Safety in Eco-adventure

CEBU, Philippines - Everyone loves eco-adventures. From rock-climbing to zip-lining, or water rafting to spelunking, there’s just too much fun that beckons.

People engage in these activities for different reasons. Some want to challenge themselves by trying something scary; others just want to add something to their list of experiences.

Sadly, some of these “fun” activities can also be risky and dangerous. These could even lead to death. Given this, it is important to take safety measures when going for eco-adventures.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Kool Adventure Camp (RAFI-KAC) recommends that before engaging in eco-adventure, one must remember: PEEP.

People. This can mean two things: the participant and the instructor. Both must be fit for the activity – mentally and physically. The participant must make sure that the instructor is qualified and certified for the job. The instructor must have a first aid kit during the activity. He must also have standards for whatever eco-adventure activity is involved as he is accountable for the participant’s life.

However, both the participant and the instructor must also be protective of each other – the participant, in a sense that he ascertains the qualifications of the instructor, and the instructor ensuring that the participant is in good shape to do the activity.

Environment. Weather can affect people badly. The weather must be checked first and its possible effect on the scheduled activity determined. For example, if wishing to go kayaking or water rafting and stormy clouds emerge, it may be wise to forget the fun activity and think about safety first.

The surroundings must also be considered. The area must be checked for anything that could cause harm. As people may destroy the environment or surroundings, it can also be vice-versa.

Equipment. Quality equipment is very important for an eco-adventure activity. Quality equipment differs from ordinary equipment. Eco-adventure equipment is not the same as the ones simply for picture-taking. The right quality equipment is one that does not harm the environment and the person using it.

The equipment has to be properly maintained. An eco-adventure site may have quality equipment, but if it’s not well taken care of, the equipment will degrade fast or lose its value, and, instead, pose the risk of accidents.

Process. Certain questions shall be asked: “What if I encounter an accident? Who will save me?”; “What if I have a medical concern? Do they have a first aid kit or emergency vehicles?”

On the issue of safety, the ‘what ifs’ need to be considered.  This goes back to the process of checking how qualified the instructor is. A guide who has been on the job for one week may not be as qualified as the one with 15 years of experience. The instructor’s sincerity and determination in caring guiding and caring for participants’ safety is a crucial factor.

“Your intention for engaging in those activities is to have fun,” RAFI-KAC Operations Support and Safety Manager Jay Alera points out. “But be mindful while you are having fun out there, and remember that you have family waiting at home. Your goal is to go home complete.”

Adventure, after all, is not about losing life or limb. It is about having fun and having a worthwhile adventure while exploring the beauty of a place.   (FREEMAN)