Hiking Safety [What You And Your Kids Need To Know]

Outdoor wilderness settings often attract adventurous children who wish to explore the wonders of nature. Hiking through the wilderness provides a fun and educational experience for young inquisitive minds. Before they venture out, share important hiking safety for kids so they know the rules to stay safe. With a few proper safety precautions kids will be able to explore the outdoors with family, friends, scouts, and school groups.

What to Teach Your Adventurous Kids About Hiking Safety

Hiking safety is essential for an enjoyable outdoor experience. Here are some tips to ensure your hike is safe:

Plan Your Hike

Choose a trail that matches your fitness level and experience. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions. Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time. You can find fun new trails to explore and read about them before you set off at alltrails.com. Trails differ in difficulty level so choose wisely and communicate with your children about any potential dangers.

Pack The Essentials

Pack all of the hiking essentials. Carry a map, compass, or GPS device. Bring plenty of water, food, and snacks. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Pack a flashlight, and whistle, just in case. Carry a fully charged cell phone or emergency beacon.

Bring a First Aid Kit

Children should carry a first aid kit or survival kit along with their other supplies just in case they become injured. Adhesive bandages, antiseptic wound wipes and burn ointment are recommended items to keep in these kits. First aid kits may also include scissors, tweezers, gloves, a microtech knife and a manual. It is a great idea to learn basic first aid safety measures as well as CPR before any serious hiking expedition.

Protect Skin

The sensitive skin of children should also be protected by using special creams, ointments or sprays. Natural sunscreen should always be applied to the skin to avoid sunburn. Applying insect repellant is one of the best ways to keep children free of bug bites. There are even special repellants available to ward off ticks.

Stay with the Group

Straying from a group can be dangerous. Weather and terrain conditions have the possibility of taking a turn for the worse, and a child who is alone may become overwhelmed by panic if they are faced with such adversity. Plus, many outdoor settings do not have clear paths or landmarks, and it may be difficult to locate a child if they become lost. Children should be taught to always stay with the group while being closely supervised by an adult to ensure their safety. It is also a good idea for children to wear bright colors so that they are clearly visible.

Stay Hydrated

Pace yourself and take breaks when needed. Watch for signs of dehydration, fatigue, or altitude sickness. Not drinking enough fluids often leads to problems like nausea, light-headedness and weakness.  Dehydration can also lead to developing heat stroke in more severe cases. It is important for children to always stay hydrated by carrying a beverage container filled with water or some other nutritious drink. Medical evidence has shown that consuming any caffeinated beverages can actually cause dehydration, so it is best to avoid these. High protein snacks are great to have along too to help keep energy levels up.

Beware of Wildlife

Another important piece of hiking safety for kids is to respect wildlife from a distance. As adorable as some of nature’s creatures can be, many are also known to be dangerous if provoked. Squirrels, chipmunks and other rodents are known to carry diseases and may spread them to humans through biting. Children should quickly leave an area if they spot bear cubs in order to avoid being attacked by the mother. It is also recommended to teach children the importance of avoiding animals such as skunks, badgers, snakes and even turtles.

Stay on The Trail

Staying on the trail is important for so many reasons one of which is that you should leave no trace. You don’t want to harm the plants or animals by straying off the trail and causing problems you never considered such as erosion. It is also important to stay on the trail in order to prevent getting lost or brushing against things like poison ivy. Speaking of which, you may wish to bring a local field guide with you on your hike so you can identify flora and fauna.

Check The Weather

Always check the weather before you set off on a hike so you don’t get caught in and unexpected storm. Dressing in layers is a great way to ensure you don’t get overheated or chilly during your hike.

Here are a few more hiking safety considerations. When possible, bring along a phone, GPS, and compass just in case! Make sure they always tell someone exactly where they are going and get permission they set off on any hikes. Use care and pay attention to trail signs. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.

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