Sometimes you just want to head out and leave the world behind – but don't leave your safety savvy at home too. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe outdoors.
WISE UP
• 'Project an air of confidence and purpose,' says Sanette Smit. 'Be ready for anything, such as people who might be hiding behind trees or sand dunes.'
• If you're listening to your iPod, don't have the music blaring so loudly that you can't hear the sounds around you, she says.
• Carry a stun gun or pepper spray – it can buy you time to escape.
• 'Don't walk close to trees or shrubs. They are possible hiding places for criminals,' says Constable Siphokazi Mawisa of the South African Police Service.
• 'Be careful of the "confidence" style of attack,' says Smit. Using this method, an attacker tries to get your trust by posing as a parks official or a fellow walker, for example. He may 'innocently' ask you for the time and – because you don't feel threatened – you let your guard down.
If you're hiking...
HIKE SMART
• Don't hike alone. If there are a few of you, your chances of defending yourselves are better.
• Wear comfortable shoes – they make it easier to run away!
• Take a walking stick with you. It can double as a weapon.
• 'Choose your route according to your fitness level, physical ability and hiking experience,' says Smit. It's dangerous to get stuck in the middle of a hike, unable to go any further because you're exhausted or lost.
• Don't go off the known track or take unfamiliar short cuts.
• Take note of any landmarks along the way so you can tell emergency-services personnel where you are if you get lost, injured or attacked.
• Make sure you have a charged cellphone with you and save any relevant rescue numbers on it. (See 'Important info'.)
If you're going to the beach...
BE SHORE-SAFE
• It's okay to go to the beach alone,' says Smit. 'Just make sure you stick to beaches that aren't isolated or empty.'
• It's safer to park close to the beach,' says Smit. 'Avoid areas where there are lots of bushes or where you can be boxed in – such as a cul-de-sac.' And don't linger longer to enjoy the sunset unless you can walk back to your car with someone you know.
• You may be dying to flaunt your brand-new Swarovski-encrusted cellphone – but this is not the place to show it off. Leave your valuables at home and don't leave your belongings unattended.
• If you spot someone swiping a cellphone or handbag, 'make a big noise about it,' says Smit. 'Lifeguards usually have walkie-talkies, and will be able to call the police immediately.'
GET HELP
• If you need help but the battery of your cellphone is running flat or the signal is weak, send an SMS to someone who can help you. (SMSs require less battery power and signal strength than a phone call does.)
• If you are attacked, shout for help as loudly as possible and use anything you can as a weapon – pick up a rock, for example, or sand to throw in your attacker's eyes. If you can, run – preferably towards an area where there are other people around.
IMPORTANT INFO
Save these numbers on your phone in case you need help
* National Tourism Information and Safety Line 083 123 2345
* Cape Town Mountain Rescue Services 021 948 9900
* General emergency services (from a cellphone) 112
* General emergency service (from a landline) 107
Useful websites
*
www.nature-reserve.co.za
*
www.crimeprevention.csir.co.za
*
www.samountainmag.com