three deaths in four days in NZ Rivers

[wayno]

http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/Files/ ... ossing.pdf

7 December 2011
TRAMPER DEATH IN MT RICHMOND FOREST PARK HIGHLIGHTS DANGERS OF RIVER CROSSING The tragic death of an experienced tramper who drowned in the Mt Richmond Forest Park, highlights the need to take extreme caution when encountering rivers, especially on solo trips.
Drowning in New Zealand’s back-country is an ever-present risk when travelling through un-bridged areas but being aware of the dangers, learning the appropriate bushcraft and river safety skills plus planning and preparing well, can help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
“The dangers are greatly increased when heavy rainfall turns what was an ankle-deep stream into a raging torrent very quickly. Some rivers can also rise at great speed and with very little warning,” says the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council’s Bushcraft Programme Manager, Chris Owens.
“More often than not, water levels can also drop equally as quickly – so waiting, rather than crossing is often the best option and also allows a break for rest and sustenance. In severe cases it may be necessary to camp overnight night and wait for the river to drop,” added Mr Owens.
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council recommends considering these three questions when facing a river crossing situation:
1. Should we cross? If in doubt, stay out.
2. Where do we cross? The choice of the safest place to cross is vital. Try to view the river from a high bank. You may be able to see gravel spits or sandbanks just below the surface and get some idea of the depth and position of channels.
3. How do we cross? All river-crossing methods have their advantages and disadvantages and no method is absolutely safe, however the Mountain Safety Council recommends the mutual support method. The more people in the party, the more strength there is for crossing and for supporting anyone who slips or falls.
The Mountain Safety Council runs various courses across the country and also provides helpful resources, with the overall aim of people participating safely in land-based outdoor activity. A River Safety course, which covers river dynamics, river safety and river crossing methods, is available in many locations.
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In addition to the specific river crossing advice, all trampers, hunters and outdoors adventurers should get familiar with New Zealand’s Outdoor Safety Code and follow the five simple rules to help you plan and prepare for your outdoors activity.
The New Zealand Outdoor Safety Code
1. Plan your trip thoroughly
Seek local knowledge and plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.
2. Tell someone
Tell someone your plans VIA THE outdoors Intentions process and leave a date and time for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.
3. Be aware of the weather
New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes. Check track and hut conditions. Beware of rivers – if in doubt STAY OUT.
4. Know your limits
Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.
5. Take sufficient supplies
For more information please visit http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz or for more tips and advice or to complete your Outdoors Intentions please visit http://www.adventuresmart.org.nz
Ends: 403 words
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Notes to Editor:
Click below to download a high quality PDF of the Outdoor Safety Code to accompany this story:
http://www.adventuresmart.org.nz/resources/posters.asp
For further information regarding this media release or to arrange an interview please contact:
Chris Owens
Programme Manager, Bushcraft & Risk Management
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
Cell: 027 443 7557
Email: chris.owens@mountainsafety.org.nz
For general information regarding Mountain Safety Council and images please contact:
Andrea Hubbard
Marketing & Communications Manager
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
DDI: 04 915 9286
Email: andrea.hubbard@mountainsafety.org.nz

[Tony]

Hi Wayno,

Many thanks for posting that information.

We had a reminder about crossing flooded rivers and creeks in the Rees Valley just after crossing 25 Mile Creek, there is a plaque to two people who died while trying to cross 25 Mile Creek while in flood.

In 1975, I had a bad experience in New Zealand, we walked up to Hooker Hut in fine weather, on the way back the heavens opened, the little jump across side creeks became raging torrents, in those days I was ill prepared as my clothing and rain protection was not up to mountain conditions, 4 very wet and cold trampers just made it back to the car.

Even though this happened a long time ago this day is still very strong in my memory and I consider us lucky we made it.

Tony

[wayno]

yeah, those deaths were a mixture, two were overseas tourists taking a shortcut through a glacial river, too hard for them and they didnt make it.
the other incident was a very experienced tramper who underestimated a flooded river.
there was a fourth death in that week, another very seasoned tramper slipped and fell near the dragons teeth in Kahurangi park, (north west nelson)
doesn't matter how proficient you are in the outdoors, throw too much caution to the wind and the penalty can be extremely severe....
another incident involving an experiened tramper that came to mind was seddon bennington director of Te Papa who died in the Tararuas. he perished from hypothermia in a snow storm after being advised not to proceed above the bushline, he was found wearing eight layers of clothing, that wasnt enough to stop the cold from taking his life. the windchill was minus 20

[wayno]

someone I know who had a grampian coat said the material broke down after a while and would leak