The final stop of the 2013 "National Outdoor Safety Education Program" public lecture series by the Chinese Mountaineering Association was held yesterday at China University of Geosciences. Reporters learned that from 2001 to 2012, the number of fatalities in mountaineering and outdoor sports in China reached 298, nine times the number of fatalities in the previous 44 years.
Statistics show that from 1957 to 2000, the number of fatalities in outdoor sports such as mountaineering was 33, but in the past 11 years, the number of outdoor fatalities has surged to 298. The vast majority of these were due to a lack of outdoor knowledge, insufficient awareness of risks, inadequate preparation, or improper responses to problems. From January to September this year alone, the number of fatalities reached 25.
How can one experience the charm of outdoor sports while ensuring safety? Ma Xinxiang said that outdoor sports enthusiasts should be well-prepared and learn to avoid risks. Before setting out, they should assess their mental and physical conditions, acquire relevant knowledge, prepare appropriate gear, make plans and arrangements, and avoid acting in a disorganized manner. (Reporter Chen Cheng)