| Safety | |
| General | While GMOA has set up orienteering courses for general use, it has
no control over the manner in which they are used by either individuals
or groups. The safe use of these sites is therefore the responsibility
of those who use them. Some key points are listed below. |
| Experience | A major aspect of safety is accurate navigation. We recommend beginners
to use White and Yellow courses in small parks until they can confidently
navigate a network of footpaths or other obvious 'line features' such
as walls, fences, streams, etc. In a small park, it is easy to find
a route back to the start if a map-reading error is made. Progressing gradually through the colour range is then the best way of gaining the experience necessary to tackle harder courses. Teaching beginners some tactics for 'relocation' when 'lost' is good practice. |
| Route Choice | Part of the fun of orienteering is deciding what route to follow between
controls from the information provided on the map. A direct route through
complex terrain may take more time than a longer route which is easier
to navigate. A direct route may also cross steep terrain, marshy ground,
thick woodland, etc which might best be avoided. Any route choice decision
should always take into account the orienteer's previous experience
for maximum safety. |
| Physical Dangers | Many areas have features which could be dangerous - ponds, lakes,
rivers and crags are obvious examples. While most individuals will treat
these with the respect they deserve, perhaps it is group leaders who
need to have the greatest awareness of them. They will be sending out
their students unsupervised and need to be fully aware of potential
risks. A prior visit to the site is good practice. A 'hidden' danger is a river in flood if a group leader or parent is not aware of the increase in water level above normal. The River Mersey, for example, flows very swiftly in higher water levels. It also has steep banks that slope directly into the water which would make getting out very difficult if someone fell in. Adults who are responsible for sending out young people are advised to consider courses or routes which avoid potentially dangerous areas if: a) they have limited experience b) their ability to act responsibly is in doubt |
| Dress | Orienteering generally takes place in areas where trees etc may be
present. It is strongly advisable to wear clothing which provides full
body cover to, protect against cuts and grazes etc. At competitions,
full body cover is compulsory. |
| Supervision | It is essential to have an adult stationed at base to check off participants
on their return. Where physical dangers exist or navigation is tricky,
it is desirable to have additional adults stationed at appropriate locations
to ensure that safety limits are not exceeded. |
| Cut-off Times | If sending out young people, either as a parent or group leader, it
is a good idea to give them a time by which they should return to base
if they have not completed the course. |
| Further Advice | See BOF Safety Guidelines at British
Orienteering |