Safeguarding Your Outdoor Adventures: Tips for Hiking and Personal Safety

The entrance to the forest where the two women were attacked on 13 November.

As we relish the delightful summer days along the Garden Route, it’s essential to remain vigilant about our safety, especially in secluded natural spots. Following a distressing incident on November 13, where two female hikers fell victim to a violent attack near Plantation Rd in Heatherlands, it’s understandable that concerns about outdoor safety have heightened among residents and nature enthusiasts.

Despite the unfortunate incident, Shawn Northey, Chairman of the Camphersdrift, Glen Barrie, and Heatherlands Neighbourhood Watch, encourages residents not to let fear dictate their choices. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining outdoor activities like walks and hikes, asserting that increased trail usage contributes to a safer environment. Northey suggests walking in groups, as the presence of more people tends to deter criminal activities, making busy areas less appealing to potential threats.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services, offers practical safety tips for those who love exploring the outdoors:

1. Carry Identification: Always have some form of ID with you, easily accessible in your exercise gear, to aid bystanders in case of an emergency.
2. Safety in Numbers: Avoid running or cycling alone. Joining a group provides not only safety but also encouragement during challenging moments.
3. Inform Someone: Let a trusted person know your plans, including your route and expected return time, so they can act promptly if needed.
4. Be Visible: Wear reflective clothing, run against traffic, and cycle with traffic to enhance visibility. Utilize pavements or designated cycle tracks whenever possible.
5. Vary Your Routine: Change your route and training times to keep potential criminals guessing and make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.
6. Charge Your Phone: Ensure your phone is fully charged, saving emergency contact numbers for quick access to police, security, or neighborhood watch.
7. Mobile Tracking: Check if your security company offers a mobile tracking app for your phone. This can be invaluable in alerting emergency services while providing an accurate location, especially during hikes or runs in challenging terrains.

By adopting these safety measures, outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of the Garden Route with confidence and security.

George News