Cliff Jacobson, a renowned author and outdoorsman with over 35 years experience canoeing in the backcountry, offers the following tips for avoiding accidents in the September-October 2012 issue of Scouting magazine:
(1) Pay attention to the weather;
(2) Dress appropriately (dress for the weather);
(3) More things to consider (wear footwear when swimming, don’t dive headfirst, don’t carry a second pack on your chest when portaging, avoid whittling to avoid cuts, stow personal gear in your tent at night if possible, don’t sit on your PFD to avoid damage);
(4) Easy does it;
(5) Check the status for the coming day;
(6) Don’t let overconfidence override common sense; and
(7) Ask the following questions – Are we dressed for the weather? Is gear properly packed and protected? Does everyone know their location on a map in the event of an emergency? Are warm clothes, water, bug repellent, toilet paper, and first aid supplies handy?
All good things to consider for those backcountry activities. Remember, you are the guardian for participating youth!