edited from Guardian Newspaper;
"He did not want to go"
By Camille Clarke, Trinidad Guardian, Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
The UWI Hiking Clubnot the club that organised the hike to the Heights of Guanapo on Sunday gave the following safety tips yesterday.
Before the hike
At least one week before, a group is sent out to ensure that the trail is good.
Observations are made about the weather, days before the hike.
Information on hikersnames, telephone numbers, emergency contact.
It is taken to the nearest police station.
The police are informed of the time hikers are expected to return.
If the police station is near to the hiking site, the club enquires whether rain fell the previous night.
Permission is sought from the police to enter hiking site.
Information from police about activities taking place at the site.
Leaders are informed of medical conditions of hikers.
People with medical issues are supposed to walk with personal medication.
During the hike
In each maxi, two experienced people are present to assist.
A person who knows the trail leads the group.
This individual must have a fair knowledge of how to handle and approach wildlife in forested areas.
An experienced hiker is the last person in the group (the backmarker).
People are not allowed to pass the leader or trail the backmarker.
The backmarker stays behind with people who need to rest.
Six walkie-talkies are carried for long and strenuous trails.
The leader carries one and the backmarker carries another. Others are distributed within the group.
Two walkie-talkies are distributed to each maxi.
Two safety kits are carried on the journey.
A nurse or individual certified in CPR and first aid is present.
Along the hiking trail there is one walkie-talkie for every 20 people.
If swimming is required, life jackets are given to those who cannot swim.
A rope is used as an aid in crossing deep waters.
No alcohol is allowed on the hike.
No littering is allowed during the hike.
(Compiled by Ayanna Alexander)
nb: Hiking images courtest of Calvin Antoine.
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