Look after each other - lend a hand - keep in touch.
While walking
- Keep between the leader and the back marker. Do not get more than 100 metres ahead of the back person.
- Keep the people behind you in view.
- If you detour for a pee or stop to take photos, let someone know so they will wait for you.
- Concentrate on the track at all times. Conversations can easily distract us from concentrating on our footing.
General
- Walkers must tell the leader if they are returning to the cars early.
- No car goes without all passengers being strictly accounted for.
- If you change cars, make sure your driver knows - leave a note.
- Carry a whistle and use it as soon as you think you are separated. Stay where you are as soon as you know you are lost.
- If you feel unwell, let someone know.
Responsibilities of leaders:
- The leader should have a printed list of walkers' names, home, cell and emergency contact phone numbers. They should also carry: -
- at least one personal beacon, easily accessible
- a notebook with the names of people on the trip. New members not on the general list should also write in their contact details.
- the club first aid kit.
- at least one survival blanket.
- a good whistle.
- Leaders should stop:
- at any major places where people might want to look at views, to keep the party together.
- any junctions in the track or places where walkers may miss the track.
- dangerous spots to ensure all pass safely
- after about each hour of walking to enable people to rest
- Leaders may nominate someone to wait and tell others where to go.
- If the leader has decided there will be a fast group and a slow group, or split for different routes, each group must have a designated leader and stay together.
In the event of an emergency
- Be firm. You are the leader and are technically responsible.
- Decide who is experienced in the party and can be of use to you.
- NB - ensure the safety of all other members of the party. Bad things happen together.
- Then: -
- activate the beacon. If in a gorge try to find more sky space. Don't assume it is working.
- try to use a cell phone. Send a pair of people off to find better coverage.
- if these don't work, send two fit people off to find help
- appoint people to be responsible for:
- helping the injured person.
- keeping track of all party members. Give them the party list and authority to instruct people to stay in one particular spot.
- instructing members to put on warm gear immediately and prepare to stand around for a while.
Communication
- Tell people not to cell phone out what has happened.
- Say the minimum to journalists.
- Keep the party informed of what is happening.
- Try to locate a safe helicopter landing site and locate someone there with a wind sock to indicate wind direction.
