These are some of our Safety Protocols to ensure that everyone has a enjoyable and safe hike.

Do note that hikers assume their own risk during our hike activities. Should you desire not to follow these protocols, please inform your Group Leader and you will be marked as being removed from the group and can carry on how you see fit. However, this is not advisable.

Safety Protocols

“It ain’t training if it ain’t raining.”
— Military Proverb

Wet Weather

TLDR: Okay, some guidelines about the wet weather protocol for our hikes as invariably, we get the question, "do we still go if it rains?". Generally, the answer is yes, we are still a go with the exception being if a CAT 1 is called in the hike area and is in force.

Protocol in Detail
Before hike starts
1. Team Leader and Group Leads to proceed to start point of hike at scheduled start time.
2. TL to provide updates on CAT 1 status. If in force for area of hike, no go. If lifted for area of hike, go.
3. Hike will proceed up to any point 30 minutes from scheduled start. Post 30 minutes, the hike will be considered cancelled.

During hike
1. If CAT 1 is called during hike, TL and GLs will seek nearest hard cover shelter.
2. Groups will shelter in place until CAT 1 status for area is lifted.
3. If CAT 1 status is lifted within 30 minutes of being called, hike will resume as normal.
4. If CAT 1 status is lifted after 30 minutes of being called, hike will return to the end or start point of hike depending on whichever location is closest.

Pre-Hike Safety Checks

The FLAW Check

We will do safety checks beforehand but please be advised to do your own check before you arrive.

(F) Footwear

Is my footwear in appropriate and good condition? Have I checked the treads? We recommend using your SAF boots for safety reasons.

(L) Load

How heavy is the load that I am carrying? Have I carried this load before? Have I backed it properly?

(A) Aid

Am I on medication or do I have any medical issues I need to flag up to the Team Leader? Do I have a first aid kit? Who has a first aid kit?

(W) Water

Have I brought sufficient water for the activity (0.5l per 30 minutes)? How am I going to hydrate during the hike.

Falling Tree Risk

Hikers

It's important to be aware of the potential dangers of falling trees, especially during windy or stormy weather. Here are some safety protocols for dealing with falling trees while hiking:

  1. Stay on marked trails and avoid walking near trees that look unstable or damaged.

  2. If you hear cracking or creaking sounds coming from a tree, move away from it as quickly and safely as possible. Warn others by shouting or using a whistle.

  3. Look up and around you often to check for falling branches or trees.

  4. Avoid hiking alone, especially during stormy weather. If you're with a group, spread out to reduce the risk of everyone being injured by a falling tree.

  5. If you do see a tree falling, try to move out of its path as quickly as possible. If you can't move away in time:
    - Try to find a sturdy tree or rock to shelter behind, if not possible:
    - Drop to the ground, get as low as possible and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands to protect yourself from injury

  6. Assess yourself for injuries and seek medical attention if you are injured by a falling tree. If you're unable to call for help, try to signal for assistance by making noise or using a whistle.

Team Leaders and Pacers

In addition to the safety measures above, Team Leaders are to practice the following:

  1. Know the route and identify potential trouble spots. Familiarity with the route will help identify things that are "unusual" with the route.

  2. Assess the risk factor by monitoring the sustained wind speeds and wind gusts for the hike location over the last 24 hours. TLs will use the Beaufort Scale to assess the current risk . Anything above BF6 will result in cancellation of the hike, and if the hike is in progress, to take shelter.

  3. The Team Leader and Pacer for the hike should be extra vigilant for branches and trees that present a risk to the group.

Wild Animals

“If someone doesn’t appreciate your presence, make them appreciate your absence.”
— Quotes that make sense

TLDR: Leave it alone and give it a wide berth.

Protocol in Detail

  1. Give the wild animal a wide berth (2-3m away). Ensure all group members comply.

  2. Take a picture (for identification purposes in case of attack/bite)

  3. Ping your location on WhatsApp and inform on comms of the wild animal sighting, and direction it was heading (if at all).

In case of bite/attack

  1. Clear the area and keep hikers away from the wild animal to avoid secondary attack/bite.

  2. Don't mess around. Call 995.

  3. Rinse the bite/wound out with saline.

  4. Inform the Team Lead or 2IC of the situation.

  5. Take a photo of the animal, in particular snakes (if you haven't already done so) and note the time of the attack.

  6. Keep the casualty calm.