Supporting AdventureSmartUK

As a group of hospitality businesses located in Bowness on Windermere in the Lake District, we at Hargreaves Enterprises are proud to support the AdventureSmart campaign. We hope this campaign we'll help raise awareness of the importance of being AdventureSmart and to promote safe and responsible participation of outdoor activities in the Lake District and beyond.

AdventureSmart works across the UK to educate people to be better prepared when they head outdoors, whether they are going on a short walk or embarking on a more challenging adventure. The campaign provides valuable information on how to stay safe and avoid accidents, as well as offering practical advice on what to bring and what to do in an emergency. By doing this they hope it will help prevent the increasing call outs that the mountain rescue teams across the UK are experiencing and this especially true in the Lake District.

If you're new to the outdoors they offer this helpful checklist, please have a read below.

Plan for a great day

• Know where you are going – carry a map/chart and compass and know how to use them

• Keep your energy levels up – carry food and drink

• Make sure your mobile is charged – but don’t rely on it for navigation and communication

• Apply sun cream, wear a sun hat

• Keep in touch – make sure you carry an appropriate means of calling for help should you need to

• Know where you’re going – choose a suitable route and allow enough time

• Check the latest weather and ground conditions before you set off – take advice, only attempt a route if the conditions are within you and your companions’ capabilities

• Plan your passage – check if there are any hazards or navigational risks that you should avoid

• Be sure you have a means of calling the coastguard and can indicate where you are to a rescuer should you need to

• If it has a kill cord use it!

• Check the latest weather forecast before setting out to sea or on the river

• Regularly monitor coastguard maritime safety information broadcasts for updates while at sea

• Check the anticipated currents and tidal predictions for your trip and make sure they fit with what you’re planning to do

• Let someone ashore know your plan and make sure they know what to do if they become concerned for your safety

• Make sure that everyone on board, or in your group, knows where the safety equipment is stowed and how to use it

• If open water swimming, where possible, use an organised venue with safety crew and follow their guidance

• Make sure you have permission to swim at your chosen spot

• When open water swimming, make sure you can get out at the same point at which you enter the water or somewhere near

• When open water swimming try to have a buddy with you.  If swimming alone make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are due back so that they can call for help if you don’t return on time

• Remember other water users may not be able to see you when open water swimming; wear a high vis cap

• Don’t swim near locks & weirs.  If a sign says no swimming and/or danger, don’t swim there

• When open water swimming, avoid swans, especially during the nesting season

• Don’t swim in stagnant water

• Check the tide times before swimming in the sea or in estuarine waters

• Before open water swimming cover cuts and abrasions, however minor, with sticking plasters.  Don’t swim if you have deep cuts

• When open water swimming, carry a floating dry bag containing a charged mobile in a waterproof case

As a business situate in the hub of the Lake District, we have a unique responsibility to help spread the word where it happens. We are answering his call to action through raising awareness in multiple ways. Such as through our website, social media channels, regularly re-sharing AdventureSmart content including safety tips, equipment and checklists. As well as one off events that we may host to raise funds for the campaign. By doing this we hope to inspire our followers to be better prepared when they head outdoors and to take safety seriously.

To conclude, we support the AdventureSmart UK campaign and it is a natural fit for our business and values. We are committed to promoting safety and responsibility when it comes to outdoor activities, and we believe that the AdventureSmart UK campaign is an essential resource for anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors safely. We will continue to support the program in any way we can and encourage others to do the same.

Learn more about being AdventureSmart:

https://www.adventuresmart.uk/