Practical safety guidance for Scouts, leaders, parents and outdoor groups, covering activity safety, emergency planning, equipment, fire, supervision and water safety.
It can happen more quickly than you expect. You walk around a rocky headland to explore a small beach, spend a little longer than planned looking at rock pools, or cross a causeway that seemed perfectly safe when you arrived. Then you notice that the…
There is something about the British coastline that encourages people to explore a little further. A path leads towards a headland, a gap between the rocks reveals another small beach, or a stretch of sand looks inviting enough for a walk that lasts longer than…
The sea can make the same stretch of coastline look completely different within a few hours. At low tide, a rocky bay might open up into a wide beach, revealing rock pools, sandy paths and places that were underwater earlier in the day. Return later…
Cooking outdoors is part of the enjoyment of camping, but using a stove in the wrong place can turn an ordinary meal into a life-threatening situation. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas produced when fuels such as gas, petrol, charcoal, wood and other carbon-based materials…
Falling into water unexpectedly can be frightening, even if you’re a strong swimmer. You might slip from a riverbank, fall off a paddleboard, get caught by a wave or enter the water while walking beside a reservoir. Your first instinct may be to thrash about…
Checking the weather before heading outdoors is a simple habit that can make a big difference. A forecast can help you decide what to wear, what to pack and whether your planned activity is suitable for the conditions. You don’t need to understand complicated weather…
Having a fire outdoors can be one of the most enjoyable parts of camping, but the job isn’t finished when you stop cooking or decide you’re ready to leave. A fire that looks like it has gone out can still contain hot embers capable of…
Knowing when to ask for help is an important outdoor skill, but it is one that can easily be overlooked. When you’re exploring somewhere new, something doesn’t feel right or you simply don’t know what to do, speaking up can make a situation much easier…
Going outdoors should be an exciting experience. Whether you’re heading into a woodland, walking across the countryside, going camping or simply exploring a local park, a little knowledge about staying safe can make a big difference. Outdoor safety isn’t about being worried about everything that…
A thunderstorm can turn an enjoyable camping trip into a serious situation surprisingly quickly. The rain itself might not be the biggest problem. Lightning, sudden gusts of wind, falling branches and rapidly changing conditions can all make being outdoors hazardous. The good news is that…
A sharp knife is generally easier and more controlled to use than a blunt one, but sharpening is a skill in its own right. A blunt blade often encourages people to use more force, which can make slips more likely and makes simple camp tasks…
If you are somewhere with a mobile signal but cannot make a voice call to the emergency services, the UK’s Emergency SMS service can provide another way to contact 999. It can be particularly useful for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have…
