Before you go Tramping

Search & Rescues (SAR), are always an un-welcome part of living and working in Arthur's Pass. It is a small community and it is certainly not enjoyable to pull bodies from the National Park, and still quite stressful, however gratifying, to recover people alive.

So you have an enjoyable and safe time during your visit to Arthur's Pass National Park follow these 5 simple rules...

1. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Seek local knowledge and plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.

2. TELL SOMEONE
Tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. Visit the AdventureSmart Website to file an intentions form with someone you trust!

3. BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER
New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes. Check out the Arthur's Pass Weather Forecast here.

4. KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience. Learn safe ways of rescuing others without putting yourself in danger.

5. TAKE SUFFICIENT SUPPLIES
Make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication.

For more information, visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz/land-adventures

IF YOU KNOW A SAR COULD BE UNDERWAY TO FIND YOU, YOU CAN ASSIST BY FOLLOWING THESE SIMPLE STEPS...

• You should have logged your intentions with someone you trust and at any Hut on your route.
• You can attempt to make your position visible, by spreading equipment about, making smoke, calling out etc
• and by letting your trusted person know you are safe at the very first opportunity, so a SAR can be stood down before it gets escalated. Go to a house, property, the road, but sign out!
• you can assist by providing as much information as possible when you tell someone your plans.

ENJOY YOUR TIME IN THE HILLS, BUT DON'T BECOME A HEADLINE!