Lost in the Woods

Let's say you're hiking in the wilderness whether in Canada or abroad.

Going along the trail coming back from some distant peak.

You stop to look at the scenery or pick up a rock. You look back up and your group is gone. You run farther up the trail and they're nowhere to be found.

You yell but there is no answer. You go farther up the trail to a fork but can't remember which route to take. So you guess. It turns out, you are lost. What do you do?

•  Stay Together, DO NOT Separate - if with a friend or pet.

•  Stay in one place or area. DO NOT WANDER!

•  Keep Warm.

•  Find a Cozy Waiting Place, Not a Hiding Place.

•  Put Out Something Bright.

•  Look Bigger For Searchers.

If possible, your waiting place should be near an open space. When you hear someone coming, move to the middle of the clearing and call. Do Not Run in the direction of the noise. If it is an aircraft you heard, lie down so the pilot has a bigger target to look at. Then wave with both your arms and legs, like making an angel in the snow. Stand up immediately after the aircraft has passed, as the ground can be very cold.

•  Do Not Lie on the Bare Ground.

Laying on the cold ground for a very short period of time, attracting attention, is OK. Being in direct contact with the ground for any length of time is dangerous. The cold ground can rob precious body heat from you.

•  Do Not Eat Anything you are not sure of.

•  Stay Away from Large Rivers and Lakes.

You must have drinking water to survive, but be careful where you get it from. Do Not go near any large bodies of water. Instead, drink from a water supply that is smaller than you are, so you can not fall in. Another source of water can be found on leaves in the form of dew

If you are going off road or off the beaten path having a compass or gps can make a great difference between an unpleasant experience and a fun vacation.

The global position satellite receivers now are much more affordable and easy to use. They of course have their limits so training in a little orienteering is always a good back-up plan.

After all when a battery falls out or device break- your best back up device is still your brain.

There are several groups in Winnipeg giving outdoor education seminars throughout the year.