Two teenage boys ill-equipped to be tramping in snow and extreme cold could have died this weekend, says Chris Tews from the Mountain Safety Council.
The Mountain Safety Council and LandSAR are both concerned at the boys' decision to go into the bush so ill-prepared when snow was expected.
"Both boys were hypothermic when a LandSAR team found them in waist-deep snow in the Ruahine Ranges over the weekend. The situation could have easily been fatal" says Hadyn Smith, CEO of LandSAR.
"The situation occurred as a result of poor planning and poor preparation which resulted in a lack of suitable clothing and equipment to survive the snow and cold. Both boys were lightly clad in shorts and light rain jackets which due to the extremes of weather conditions in New Zealand, would be inappropriate for any outdoor trip," says Mr Tews.
"MSC encourages people to enjoy the outdoors safely; this incident draws attention to some key safety rules for recreating in the outdoors. Firstly, the weather over the weekend was clearly going to be extreme highlighting the importance of checking the weather forecast prior to going into the bush. Secondly, in this instance these youths had no clothing or equipment to fall back on when the weather turned nasty." This highlights the importance of packing appropriate provisions for all possible outcomes" says Mr Tews.
When venturing into the outdoors both LandSAR and the Mountain Safety Council advise:
- Plan your trip thoroughly, Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. If you have not returned, your contact person will inform the police who can arrange for search and rescue.
- Be prepared, and plan for an extended stay. Take adequate clothing, extra food and drink, a communications device such as mountain radio or personal locator beacon and other equipment appropriate to the terrain and conditions.
- Ensure you have the appropriate experience, local knowledge and navigation skills - know how to use a map and compass.
- Check track and hut conditions. Check with DOC, locals, tramping clubs, Regional Authorities or District Councils before venturing into the outdoors.
- Check the weather forecast. Monitor the weather in the days before you leave. Continually monitor weather conditions during the trip.
For more information about outdoor safety visit, www.mountainsafety.org.nz or www.landsar.org.nz or 406 MHz beacons visit, www.beacons.org.nz.
