Summer's End: A Safe and Sound Farewell During Waitangi Weekend
The Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is celebrating a remarkable achievement as the summer of 2020-2021 marked the first time in 14 years that no fatalities were recorded among New Zealanders during the December and January periods, while participating in land-based outdoor recreation activities. This news comes as New Zealanders have been embracing the summer weather, taking part in various outdoor activities such as mountain biking, day walks, Great Walks, mountaineering, rock climbing, and hunting. The popularity of these activities has been evident, with Waitangi Weekend, one of the country's busiest long weekends in the outdoors, traditionally seeing a higher number of tramping injuries and search and rescue call outs compared to a typical weekend. However, the MSC insights suggest that this year, the number of incidents has been significantly lower. This could be attributed to the increased awareness and safety consciousness among New Zealanders, as highlighted by the MSC Chief Executive. The MSC encourages this trend to continue, particularly during Waitangi Weekend, and is reminding everyone to take extra care to ensure safety. To help prepare for outdoor trips, the MSC offers free online resources. They also recommend referring to the New Zealand Land Safety Code for guidelines on choosing the right trip, understanding the weather, packing essentials, sharing plans, and taking care of yourself and others. It's crucial to remember to always share your plans with a trusted friend and take ways to get help in case of emergencies. Be sure to pack warm clothes, extra food, and take a distress beacon for your safety. Additionally, it's important to check the weather forecast from MetService before planning outdoor activities during the long weekend. Since 2007, a total of 48 people have died during December and January while participating in land-based outdoor recreation activities. Of these, 28 were New Zealanders, accounting for 58% of the total. The MSC is asking for extra care during Waitangi Weekend to ensure safety and prioritize personal safety during outdoor activities. The MSC would like to thank New Zealanders for their safety consciousness during the summer and hopes that the fatality-free streak will continue. They look forward to a safe and enjoyable summer for all.
Read also:
- What is the expected timing for the flu season in this current year?
- Essential Information on Cushing Syndrome: a Disorder Caused by High Cortisol Levels
- Starting in September, elderly individuals aged 75 years and above will be enrolled in a preventive program for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
- Financial burdens associated with alcohol-induced offenses and criminal justice system expenses
