Let's enjoy the outdoors, responsibly

In recent years, outdoor sports have surged in popularity across China, with first-tier and emerging first-tier cities leading market growth. According to the General Administration of Sport, the number of people participating in outdoor activity nationwide has exceeded 400 million person-times, with those born in the 1980s and 1990s as the primary driving force. Enthusiasts are fueling the market with annual spending per activity averaging between 2,000-5,000 yuan ($281-701). However, an increase in accidents has cast a shadow over this trend, causing some to associate outdoor sports with heightened risks.

With social media and short-video platforms fueling new trends, many beginners have taken to outdoor sports without understanding the risks involved. Inspired by influencers' picturesque hiking photos with catchy captions like "beginner-friendly" and "just need legs", they enthusiastically set out on trails.

Motivated by a "came all the way up to here" drive and the desire to share their "brave explorer" posts online, they often rush into outdoor adventures unprepared, lacking both the equipment and awareness necessary to ensure safety.

In reality, without proper risk awareness and essential skills, outdoor activities can be perilous. Beginners who ignore potential dangers could suffer from hypothermia while hiking up to high-altitude destinations. Or, they could get lost in forests, be caught in a thunderstorm, or slip or fall into ravines. Tragic incidents remind us that outdoor sports are much more than a simple test of endurance and stamina. Two hikers recently lost their lives to hypothermia on the Qinling Mountains' icy summit, while some met with fatal accidents in various locations across China.

So, how can we reduce the risks of outdoor sports? The secret is to plan ahead to stay safe. First, thorough planning is essential. Before going hiking, people need to research the route's environment, and climate and seasonal conditions to choose a safe, suitable time and route, and avoid "wild" or dangerous spots, which pose high risks or are difficult to access.

Potential adventure seekers also need to carefully read the weather forecast and be aware of the potential hazards, and work out contingency plans. Before venturing outdoors, it is important to know the trail's elevation, difficulty level, supply points and emergency stations — and always plan alternative escape routes.

Besides, adventure seekers should be well-equipped. Having the right gear is crucial for staying warm and dry in cold and wet environs. For that, hikers need to wear layered clothing to adapt to changing wind speeds and temperatures, and follow the principle of "removing layers when warm, adding layers when cold, and changing clothes when wet". The layered clothing should include moisture-wicking inner layers, insulating mid-layers and protective outer layers.

Adventure seekers should not forget to carry hats and gloves to keep warm, put on proper footwear, and have an extra pair of shoes. For example, comfortable, non-slippery, waterproof hiking boots are ideal for treks, while bike-riders need supportive sneakers or specialized cycling shoes.

More important, it is essential to inform friends and/or family about your route and expected time of return, so they can reach you if needed.

Packing enough food and water based on the trip's duration is absolutely necessary. For multi-day treks, hikers need to bring enough water and high-energy food items like nuts, energy bars and jerky or fresh produce, if they can. And if their activity begins in the morning, they should eat breakfast to prevent their sugar level from falling. It is also important to keep the backpack or rucksack below one-third of your body weight, and carry a first-aid kit with disinfectants, bandages and emergency blankets. It is helpful to undergo first-aid training to learn, among other things, how to tend to wounds and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, so you can assist yourself as well as others in an emergency. These preparations can be lifesavers in a crisis.

Awareness and emergency skills are critical for outdoor safety. The key is to stay alert to your surroundings, and guard against natural hazards and wildlife. For high-risk activities like rock climbing or diving, people should always use specialized equipment and follow professional guidance. And it is absolutely necessary to abide by outdoor rules, stick to your group, and not indulge in risky behavior.

Adventure seekers should avoid venturing into forests or going hiking alone. Instead, they should partner with trustworthy individuals or join reputable adventure groups that provide guidance and safety support. When choosing companions, people should prioritize those with similar skills and equipment levels, as well as a strong sense of responsibility. If joining a group, adventure seekers need to verify its credentials, reputation and service quality, and sign an agreement on roles and responsibilities.

Outdoor sports are not a reckless gamble. But with careful planning and proper precautionary measures, outdoor adventures can be exhilarating, therapeutic and refreshing, full of surprises and unforgettable memories.

Let's step outside, feel the breeze, listen to the birds, and savor the beauty of nature, but responsibly and safely.

The author is deputy dean of the school of competitive sports, Beijing Sport University. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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