How to Not Die While Enjoying Nature
This past weekend a teacher died while hiking and two people, including a teenager, died on the river. How do you stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors?
There have been several tragic situations around the Bay Area and beyond this summer. A freak storm on Lake Tahoe killed eight people. Several hikers jumped into a waterfall and died. In Arizona, a popular fitness influencer died of heat exposure at the end of a hike.
Sometimes doing outdoor activities can become suddenly and unexpectedly dangerous, and even the most well-prepared and athletic person can be overtaken by heat or end up drowning. However, there are some basic precautions you can take.
If you’re heading out for a hike, a swim, or a river trip, here are some small ways to stay safer.
Tell a Friend
Before heading out, let at least one person know where you’re heading and when to expect to hear back from you. A lot of people in the Bay Area, and especially in San Francisco, fly solo and aren’t used to telling folks where they’re going. But if you’re out of range for cell service and in distress, having a friend who can call for help is critical.
Have the Right Supplies
Don’t overlook the basics like water, snacks, and sunscreen. If you’re going out on the water, consider wearing a life jacket. It appears to have saved two people in the Lake Tahoe storm. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, you never know what the weather is going to do. Besides, adding in things like drinking on the lake or getting lots of sun exposure can make your reflexes slower.
Know the Area
If you’re heading to bear territory, make a note of any recent sightings or activity. It doesn’t mean don’t go – just practice awareness so that you’re not taken by surprise. Same for rattlesnakes, which are especially dangerous if you’re going out with your dog.
Understand that because of the Trump Administration’s cruel and unjust cuts to the park service, some places are severely understaffed. That might mean response times are longer and staff are too overwhelmed to help.
Look at the Forecast
Unfortunately, the Trump Administration also gutted NOAA and the National Weather Service so there’s little raw data for forecasters to go off of, but even then you should at least know if it’s likely to rain or be super windy where you’re headed. This goes for fire danger, too!
Don’t push yourself. Even the most skilled and athletic have been caught by extreme heat and other climate change catastrophes.
Dangers outside abound, but there are a few practical ways to stay safe.
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