Taking safety measures important for any trip

Thu, May 15, 2008

By DAVE JORDAN

The Brunswick News

With summer nearly here and warmer temperatures already upon us, more and more folks are breaking out their camping gear or firing up their watercraft for fun in the outdoors.

All too often, though, expert and novice outdoorsmen alike forget the little things when preparing for their trip, be that a few hours on the water or a long weekend in the woods.

Keeping safe is the most important maxim for any outing. After all, whatever fun you may be experiencing on your trip is quickly extinguished if someone gets hurt.

"Know your surroundings," offered Jekyll Island campground manager Ronnie Douglas. "Bring a flashlight with you on any kind of trip. They are always necessary. If nothing else, you'll need it on the way to the bathroom. It's no fun kissing a tree in the middle of the night when you don't know where you're going."

Douglas said other tips for campers, which can apply to any outdoor excursion, really, include following the rules for camp fires, bringing plenty of bug spray — especially in the south Georgia summertime — and just being on the lookout for children and your fellow camper.

Boaters, like campers, often forget the most common rules of keeping safe. Right in time with National Safe Boating Week which begins Saturday and runs through May 23, boaters should concentrate on safety first and fun second.

"The biggest goof is not having enough life jackets for their people," said Frances Sewell at Two Way Fish Camp in north Glynn County. "That and people don't have a fire extinguisher on board. Also, people get stranded with no gas and have to have somebody come out and get them. You have to always watch that."

Jekyll Island Campground manager Ronnie Douglas displays a few items necessary for any outdoor excursion. A flashlight and bug spray are two of the essentials, says Douglas. (Bobby Haven/The Brunswick News)

The rules aren't lengthy for keeping safe, but are important. Whether camping or boating, each of these are essential to keep in mind:

* Pack a first aid kit: An obvious item to remember, but one that is often overlooked. A good first aid kit can help quell virtually any minor mishap you may encounter on any trip. And no need to go and buy an elaborate kit — just fill a box or bag with plenty of Band-Aids, lots of bug spray, sunscreen for everyone on the trip, a good antiseptic to tend to cuts and scrapes, a snakebite kit, aspirin and any other medications or pain relievers your party might need.

* Learn CPR and how to treat serious injuries: Knowing basic first aid skills is essential and having someone along, when possible, who knows the proper technique for cardiopulmonary resuscitation is important, especially if swimming is on the agenda. Having someone along who knows how to treat — or at least deal with — sprained ankles and knees, bone breaks or head injuries is also key.

* Pay attention to the weather: Bring along a weather radio and use it. High winds and rain can wash out any kind of trip, so know what is coming while you plan to be out. If necessary, postpone your outing for another time.

* Watch the fire: When camping, it is of the utmost to watch your fire. Keep the flame low and put it out when turning in for the evening. A big fire could ignite low limbs and leaves. It only takes a spark. And whenever you plan to build a fire, take along an easy-to-use fire extinguisher and make sure everyone on the trip knows how to operate it.

* Stock the boat: While boating, a life preserver for each person on board is a must, as well as a working fire extinguisher and a good supply of fuel. Making sure all the fishermen have their licenses is also important. "I think it's getting better," Sewell said of people paying attention to the safety rules. "People are aware of them and are doing right. Some may try to get away with not buying a license or what-not, but most are doing better."

Bream Buster planned for Saturday: Altamaha Regional Park is holding its second annual Bream Buster tournament from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the park, followed by a fish fry at 6 p.m. Entry fee is $25 per fisherman. More info: 264-2342.

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