BUSHWALKERS WILDERNESS RESCUE SQUAD ^INC.

A volunteer group of experienced outdoors people.

Bush Safety - Dos and Don'ts

Rules For Walking Safety

• Do give complete route details of where you are going to close relatives/friends or the police.
• Do tell them when you are leaving and returning and anyone's special medical conditions e.g. diabetes, asthma.
• Do notify them of your safe return.
• Do take the correct map and compass. Know how to use them.
• Do take appropriate clothing/footwear. Always take a windproof/waterproof jacket, and clothing that can keep you warm when wet, eg wool and definitely not jeans.
• Do take waterproof matches and some spare cold food eg salami, sweets, nuts.
• Do have a current first aid certificate.
   
• Don't overestimate your abilities. Always allow time for the unexpected, eg thick scrub, cliff lines.
• Don't go faster than the slowest member of your group. At regular intervals do a head count of your group.
• Don't split up your walking group (except for below) during your trip. There is safety in numbers.
• Don't leave an injured person alone in the bush. A walking group of three or more will allow one to look after the injured while the other goes for help.
• Don't keep moving when lost. Find a campsite with nearby water, and that will be visible from a helicopter. Wave vigorously at any helicopters - they are probably looking for you!
• Don't forget if you are overdue to phone home from the first phone box or police station you come to.
   
• Remember Your safety is dependent on your fitness and experience and the trip leadership and equipment. Every trip must include at least one experienced bushwalker to every three inexperienced walkers.

What to do if a party is overdue

• alert the Club Safety Officer or Walk Secretary, or ring the BWRS so that they can prepare, in case they are needed,
• stay near the phone as a point of contact,
• if you know where the party is, driving along roads and to car parks in the area or short easy track walks may help resolve the matter quickly,

• DO NOT plan or mount a fuller search without the BWRS or Police.

What will the BWRS contact want to know?

• Location party last seen, (grid reference) and intended rout,
• Number in party, with names,
• Experience of party,
• Equipment/food carried,
• Where vehicles parked and rego numbers,
• Any known medical condition.

Unless circumstances dictate otherwise, the policy is to allow delayed parties on an overnight walk an extra 24 hours after their anticipated return time before calling out searchers. Most overdue persons are merely delayed by car problems, hesitant navigation or inclement weather and arrive home safely within this extra time.

Remember, Walk Safely - Walk with a Club