Table of Contents

risk management when camping

see also:

Introduction

  • as long as you are sensible, are aware of risks, and don't take stupid risks and stay away from others who would be drunk or stupid, then your realistically severe risks are mainly:
    • severe storms - these are lethal if flash flooding causing drownings or death from car accidents, falling trees or lightning
      • so don't go camping if severe storms are forecast and take car on the roads
    • drowning whilst swimming or boating - wear a life jacket on boats and when swimming if you are not a strong swimmer, and know the rip current signs at beaches or swim between the flags
    • getting lost or injured hiking - take a EPIRB radio beacon and some rain/cold/sun protection with enough water
    • burns from camp fires or boat fires - check gear, especially gas connections, don't get drunk around fires or when cooking, and take extra care
  • NB. far more people die in Australia from either holiday car accidents, drownings, falling trees in storms or lightning strikes than from snake bites so don't let a fear of snakes prevent you from enjoying a refreshing experience in nature - and if the insects and snakes are still a worry, camp in southern parts of Australia in winter
    • no-one dies from spiders in Victoria - allergic reactions to bees or ant stings are a risk though.
    • most people who die from falling trees or branches are in suburban areas rather than camping as that is where most people are.

Research BEFORE you go

  • 90% of search and rescue efforts are for day hikers - be prepared even for short hikes!
  • most deaths in hiking and camping are due to falling from waterfalls or cliff edges or drowning - an Instagram pic is not worth the risks!
    • other deaths are mainly from trees or tree branches falling, very few are from snake bites or other animal injuries
    • in Victoria, you are far more likely to be killed by people you know or in urban areas (especially where substance abuse issues are rife) rather than by predators in the bush - these are thankfully rare but you must still use your judgement and avoid high risk scenarios

The human factor

Camp site risks

Equipment failure

The weather

strong winds

alpine influences

convection lightning storms

cold fronts

low pressure systems

really hot days 35-45deg C

very cold nights

Animal life

  • fortunately in Australia there are no real predators which will attack you hiking - unlike north America with their male predatory black bears and cougars
    • that said, if you get too close to Australian wildlife, they may try to defend themselves and most have sharp dirty claws - do NOT feed or try to pat wildlife!
  • many insects are attracted to light, a phenomenon called positive phototaxis, the good news is that most cannot see our visible red light in the range of 600-740nm so use orange/red lights when camping
  • of course, other insects such as mosquitoes are attracted to high levels of CO2 (your exhaled air) and skin odours so an orange/red light will not suffice for these

Australian snakes

goannas (lace monitors)

dingos

wombats

bats and flying foxes

hairy caterpillars

Trees and other plants

sudden limb drop

stinging plants

Additional factors at lakes and rivers

  • water treatments such as chemical sterilisation, boiling, filtration and UV sterilisation will NOT decontaminate the water of the blue-green algae toxins and thus the water cannot be readily made potable! These toxins may have many effects such as destroying your liver.
  • water that is over 28degC with dirt and no chlorine may harbor lethal amoeba Naegleria fowleri that causes a 99% fatal amoebic meningitis - avoid swimming in at risk waters, or at least avoid water going up your nose
    • cases are RARE - usually only 1 or so every decade - you are at far higher risk of drowning - but worth being aware of the risk!
    • not usually a problem in Victoria other than in thermal pools, although the Murray River can hit 28degC in late Jan/early Feb
    • cases have occurred in Drakesbrook Weir, WA south of Perth 6) as well as in Qld

Additional factors taking young and even not so young kids

Additional factors taking dogs

Additional factors in the tropics

  • its hot and humid BUT swimming is generally only advised in the tropics in some fresh water streams and in swimming pools
    • lethal jellyfish are a major risk in sea water in summer and crocs can be a major risk all year in estuaries and beaches
    • there is NO surfing in tropical Australia that I am aware of!
    • obey warning signs - there is a particular drowning risk due to a peculiar water current and boulder formations in the popular Mossman Gorge, Nth Qld 7)
  • avoid going to the tropics in summer months (Dec-Apr) unless you really love hot, humid conditions with lots of heavy rain and severe lightning storms
    • roads are often cut due to flooding of river crossings or general damage from rains - so you may not be able to get to those magical waterfalls, and worse, you may get stranded in a remote area and survival will be your challenge
    • lethal jellyfish are a major issue in summer - you won't see them coming!
    • mosquitoes may transmit Dengue fever especially around Cairns
    • sandflies tend to be more problematic
    • mould grows a LOT faster in hot humid weather and it can be hard to dry your gear out
    • heat illness - it is nearly always hot and humid which leads to heat stress and difficulty cooling down - stay hydrated and take care!
    • fungal rashes from sweaty skin - especially in the groin area
    • heat rashes
    • melioidosis is rare, mainly affecting those in poor health, and mainly acquired in the wet season via muddy waters contacting cuts or skin sores, or from drinking or inhaling aerosols of contaminated water
      • it is a bacterial infection and people can get sick a few days to many years later, treatment is at least a 3 month course of strong antibiotic.
    • you probably won't be able to get out to the islands for snorkeling and scuba diving
    • cyclones may destroy your travel plans