Staying safe in outdoor summer activities

By ANGELA MICAH OBSINA / RAFI intern
April 18, 2013

CEBU CITY – As fun as summer vacations should be, safety must always be first on the list.

This summertime when there is a wide variety of activities – from swimming, to trekking or hiking, and even caving – to engage in, people tend to get too excited and complacent of their surroundings.

In the April 13 episode of "Pagtuki", the official radio program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), the public is reminded of the potential health and safety risks and dangers while doing outdoor activities in summer.

Anthony Terence Ocampo, Deputy Director for Professional Development Programs of RAFI's Kool Adventure Camp (KAC), identified dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn as the most common ailments this season brings.

“Most of us are not aware that we get are getting dehydrated. Even if we don’t feel like drinking water, we should still take in some. One liter in the morning and one in the afternoon will do,” Ocampo said.

Heat stroke, he said, is most dangerous since it is hardly noticeable, especially to those not used to being exposed to the sun for a long period of time.

Noting that many go to beaches, he advised avoiding swimming from 10-12 a.m. to prevent sunburns. He also stressed that children must be looked after when going out with a large crowd and if possible, guard the parameters where they would be bathing with a cordon.

Joel Cariño, basic mountaineering instructor of Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI) and Red Cross first-aid instructor, echoed Ocampo’s statements emphasizing on risk management.

“All activities have risks. But it can be prevented through risk management and thinking of safety first,” Cariño said.

When asked for things to consider when planning an outdoor activity, Cariño mentioned five points. First, to ask yourself if you can really do it. Second, to assess if you brought the right things for the trip. Asking permission from parents or guardians comes third. In line with that goes the courtesy of informing the barangay, particularly when hiking or trekking. And lastly, informing people concerned upon return.

He also stressed proper outdoor get-up, which includes the right material of clothing and appropriate footwear.

He also shared a few guidelines on caving as he just came from the Philippine Philological Cavings Congress, the national gathering of cavers from around the Philippines.

According to him, while caves have areas for eco-tourism or public viewing, other areas are restricted to protect certain animals or organisms. Visit caves that have already been checked and cleared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“Safety is always of paramount importance. If one thinks that he or she cannot do the activity, better cancel. What matters more is that there is more learning while having fun,” he said.

Everything boils down to right and adequate preparation and planning for a safe yet fun summer adventure.