There’s enough people in the world getting hurt/killed as it is, us campers and hikers don’t want to be just another statistic, staying safe in the great outdoors is the most important thing you can do especially when you’re out with family and friends, this should be enough reason to keep you all safe and take extra precaution while exploring nature. Read my safety tips for camping below and know how to act when it comes to you or your loved ones in a death-defying situation.
Getting Out Of Quicksand The Easy Way
You should ALWAYS keep a rope on you when out exploring, and if someone gets stuck in quicksand, one person can hold the rope and pull you.
If the person isn’t strong enough to pull you out, simply tie the rope around a tree and the one stuck can pull them self out.
Simple But Effective – Sun Block
Thousands of people everyday are still forgetting to apply this simple-to-use lotion that ultimately prevents them from getting short term pain (sunburn) and even long term deadly diseases (melanoma/skin cancer).
Take 2 minutes out of your day to apply this protective layer on yourself and prevent any future damage and diseases to your body.
Wear Sunglasses And A Hat
Snow blindness is a real thing and even if you’re not in snow, snow blindness can also work on boulders and water. So always remember to wear sunglasses and a hat (for protection against the suns UV’s as well) while you’re out adventuring and having fun.
Never Swim Alone
It might seem like an extremely safe activity, but trust me, if you’re like me and enjoy cliff-jumping – you’re one slip away from getting knocked out and falling into the water with no one there to save you.
Don’t take the risk, and ALWAYS swim with someone watching or even joining in, even if it’s just one person.
Using Rivers To Your Advantage
If you feel like going exploring off-tracks and don’t want to get lost, follow the river to your hearts content. To find your way back to camp all you need to do is follow the river or stream back to where you came from.
Know What To Do When A Bear Finds You
This guide is perfect for anyone that wants to survive a bear attack! Number 1 RULE in bear country, DON’T run, and that’s especially true against all other predatory animals.
Increase Numbers For An Overall Safer Trip
Numbers. numbers, numbers, the more people in your crew the safer you are. More people can scare dangerous animals away, there’s more people to help in a death-defying situation, such as someone falling down a cliff.
If someone’s seriously injured, 1 person can stay with the injured and the rest can go get help.
There’s a wide range of reasons why the more people the there is the safer you are, I have just mentioned a couple of them.
Have An Emergency Plan
Before you head off for your camping/hiking trip you should all plan out an emergency routine just in case something does happen. For example:
- If someone gets hurt who’s going to get help? You don’t want to be left standing wondering what to do while someone can be dying!
- Remember to stand together if you encounter a hungry bear, the most feared person should stand behind the group because running is not the answer. Shout, wave arms/sticks and stand tall.
If it charges and attacks you ==> The Morakniv blade is a great defense weapon against attacking creatures. Aim for the eyes and nose.
- The same rule applies when facing any predator.
- If lightning strikes, know that you should run to the nearest (lowest) tree
Note: You don’t have to sit there for hours figuring out what you will do in every possible situation, just having a general idea about basic dangers and what to do when it happens.
It’s Good To Know CPR
Now I know not everyone knows CPR, however it will be in your best interest to take a class to learn how to save someones life. If you aren’t up for it, make sure you take someone that knows how to do CPR.
Because if it comes down to it, you and your crew don’t want to be saying “If only we knew CPR, we probably could have saved her”. That will mess with you for life, even though you shouldn’t carry that responsibility, it’s best not to risk it.
A Whistle For Emergencies Only
Everyone should have a whistle just in case someone gets lost. Give the kids one as well so they can use it if they can’t find their way back to camp.
However you should let everyone know that the whistle is for emergencies only and should only be used if you are lost, so someone can come get them.
Consuming Alcohol
This should go without saying but I’m going to say it anyway, be 10x more cautious when you’re drinking alcohol. While intoxicated you’re reflexes are slowed down, your sense of judgment is way off, you think differently, and you feel like a god when you’re NOT!
Conclusion
You are now in nature, anything can happen so BE PREPARED for anything that may come your way. Whether it be a crazy murderer rushing you, or a lion ready to pounce, always be on your toes because who knows what you might come across.
Staying on your toes and keeping yourself aware of your surroundings is more than enough to be prepared for the surprises that might come your way. And having more people just makes that job a lot easier 🙂
And if an animal charges > Be ready to attack!
Leave me a comment below if you found this article helpful.
Although I seldom go camping, I find it rather alluring because I enjoy the outdoors. So I especially find your tips on quicksand and following the to be very helpful. I’d never think about having a rope on me, nor does it cross my mind that a river can be my guide if I don’t want to get lost. Thanks for sharing tips that can help save lives!
Hi Tina. Yes, the quicksand technique is a great method to use, especially if you don’t want to be stuck in it for hours and hours – this will save A LOT of time. That’s good that you found the river-following tip helpful 🙂 You can never go wrong following a river back to camp (haha), which means you can explore to your hearts content.
Cheers,
Brandon
Fantastic, life-saving tips! I have actually seen how effective CPR can be. And I think to have an emergency plan is absolutely key to camping, which most of us forget all about it in our excitement. Enjoyed the article, thanks for sharing.
Hey buddy, CPR is amazingly effective and not something to overlook, especially when your family and friends could be in danger. Emergency plans are vital to have also, so I’m glad you learned something.
This is all great advice. I like the idea of the whistle, especially for kids. You just never know what could happen out in the wilderness.
Hey Wendy, that’s good you caught on to that, kids are just too precious to lose for sure! Thanks for the comment.
Great advice! I always seem to forget the sunscreen – sometimes it’s the most obvious things that we need to remember! I also like your tip about not swimming alone – you never know when something is going to happen!
Yeah it is Jen, luckily you spotted that simple idea so you can hopefully remember it next time. It’s better to be safe than sorry – a quick 5 minute solo swim might be your last :O Thanks for the comment.
Great tips! I didn’t even really think about swimming alone, but that’s a good suggestion. I know you were kidding about the murderer thing, but my dad literally had a group of people start shooting at him in the woods with their 22 rifles. They all shot at him while he was walking over a frozen over pond. You never can be too careful.
It really is a good idea to stay with 2 or more people and keep safe. Wow, that doesn’t sound too good – however that statement still sands true! Expect the unexpected.