I came across a terrific well written article from www.campingtourist.com that I just had to share with my readers. Outdoor safety is the number one concern for all of us outdoor adventurers, I hope you enjoy this informative article. Be safe out there!

There are many times on camping and hiking trips where you may need or want to cross a river. This can often be dangerous even if the river is shallow and flowing slowly.

Once the water is above your knees, things become even more dangerous. If there is an alternative to crossing the river, it’s best to use it. However, if there’s no other choice, make sure you know what you’re doing at all times.

Here are some tips you should find useful while crossing a river:

Find the shallowest point

When crossing a river by yourself, try and find its shallowest point and smoothest section of the river bed if possible by viewing it from above. Try to avoid boulders and submerged snags, etc.

Look for river bends

The safest spot to cross is the straight section between river bends. If you lose your footing the current may carry you to a bank at one of the bends.

Keep your boots on

When crossing, keep your boots on. It’s better to have a pair of wet boots than to cut your feet in the river. You might want to take long pants off though as they can increase resistance to the river’s current.

Make sure your backpack can be taken off quickly in case you lose your footing or if it becomes snagged. Remember, the backpack may also be used as a flotation device if needed.

A stick or pole can be handy

It’s a good idea to cross with a strong stick or pole that’s about 5 or 6 feet long to give you support.

Go diagonal

Cross the river diagonally downstream and take small steps to feel for the bottom. Don’t look down at the water flowing by you as it could affect your equilibrium. Keep your eyes locked on the other side and don’t grab at rocks as you may lose your balance.

Group Crossing

If there are several people crossing the river you should travel in a line across and each person should place their hands on the back of the person to the left and right of them, preferably on a strap or clothing. This will interlock everybody together.

Pack your belongings well

Make sure your important belongings are packed in waterproof areas of the backpack or use garbage bags for liners. If you happen to lose your footing and the river carries you away, release the backpack, but hold onto it for flotation.

Keeping our Children Safe on the Slopes

January 16th – 22nd is this years National Safety Awareness Week the NSAA, National Ski Areas Association are encouraging parents of children 14 and under to have their children wear helmets while skiing and snowboarding. The NSAA and its member resorts promote the use of helmets and urges all skiers and riders to wear a helmet.

Most head injuries can be reduced or minimized by helmet use. New research is suggesting greater care should be taken with childhood injuries.

NSAA says, helmet usage by skiers and snowboarders has increased by 12 percent and a most recent study shows that:

• 48 percent of U.S. skiers and boarders overall wear helmets, up from 43 percent from the year before; in comparison, only 25 percent of skiers and boarders wore helmets during the 2002/03 season.

• 77 percent of children 9 years old or younger wear ski helmets.
• 66 percent of children between 10 and 14 wear ski helmets.
• 63 percent of adults over the age of 65 wear ski helmets.
• Helmet usage by skiers and boarders aged 18 to 24 is currently 32 percent, representing a 78 percent increase in usage for this age group since the 2002/03 season, when only 18 percent wore helmets.
• Overall ski helmet sales (adults and kids) have increased 43 percent over the past two years, dating back to the 2006/07 ski season. Sales of adult ski helmets alone increased 50 percent since the 2006/07 season, according to the Snowsports Industries of America (SIA) annual Retail Audit.
• Notably, helmet usage increases with the skier’s ability level. Twenty-six percent of beginners wear helmets, 38 percent of intermediates wear helmets while 55 percent of advanced skiers and riders wear helmets. In comparison, the National Traffic Safety Administration reports only 20 to 25 percent of bike riders in the U.S. wear helmets.

For skiing and boarding safety the NSAA and its member resorts unite to support the widely know and accepted code of conduct for the slopes called the “Your Responsibility Code” which reads like this:

• Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.