Kiwis and Visitors Urged to ‘Be AdventureSmart’ this Summer

Every year thousands of people enjoy New Zealand’s outdoors and for the vast majority it’s an enjoyable and safe experience. However, sometimes unfortunate incidents do occur and often they involve people who underestimate the planning, preparation and sometimes the skills required for the outdoors activity they are undertaking.

In a joint initiative, leading outdoor organisations and government agencies have created and expanded the AdventureSmart.org.nz website. The aim of AdventureSmart is to provide both residents and visitors to New Zealand with one online location for safety information and planning support, prior to engaging in land, snow, water, boating and air activities.

Duncan Ferner, from the NZ Search & Rescue Council, says: “AdventureSmart has good advice for everyone, regardless of ability or experience.

“Access to this information means that those taking part in recreational activities on offer in New Zealand will be better prepared and make better decisions which will in turn hopefully reduce incidents.”

AdventureSmart is also the home of New Zealand’s Outdoor, Boating and Water Safety Codes. The message is make sure you ‘know before you go’ by reading and following the 4 or 5 simple and easy to remember rules.

The rules are especially useful for overseas visitors who may have little knowledge of New Zealand but equally applicable to Kiwis, especially those who may be trying a new activity or visiting a different part of the country.

Examples of the simple rules include:
• Tell someone your plans and leave a time and date for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. (Outdoor Safety Code).
• Watch out for yourself and others - always watch children around water. Swim with others and in lifeguard zones. (Water Safety Code).
• Skipper Responsibility – keep everyone safe – stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience. (Boating Safety Code).

Other features of AdventureSmart include; more than a thousand links to safety information from appropriate organisations, detailed information including videos on avalanche awareness and the outdoor safety code, plus links to where people can upskill and learn more about their chosen activity, for instance Coastguard’s boating education programme.

There is also a comprehensive Outdoors Intentions process for land-based activities. It provides visitors with easily accessible ways to tell people where they are going plus when and how to raise the alarm if they haven’t returned.

Mr Ferner is urging people to visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz to ensure you plan well and make wise decisions.

“Whether it’s a weekend family outing or extreme mountaineering – we want people take responsibility for their own safety and have a great experience”.

To find out more about AdventureSmart and how it can help you plan and prepare for your outdoors activity or to download your own copy of the safety codes, please visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz

ENDS

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