Safety doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Most of staying safe during your challenge comes down to being prepared, staying alert, and using common sense. You don’t need to be a professional to keep your group safe, just thoughtful and responsible.
Before you set off: preparations
Know your route
- Walk or drive the entire route beforehand, ideally a few times
- Note any potential hazards like busy roads, steep drops, or difficult terrain
- Check that mobile phone signal works along the route
- Identify landmarks and decision points where you might need to regroup
- Have backup routes planned in case your original plan doesn’t work
Check the weather
- Monitor forecasts in the week leading up to your event
- Have alternatives planned for genuinely dangerous weather
- Be prepared to postpone rather than take risks
- Make sure everyone knows how weather might affect plans
Prepare your group
- Make sure everyone understands the basic safety expectations
- Check that people have appropriate clothing and footwear
- Ensure someone has basic first aid knowledge
- Have emergency contact details for all participants
During the challenge: staying alert
Keep the group together
- Have designated leaders at the front and back of walking groups
- Do regular headcounts, especially after rest breaks or difficult sections
- Establish clear signals for stopping, regrouping, or getting attention
- Plan for different walking speeds and abilities
Watch out for each other
Train everyone to:
- Keep an eye on the people around them
- Speak up if they notice someone struggling or falling behind
- Report hazards or problems to the group leaders
- Help each other with practical challenges like difficult terrain
Communication systems
- Make sure key people have each other’s mobile numbers
- Have a simple way to get everyone’s attention (whistle, loud voice)
- Establish what to do if someone gets separated from the group
- Plan for areas with poor mobile signal
Managing different types of risks
Walking and terrain hazards
Common sense approaches:
- Take care on steep, slippery, or uneven ground
- Test footing before committing weight, especially on muddy slopes
- Help each other over difficult obstacles or challenging terrain
- Slow down in areas where falls could be more serious
- Use walking sticks or support from others when needed
Weather and environmental safety
- Seek shelter if weather becomes genuinely dangerous
- Monitor the group for signs of getting too cold or overheated
- Be aware of changing light conditions, especially in winter months
- Watch for environmental hazards like flooding or ice
Group dynamics and behaviour
- Address competitive behaviour that might lead to unsafe risk-taking
- Stop bullying or peer pressure that could push people beyond safe limits
- Help quieter participants feel included and monitored
- Intervene if anyone is encouraging others to take unnecessary risks
Emergency planning
Basic emergency procedures
Know how to:
- Contact emergency services (999) and what information they’ll need
- Give clear location information to emergency responders
- Provide basic first aid for common injuries
- Keep the group calm and organised during emergencies
- Communicate with families if serious incidents occur
What information to have ready
Keep easily accessible:
- Emergency contact details for all participants
- Location information that emergency services can understand
- Basic medical information for participants with health conditions
- Contact details for venues or facilities you’re using
Emergency kit basics
Have available:
- First aid supplies appropriate for outdoor activities
- Emergency contact lists and participant medical information
- Mobile phone with emergency numbers programmed in
- Basic shelter materials (emergency blankets, etc.)
- Emergency food and water beyond normal supplies
Working with venues and facilities
Ask the right questions
When using external facilities:
- What are their emergency procedures?
- Where are the nearest hospitals or emergency services?
- What safety equipment do they provide?
- Are their staff trained in relevant first aid?
- What are their weather or safety cancellation policies?
Understand the arrangements
Make sure you’re clear about:
- What safety responsibilities are theirs versus yours
- How to get help quickly if needed
- What insurance coverage applies
- How to communicate safety concerns to their staff
Special safety considerations
Fasting participants
People who are fasting need extra attention for:
- Signs of dehydration or low blood sugar
- Dizziness or confusion that could affect their safety
- Reduced ability to recover from physical challenges
- Need for immediate nutrition if medical situation arises
Modest dress considerations
Help participants balance modesty with safety:
- Ensure clothing doesn’t create additional safety hazards (tripping, snagging)
- Plan for clothing that might become unsafe when wet or muddy
- Have procedures for necessary clothing adjustments in emergency situations
- Respect religious requirements while maintaining safety standards
Mixed ability groups
When your group includes different ages or fitness levels:
- Plan activities that work safely for your full range of participants
- Provide additional support and supervision for those who need it
- Create alternative options that maintain inclusion without compromising safety
- Monitor more vulnerable participants more closely
When things go wrong
Stay calm
- Take a deep breath and assess the situation before reacting
- Keep the rest of the group calm and organised
- Deal with immediate safety first, then worry about other concerns
- Remember that most incidents are manageable with thoughtful response
Get help when you need it
- Don’t try to handle serious injuries or medical emergencies yourself
- Call professional help early rather than hoping problems will resolve
- Keep someone with an injured person while others coordinate response
- Provide clear, accurate information to emergency responders
Document incidents
After any significant incident:
- Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your memory
- Note any lessons learned for future events
- Follow up with affected participants to ensure they’re okay
- Review your safety procedures and make improvements
Building safety awareness
Include participants in safety planning
- Explain the main safety considerations they should be aware of
- Teach basic skills like how to help someone who’s fallen or feeling faint
- Encourage personal responsibility alongside group safety
- Create a culture where speaking up about safety concerns is valued
Learn from experience
After each event:
- Discuss with your team what worked well and what could be improved
- Ask participants about safety concerns or suggestions
- Update your procedures based on what you learned
- Share lessons with other community groups organising similar events
For different group sizes
Family and friends (up to 10 people)
- Keep safety planning simple but thorough
- Make sure at least one person has basic first aid knowledge
- Focus on the specific needs and abilities of your particular group
- Have emergency contacts readily available
Community groups (20+ people)
- Designate specific people for safety monitoring and first aid
- Have clearer communication systems and emergency procedures
- Consider the logistics of managing larger groups in emergency situations
- Ensure multiple people understand the safety planning
Larger events (40+)
- Have formal safety roles and responsibilities
- Consider professional first aid coverage
- Develop more detailed emergency procedures and communication plans
- Ensure adequate supervision ratios for your activities
The goal of safety planning isn’t to eliminate all possible risks; that would make your challenge impossible and meaningless. Instead, it’s about being prepared, staying alert, and responding appropriately when issues arise.
When participants feel confident about safety arrangements, they can focus on the meaningful aspects of the challenge rather than worrying about whether you know what you’re doing.
Good safety planning actually enhances the experience by creating the secure foundation that allows real learning and growth to happen.