With the improvement of people's living standards and the growing awareness of travel, outdoor sports have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their high level of challenge and excitement. According to incomplete statistics, there are now over 20 various outdoor clubs and groups in our city, with more than 20,000 enthusiasts. However, the frequent occurrence of outdoor safety incidents has sounded the alarm for this nationwide trend. How outdoor enthusiasts can travel safely has become a topic of concern for the whole society.
"The outdoors" can also lead to "accidents"
"Outdoor sports are inherently risky activities." This point is something that "Shi Shui Nian Hua," the captain of the Fuxin Red Cross Blue Sky Rescue Team, does not shy away from mentioning.
Just on April 12, he and five other rescue team members rushed to Beijing's Mentougou District along with several domestic outdoor rescue teams to search for a missing Taiwanese hiker. "The highest point within the search range reached 1,500 meters, with snow-covered mountains and cliffs everywhere. Descending into the valleys for the search was extremely difficult—something non-professionals could not manage at all," said "Shi Shui Nian Hua."
On June 22 last year, 71 outdoor hiking enthusiasts gathered to trek through Xuanmen Mountain, attempting a route from Beibaizitai to Huaerlou Reservoir. They lost their way and were stranded in the mountains. Xuanmen Mountain, an extension of Lüshan Mountain, features dense forests and complex terrain. It is hard to discern direction even during the day, let alone at night. Upon receiving the distress call, the Red Cross Blue Sky Rescue Team and the city's outdoor sports association rescue squad immediately headed to the scene. They began the mountain rescue at 8:30 p.m. and didn’t succeed in rescuing all 71 members until 3 a.m. on June 23, finding them near a cliff edge.
On the morning of August 25 last year, a girl became trapped while rock climbing on a mountain in Tazigou Scenic Area. It took nearly three hours of intense rescue efforts before she was finally saved.
Also on August 25 last year, a boy was stuck at the mountaintop in Tazigou Scenic Area for nine hours. After being rescued, the boy’s companion said that after assessing the terrain, they had abandoned the easier hiking route and opted for a cliff face marked with a warning sign reading “Climbing prohibited for non-professionals.” At first, things didn’t seem too difficult, but as their stamina waned, the climb became increasingly strenuous. While others chose to give up, the trapped boy insisted on pushing forward.
The Blue Sky Rescue Team analyzed the case of “Xiao Pang” and noted that many outdoor sports enthusiasts currently fail to distinguish between outdoor sports and regular tourism. They lack experience and essential gear. In such a state, participating in outdoor activities is safe mostly by sheer luck. In the event of an emergency, serious consequences are very likely.
The wilderness boasts unique scenery, yet it also harbors dangers. However, most hikers do not take this seriously.
Prioritizing adventure while neglecting safety leads to hidden dangers
Among hikers, a popular saying goes: “There are mountains, there is wine, and there are brothers.” Some believe this is the driving force behind conquering nature through outdoor sports. “Hua Ge,” a long-time hiking enthusiast, told reporters that without professional outdoor training or physical preparation, some amateur “enthusiasts” act recklessly based purely on a sense of “brotherhood,” ignoring safety and creating numerous hidden risks.
Many “hikers” view outdoor sports as mere physical movement—simply “walking on two legs”—and lack a proper understanding of the activity. Their grasp of basic outdoor knowledge and necessary self-rescue skills is even weaker. Moreover, many outdoor activities are organized spontaneously—through a personal Weibo post, a forum thread, or just a few lines in a QQ group. “Many team members only know each other online. They rarely interact offline and come together merely because of a shared hobby, forming a temporary group. Costs are split equally, and such a team lacking cohesion can be very dangerous, especially during fieldwork or exploratory trips,” said a veteran hiker.
“In my spare time, I love exploring areas around the city—hiking, rock climbing. I always keep a tent in my car trunk. When I find a place I like, I’ll stay there for a couple of days.” As a result, going “missing” for no reason for a few days has become a routine for an ordinary citizen named Lao Yu. “Going out is meant to be fun. If you’re constantly worried about everything, you won’t enjoy yourself. As long as you stick to relatively developed scenic spots, major issues usually won’t arise,” said Lao Sun, another hiker. In interviews, reporters found that there are many hikers who share the mindset of Lao Yu and Lao Sun. “Nowadays, some enthusiasts don’t realize the potential dangers of outdoor sports. When danger strikes, they often find themselves helpless,” said “Shi Shui Nian Hua,” captain of the Blue Sky Rescue Team. A weak awareness of safety means that potential hazards in outdoor sports are increasing day by day.
Where are the soft spots in safety?
Some liken the current state of outdoor sports to an era of “madness”: one veteran hiker remarked that in the past, many participants were either professionals or semi-professionals who understood the basic survival knowledge needed for outdoor activities. But now, outdoor sports have become a fashion trend, and many participants are keen on comparing themselves to others. Blindly seeking larger groups and riskier routes has become the main theme of recent outdoor adventures.
Rescue team members with multiple outdoor rescue experiences pointed out that currently, most participants in our city have a low understanding of outdoor sports. Many engage simply for “fun” and rarely consider safety issues.
Most people lack relevant knowledge, skills, and equipment, yet they blindly pursue thrills. Additionally, many outdoor activities are self-organized, so authorities have no way of knowing how these activities are carried out or where they take place. Even some organizers possess very limited knowledge about outdoor sports, resulting in low professionalism in organizing events. For example, they often choose “off-the-beaten-path” locations, lack insurance, or in some cases, there is no organizer at all, and the team leader is unqualified.
“It’s not like you can just put on sneakers and carry a parasol to go outdoors,” said “Hua Ge,” a long-time hiker. He believes more outdoor enthusiasts need access to professional training institutions and associations capable of handling communication, organization, safety, and education. It is understood that our city’s Red Cross Blue Sky Rescue Team, as a nonprofit organization, frequently organizes free first-aid training. However, in reality, many outdoor enthusiasts gain experience mainly through repeated participation in activities. “A smoothly organized outdoor trip can teach newcomers only limited emergency lessons. Only through systematic and standardized training can one stay calm and respond effectively when facing unexpected situations,” said “Xiao Pang,” a member of the Blue Sky Rescue Team.
Are you ready to be a hiker?
The “Bible of Mountaineering” says: the mark of a successful outdoor activity is that all participants return home safely. And getting home safely requires a lot of preparation.
Regarding how to ensure safety in outdoor sports, professionals from the Blue Sky Rescue Team remind us that outdoor sports differ from conventional tourism and carry a certain degree of adventure. Preparations before departure are essential. Generally speaking, the first step is to prepare equipment, understand the activity’s timing, location, transportation, intensity, participant limits, and risk level—all of which are very serious matters. Even deciding who will lead, who will handle logistics, who will wrap up, and how to deal with emergencies must all be included in the plan. For instance, before organizing a hiking trip, the initiator must first familiarize themselves with the route, then conduct preliminary preparations. Before the activity, it is crucial to understand local weather, terrain, flora and fauna, and other basic conditions to develop appropriate contingency plans and avoid danger. Evaluating the activity’s intensity and risks, and gaining a general idea of the weather forecast for the upcoming days, is also important. Understanding the physical condition of participants and the required gear is equally essential. Of course, purchasing appropriate outdoor insurance is also vital, as it can protect your rights in case of accidents. In addition, when hiking, it’s necessary to master basic skills—like uphill and downhill techniques, the spacing between team members—and have these well in mind. When unexpected situations occur, staying calm and taking effective self-rescue measures is key.
Outdoor sports carry inherent risks—that’s part of their nature. Exploring the unknown is one of humanity’s most fundamental desires, and that’s also what makes outdoor sports appealing. However, learning how to control risks in outdoor activities and minimize potential dangers is a lesson that not only professional guides but also every hiker must learn.
Spring is here, and hikers are setting off again. Are you ready?