Safety Advice

This advice has been gathered from a series of publications, which is recognised as best practice for mountainous walking, and has been adapted to reflect the local conditions of the Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca Mountain Safety

The first step to a successful and safe day in the mountains is to do some planning, which will be the foundation for your mountain & hill walking safety. The advice set out below is both relevant for those walking as part of the CBMW programme of walks, individual using our website ‘Walks in Spain’ or groups out on their own.  The level of planning required depends on lots of factors, including; weather forecast, experience, the intended route, etc. Plan for the best; taking the right kit, food, and know your limits. You need to think about these factors whether you’re doing a short walk up some hills, or tackling an iconic peak.

Think also for a situation whereby something may not go to plan, and in the worst case you need to be rescued from the mountain. That may sound excessive, but some basic information left with someone, containing basic details of your route and fellow walkers, can reduce the time taken for emergency services to deal with a situation, should one arise. No one goes out for a day’s walking with the intention of being rescued, but it happens. Be prepared.

Considerations for the Day

Experience & Limits Recognise that everyone has their limits and plan a route that’s appropriate for the experience, fitness and skills of the whole group. Planning a hill walking route that’s too demanding for the group can put people’s safety at risk. Mountains have demands that people may not be used to. If you are walking as part of the CBMW walking programme, make sure you are conversant with the grades and if you are unsure always take the easier option so that you can enjoy the walk and be safe and the others in the group are not required to support a walker who is unable to complete the walk that is planned.
The route Plan your route and write it down. Check whether it is appropriate for you and all members of the group, given weather forecast, distance, fitness etc. Also take account of any access restrictions, and whether you are allowed there in the first place. Once you’ve written down the route, give it to a designated Emergency Point of Contact (EPOC), Remember to contact the EPOC on your return to avoid any unnecessary call outs or worries.
Weather The weather can play a huge part in the day’s success and your safety on the mountain. Check the forecast and be realistic about whether the intended route is appropriate given the forecast. Temperature drops as you get higher, it rains more and winds become much stronger, leading to wind chill. Hot weather as well as poor weather conditions are a major contributing factor to mountain rescues, as those conditions catch out those who have not planned for their mountain & hill walking safety.
Emergency procedures If things go bad, you need to have a plan, and that plan should be prepared before you leave home. Know how to call for help and what information you should leave with a designated Emergency Point of Contact (EPOC). Also consider how you will call for help in remote areas where there’s no mobile signal. If things go wrong and your need to be rescued off the mountain, your plans left with your EPOC will be important information for the emergency services.
Hypothermia Hypothermia is brought about by cold & wet conditions, physical exertion and insufficient calories for the exercise, leading to exhaustion. This can occur in the Costa Blanca and you must not underestimate the severity of such a situation. Everyone should know about hypothermia and understand the symptoms, as it can kill. People’s safety on the hill will be put at risk if hypothermia is not understood.
Clothing Your clothing on the hill needs to keep you warm dry and protected from the sun. Carry enough, but not too much that it will slow you down.
Essential kit Aside from clothing there are some other items of kit that you most not be without, which include: map & compass, survival bag and a torch – even in summer. These items are of primary importance when planning your day and safety considerations for the mountain.
Food & Drink You’ll use more energy walking up a hill than sitting watching TV, thus you need to take food appropriate to the route and energy requirements, and carry sufficient water for the day (or have planned where you’ll fill-up en route). Some people in the group may have little idea about the types of food that are best for ‘hill energy’. A contributing factor to hypothermia is having insufficient calorie intake. Do not under estimate the correct choice of food for your safety in the mountains.
Navigation Once you leave the comfort of the car park and valley, there are limited or no sign posts in the mountains. This means that you have to be competent at navigating to your destination and back to safety off the mountain.
First aid Always have a first aid kit within the group, which will allow you to deal with small situations. Consider a first aid course, specifically one that deals with mountain & hill situations, so that you are prepared to deal with common medical conditions together with life threatening situations that you may encounter.
Hazards Your safety on the mountain can be put at risk if you’ve not properly considered the likely hazards that could be encountered on your intended route, including: steep ground, screes, river/baranco crossings and mountain ridges.

Incidents do happen and it is prudent to take account of the advice offered above.  Should you wish to read about two recent incidents then these are attached in the form of two case studies.  Click HERE