you have concerns for the safety of a party, phone 000 and ask for the Police.
- If you do not have immediate concerns for the safety of a party, but wish to talk to somebody for advice as to how to proceed, contact your Club Safety Officer, Walk Secretary or contact the BSAR
- Contact the next of kin of all the party members and inform them of the situation. Also inform the club Safety Officer if you have not done so already.
- Stay contactable by mobile. You will be getting a lot of calls as the situation develops and you will need to be contactable as you hold the key information about what the party was doing.
Think Before You Trek (T.R.E.K.)
The Think Before You Trek initiative of Police and National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Blue Mountains has a trip intentions form.
