Nelson Tramping Club / beta

This month's item is sparked by the accident referred to above. When climbing or descending a slope where loose rocks may be dislodged, there is considerable risk that those below could be injured or even killed. We should always be alert to such situations, and group up and agree on the best way to tackle the slope - and, where practically possible, do so before starting to ascend or descend the slope. Waiting till you hit loose rock may be too late. Having agreed on a method, do it! The usual alternatives, in order of preference, are:

• Find another safer way.
• Climb/descend the slope diagonally so that no-one is directly below anyone else.
• If you must go up/down in a direct line, keep close together so that a falling rock does not get a chance to gain velocity before someone stops it - intentionally or otherwise. If a rock is dislodged, immediately yell loudly - " Rock!" It sometimes gives people a chance to take evasive action.
• If the risk looks severe and there is no way to avoid it, turn around and go back.

 

Playing the odds - i.e. "Probably no-one will get hit" - will frequently succeed, but is nevertheless not an acceptable alternative.

The unexpected can always happen, but at least we can take precautions against recognisable risks, without stifling our enjoyment of our sport.