Press Releases

Safety hints for summer hikers
Friday, June 2, 2000

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (June 2) reminds hikers to observe essential safety guidelines while hiking or enjoying outdoor activities in the countryside under the hot summer sun.

A spokesman for the department said: "Hiking requires no special skills but suitable training and preparation are necessary."

In summer, hikers are likely to set out amid high temperature.

Precautions must be taken to prevent heat strokes when taking hiking trips under high ambient temperature.

Hikers should take good rests during their journeys and ought not overexert their physical limits as this would lead to exhaustion.

The spokesman reminded hikers to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and remember to drink lots of water.

"Besides," he added, "to take along a hat can keep off the sun in summer."

Hikers should listen to the weather bulletin, carefully plan and familiarize themselves with the hiking routes before setting out.

The spokesman noted that hiking should be avoided when the weather condition was unstable.

"It is always a good practice for hikers to tell someone where they are heading as it will save a lot of time when search rescue are required," he said.

Hikers should be cautious to the safety hints published by the department.

AFCD has published a hiking safety booklet, listing all essential safety measures to help hikers in dealing with emergency situations and to prepare for a hiking trip.

The booklets are available for collection at all visitors' centres at country parks in Sai Kung, Tai Mo Shan, Clear Water Bay, Plover Cove, Shing Mun and Aberdeen.

Hikers may also find such information in the department's website (http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/) or via the fax-on-demand hotlines at 2736 7539 (English)/ 2485 3250 (Chinese).