Our Website's Comprehensive Summer Media Companion
The Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is urging people to take care as they embark on outdoor activities this summer, with a particular focus on backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and climbers. MSC's Chief Executive, Mike Daisley, has emphasized the importance of being extremely cautious, especially during spring when avalanche danger is high.
Daisley encourages everyone to follow advice from the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory and to take simple steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This includes avoiding avalanche terrain when danger is elevated, recognizing signs of instability, and always carrying essential rescue gear such as a beacon, shovel, and probe.
Last summer, MSC's website thanked New Zealanders for being safety-conscious, as there were no land-based outdoor recreation fatalities during December and January for the first time in 14 years. However, on average, there have been 3.7 deaths over the same period since 2007.
To help with planning safe outdoor activities, MSC has recommended using their new app, Plan My Walk. The app is endorsed by McCaws and is designed to improve outdoor safety.
For communications-related inquiries, Rebekah Wilson can be contacted at 021 190 2930. For other inquiries, Daisley can be reached at 027 443 7557, while the Operations Manager can be contacted at 021 885 275.
Daisley also suggests that those new to tramping and outdoor activities should start small, ask for advice, and ease into it. MSC is asking for the same level of safety awareness this summer.
In addition to resources for outdoor communications, river safety, all basic outdoor skills, and outdoor activities, MSC is also re-releasing their award-winning tramping safety videos for the summer season. A quote from Daisley reads, "Sometimes it's not that easy to turn back."
One person currently undertaking a 'hut bagging' challenge in New Zealand is a testament to the country's popular outdoor destinations. Hooker Hut is just one such summer destination, offering a chance to get away and enjoy the great outdoors.
As always, the Mountain Safety Council is willing to provide comments, photos, and data where possible. They encourage everyone to make it home safely after their outdoor activities this summer.
