Stock photo
As the saying goes, “Mountain stream water rises and falls quickly.” For southern China, where the rainy season tends to be longer, frequent thunderstorms, strong winds, and short-duration heavy rainfall bring intense convective weather. In mountainous outdoor areas, flash floods and geological disasters triggered by continuous rain are constant potential threats to travelers. Being a mature traveler means mastering basic outdoor safety knowledge, developing the right risk awareness — this is essential for everyone.
A. Outdoor activities prone to safety incidents in summer and how to respond
Common outdoor risks mainly exist in hiking, water-based activities, and simple travel activities.
First, hiking in summer is most likely to lead to heatstroke and heat cramps. To avoid this, stay out of prolonged direct sunlight and keep hydrated. Especially in southern China, neither the rainy season nor typhoon season is suitable for hiking. In northern regions, especially north of the Qinling and Huaihe rivers, hypothermia is more common in winter. In comparison, southern China is more suitable for hiking in winter.
Second, in southern China, water-based activities are the most common outdoor pastime in summer — and also the ones with the most accidents. The flash flood in Taishan, for example, was caused by a sudden, heavy downpour in a short time. Apart from rafting during rain-triggered flash floods, creek hiking is another outdoor activity prone to accidents in summer. Therefore, before traveling, always consider the weather conditions and monitor local weather websites — especially those in Hong Kong. For outdoor travelers, Hong Kong’s typhoon signals are highly informative, as Hong Kong is very close to the Pearl River Delta region and usually detects tropical depressions and typhoons first. It’s important to note that even if the forecast only predicts scattered showers or light rain, you should not let your guard down.
In some simple tour packages, travel agencies may also offer related outdoor itineraries. In these cases, you must rely on your own judgment. When agency staff tell you it’s okay to go rafting in the rain or hike in the snow, if you sense potential risks, you should make an independent judgment. Don’t assume that just because you’ve paid, you’re entitled to the service or thrill. Remember, risk and thrill often go hand-in-hand, and knowing when to choose or back off is crucial.
B. Several key safety principles for outdoor travel
For outdoor travel, three concepts and one principle must be upheld.
The three concepts are: First, safety awareness — ensured through a comprehensive combination of knowledge, physical ability, skills, and risk consciousness; Second, environmental awareness — as the planet’s condition worsens, travelers must remember to “leave only footprints and take only photos”; Third, self-reliance — being self-sufficient is a skill, and being able to help others while taking care of yourself is an even higher level.
The one vital principle is: the buddy system. Many outdoor accidents such as getting lost, disappearing, falling off cliffs, or into the sea happen when people are alone. A recent case occurred at the end of May this year in Shenzhen, where a professional athlete fell off a cliff into the sea while running solo. Despite having high physical capability and strong risk awareness, the mistake was acting alone. Always remember: no matter what you’re doing on your trip — running, hiking, or off-roading, even going to the toilet — do it with a companion. This way, help can be summoned or given in an emergency.
Additionally, “look ahead when walking, admire views when stopped” is another key outdoor rule. The correct approach is: when walking, watch your path — including nearby rocks, trees, or any objects that might pose danger — ensuring every step lands on safe, solid ground; when you see beautiful scenery, stop to enjoy it. Never try to admire the view, chat, make calls, take photos, or eat while walking.
C. Groups and time periods most prone to travel accidents
Based on many real outdoor accident cases, two types of people are most likely to have mishaps. One group has limited knowledge and relies entirely on guides, leaders, or teammates during the trip. Due to unfamiliarity with the route and lack of deep understanding of risks, they are more likely to get into danger. And when danger strikes, their ability and will to save themselves or call for help are often weak, making them prone to giving up. The other group consists of highly capable “outdoor pros” — those with excellent fitness, skills, and athletic achievements — but who are often overly confident and fearless about acting alone, leading to accidents.
It’s worth noting that the probability of accidents is lower in the morning. Most incidents occur midway through a trip, when energy levels drop. Generally, accidents are more likely to happen after dark when energy is depleted, as it becomes harder to make sound judgments.
D. Watch for danger signals during outdoor activities
When engaging in outdoor activities, always pay attention to astronomical and weather changes. For example, during water activities, if you notice the water suddenly turning murky, it could mean a flood is coming — get ashore immediately.
If it rains while hiking, especially in a valley surrounded by mountains, it’s extremely dangerous. Seek shelter or retreat the way you came immediately. Remember, walking in heavy rain or extreme weather can drain your energy completely within just two hours — pushing forward is risking your life.
Even in well-developed outdoor parks, always observe the paths and steps. If you spot collapsed soil or rocks on the trail, it indicates high water content in the mountain, signaling possible landslides or mudflows — stay alert.
E. Don’t let your guard down just because the itinerary seems easy
Travel accidents aren’t inevitable — they result from various accidental factors. Even in well-established scenic spots like Baiyun Mountain, numerous accidents have occurred. Therefore, regardless of difficulty level, safety principles must always be followed in outdoor activities.
When traveling, always remember you’re there to enjoy yourself. Respect nature, and when it sends warning signs of danger, know when to back off. Even if you’re wearing life jackets or helmets, without safety awareness, you’re still not guaranteed a safe trip.
It’s worth noting that compared to the previous generation, today’s youth receive much better education on safety awareness, whereas many adults lack this knowledge. When joining group tours for camping or hiking, they often lack common sense, trust others too much, and lose proper judgment.
F. How to self-rescue and seek help when in danger
When facing travel accidents, the first thing is to know how to save yourself. If you sense potential danger or feel the hidden risk exceeds your tolerance, choose to retreat.
Once caught in a dangerous situation, your first priority is to contact your emergency contact. For this reason, designate a family emergency contact before each trip. Tell them who you’re with, where you’re going, your route, and your departure and return times. If they don’t hear from you by the agreed time, they should initiate a report to confirm whether an accident has occurred. This is especially critical in extreme weather conditions.
For those trapped on-site, the first priority is to find a relatively safe shelter to ensure you and your companions have food, water, and stay warm. Then, try to reach a relatively high location to send out a distress signal, transmitting your coordinates — most smartphones have built-in features for this. After sending the signal, wait quietly for rescue.