GETTING LOST CAN BE PREVENTED AND RESCUING YOURSELF AND OTHERS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY ADOPTING THE FOLLOWING SENSIBLE PRACTICES:
Never descend via unknown trails, kloofs or slopes. (Waterfalls, loose stones and hidden cliffs can be deadly).
Keep the hiking group together.
S.T.O.P. (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan). Your brain is your #1 survival tool.
Retrace your steps (light and weather permitting) until you reach a familiar landmark or route, otherwise camp where you are, until rescued.
Use bright items to reveal your location to Search and Rescue Teams.
Take your map (1: 50 000 contour map with grid references) and compass with you. That way, if you become disoriented, you can stop, refer to your map and try to reorient yourself. Experienced hikers say that most people find their way after studying a map and the surrounding terrain for five minutes, so don't panic if you can't immediately figure out where you are. Sit down and remember that being lost means that you are only temporarily uncertain of your location.
Know your location. You may need to be on higher ground in order to identify landmarks such as streams and ridges. Light and weather permitting, retrace your steps until reaching a familiar route. Just don't wander far from your original route; remember, this is where rescuers will start looking for you if your friends or family tell them your planned route.
IF YOU CAN'T RESCUE YOURSELVES
Keep the group together, stay warm and protect yourselves from the elements.
If possible, stay near an open space: move into it to be visible from the air and ground.
Try to remain hydrated.
Put bright clothing on, or put out something that's bright to attract attention and reveal your location to Search and Rescue Teams.
Blow your whistle loudly and continue to do so to attract attention.
Don't lie on bare ground. Use the equipment you brought to protect yourself from the elements.
Try to define your location: Establish where true North is. Work out the most probable direction and start walking in a straight line (use a fixed high feature or landmark to guide you in a straight line). Maintain your heading until you have identified your position.
Do you recognize any landmarks like river beds, mountains, clumps of tall trees etc. If you find a fence or a road, it will most probably lead to a gate or camp site. Use your local knowledge to decide which way to proceed. As you pass prominent landmarks, memorize them and relate them to your direction of travel.
Discuss the situation with your fellow hikers and explain your strategy. Once the group has agreed a strategy, stick with it. If the last known location is within a reasonable distance, try to go back to it. If you can't find any recognizable landmarks by backtracking, stay put.
In the event that someone may search for your group, leave indications of the direction that you are going, e.g. by making arrows directing the direction of travel.
Keep your eyes and ears open and seek clues of human habitation or human activities:
• Look for telephone lines or fences
• Listen for generators or pumps
• Look out for smoke
• At night, look for a glow on the horizon, indicating towns or settlements
Contact Emergency Rescue Personnel from the Reserve / Mountain Rescue Services if you are able to get cellphone coverage (these numbers should be entered into your cellphone prior to embarking on your hike)
|
|
