Adverse Weather Conditions, Omicron Variant, Holiday Observance: Maintain Safety
Safety First: Outdoor Enthusiasts Urged to Exercise Caution During Waitangi Weekend
As New Zealanders gear up for the much-anticipated Waitangi Weekend, two national outdoor safety organisations, Mountain Safety Council (MSC) and Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ), are urging a conscious safety approach for outdoor activities.
The current weather system rolling across the country means making a good plan and taking extra precautions is as important as ever. MSC Chief Executive Graeme Daisley urges a safety-first approach, factoring in the increasing spread of community Covid-19 cases and the extreme weather events currently impacting both the North and South islands.
For South Island residents, particularly those in the West Coast, Tasman, and South Westland, MSC and WSNZ are advising to postpone outdoor recreation plans due to multiple severe weather warnings. Trampers and hunters in these regions are urged to avoid river crossings, as high river levels are likely to last well through Waitangi weekend. Similarly, anyone in neighbouring regions such as Canterbury, Otago, Tasman, and Marlborough should approach rivers with extreme caution due to heavy rain causing rivers to rise significantly.
The New Zealand Police and the New Zealand Defence Force are also urging Kiwis to behave responsibly when going onto land or into the water over the Waitangi weekend. Daisley warns of an increased number of tramping injuries and search and rescue call outs during Waitangi Weekend compared to a typical weekend.
Waitangi weekend is traditionally one of the most popular long weekends for outdoor adventures on both land and in the water. Choosing a destination that is suitable for the whole group is important, and MSC's new app, Plan My Walk, can help trampers at any level find, plan, and prepare for a day walk, overnight, or multi-day walk in New Zealand.
When it comes to water safety, WSNZ advises that underestimating risks and overestimating ability are the biggest mistakes people make. Following the water safety code - Be prepared, watch out for yourself and each other, be aware of the dangers, and know your limits - can help prevent accidents.
Unfortunately, a male tramper's body was recently recovered from the remote Mt Adams Wilderness Area in the West Coast, marking the first fatality for 2022 in the tramping community. Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death and the third highest cause of accidental death in New Zealand, according to WSNZ Chief Executive Daniel Gerrard.
In light of these warnings, it's crucial to remember that safety should always be a priority when embarking on outdoor adventures during Waitangi Weekend. By planning ahead, choosing suitable destinations, and following safety guidelines, everyone can enjoy a safe and memorable long weekend.
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