Safety/Adventure Smart

Planning an adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria? There’s lots to discover, from mountain walks to coastal cycle paths. We know you’re raring to go but before you do, let’s talk safety. After all, nothing will spoil your visit more than going home in worse shape than when you arrived!

Being prepared and taking the appropriate safety precautions are key to enjoying your visit. Read on for our top tips on staying safe and having fun in the Lake District, Cumbria.  

Before you go

Before you head out on your adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria, ask yourself three ‘Adventure Smart’ questions:

1. Do I have the right gear?
2. Do I know what the weather will be like?
3. Am I confident that I have the knowledge and skills for the day?

Answered yes to all three? Sounds like you’re well prepared and ready to go! Take care and enjoy your adventure.

Feeling unsure, or answered no to any of the above? It’s time to pause and make sure you’re feeling confident and ready for your day out.

1. Gear

Making sure that you have the right gear is crucial in helping you to stay safe. We’re not talking about expensive equipment - you don’t need to spend much at all. 

The gear you need will depend on your chosen activity, but generally speaking it should keep you warm and dry; and should fit well.

Don’t forget to take enough food and drink; any safety equipment you may need; and a fully charged mobile phone.

2. Weather

If there’s one thing we love to talk about, it’s the weather! It’s important to know what conditions are going to be like before you set off on your adventure. Check the forecast and prepare accordingly. 

That said, we’re no strangers to unpredictable weather in the UK, so be prepared in case of a change in conditions.

And remember: it’s OK to change your plans if the weather doesn’t look to be on your side. Our mountains and waters will always be here for you another time. If in doubt, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

3. Knowledge & Skills

In a nutshell: be realistic about what you feel comfortable tackling. Sure, it’s great to push yourself, but if you’ve never hiked up a mountain before, why not try one of our lower level hills and Wainwrights instead of heading straight for Scafell Pike? They can offer equally stunning views alongside well signposted paths.

If you’d like to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone, or want to try something new, we’ve got some fantastic guides who can help you do so safely. They also know the best spots to take a photo!

Top Tip: We’d always recommend going with at least one other person but if you do plan on going it alone, make sure to be well prepared with the right equipment, and let someone know where you’re going and what time you plan to be back.

Outdoor Activities: Staying Safe

There’s a plethora of activities to enjoy in the Lake District, Cumbria - each of which come with their own safety considerations. Check out our guide to staying safe when taking part in a few of our most popular outdoor pursuits below; and take a look at the Adventure Smart website for more guidance.
 

In an emergency

It’s always good to know what to do if you have an accident and/or find yourself needing urgent help.

• Make an note of all relevant details, including location, your mobile phone number, name/age/gender of the casualty, type of emergency, and number of people in your group.
• Dial 999 or 112 and ask for ‘Cumbria Police’ then ‘Mountain Rescue’.
• Do not move your position until contacted by the Mountain Rescue team.
• An emergency SMS service is also available. Text 999 and send ‘Police’ followed by details of the incident and your location.
• Ensure location services and mobile data / internet are enabled on your phone
• The distress signal is six quick blasts of your whistle (or six torch flashes at night), wait for one minute, then repeat the signal. Keep going until someone reaches you.

More advice is available from the Lake District Search & Mountain Rescue Association.
 

Climbing & Scrambling
 

• Make sure you have the right equipment. Depending on your chosen activity, this means everything from waterproofs, decent boots and a reputable Lake District scrambling guide to rope and a harness.
• If you’re scrambling you’re most likely going to be on someone else’s land. Access varies so be sure to check with landowners before setting out.
• These activities do carry a risk, so please research your day carefully and make adequate provisions. Best of all, consider going out with an experienced guide.
• Nobody plans for an accident to happen, but it helps to be prepared if they do. Make sure you have first aid provisions for yourself and your party and know what to do in case of an emergency.
   

Pool Jumping

Pool jumping is very popular, but it can be extremely dangerous. Before you shout ‘yippee-kay-yay’, you should:

• Inspect the pool for depth, submerged rocks or other objects.
• Consider other entrapment risks and the dangers of unknown undertows. 
• Remember that the higher the jump the faster - and deeper - the fall. High jumps are also tougher to control, and any miscalculation could be very dangerous and result in injury. 
• Jumping into cold water can result in shock (particularly on a hot day) and should never be done under the influence of alcohol.

Please think very carefully, and assess the risks properly, before attempting an unsupervised pool jump.

Watersports
 

Heading for the water? We’ve got plenty of great places to enjoy watersports across the Lake District, Cumbria. As well as having fun, staying safe is incredibly important.

Wild Swimming

When swimming in the open waters of the Lake District, Cumbria, it’s important to remember that you are responsible for your own safety and should be aware of your limitations. Even experienced pool swimmers tire much more quickly in open water. Here are a few things to be aware of:

• Swim close to and along the shoreline.
• Make sure you have the right gear. This includes a fully functioning buoyancy aid; a wetsuit if needed; a bright hat; and a tow float. 
• Notify someone of your planned route and expected return time.
• Swim with a buddy or group and use a support boat where possible.
• Check for obstacles and depth of water before jumping or diving in.
• Never swim after drinking alcohol or eating a heavy meal.
• Check wind and weather conditions before planning an open water swim.
• Don't swim across ferry routes, busy sailing areas or near ferry jetties. Swimmers are not expected in the water and may not be seen.
• There are plenty of organised swims, local guides, and outdoor activity centres where you can give it a go.
• Lake rescue & emergency services are available by calling 999.
• Remember: ‘Float to Live’. If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, guidance is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, and move your hands to help you stay afloat. Once your breathing is under control, you can call for help or swim to safety.

With the right precautions open water swimming can be great fun but, like any outdoor activity, it has its risks. Some common ones, and what to do, are:

• Cramps: Relax, lie back and gently paddle to shore.
• Cold Water Shock: Enter the water slowly, allowing your body to adapt gradually. If you find yourself experiencing this after entering the water unexpectedly, Float to Live.
• Hypothermia: Swimming in cold water causes a rapid decline in your body temperature. Uncontrollable shivering and chattering teeth are a sign to get out and get warm.
• Weeds: Be careful not to get entangled in weeds and never dive into them. They are usually clearly visible and easily avoided.
• Blue Green Algae: Bright algal blooms may form in certain lakes following prolonged warm weather. Blue Green Algae may cause a rash or sickness. Take note of local warning signs and check the Environment Agency website for algae warnings.
• Weather: A change in the weather can dramatically alter swimming conditions. Check the forecast before getting in the water and be prepared should it change.

Remember: All swimmers swim entirely at their own risk. There are no lifeguards provided for safety in open water.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
 

SUP has become more popular in recent years, and our lakes and waters are a great place to enjoy it. However, it’s important to stay safe when giving it ago. Here are a few tips to be aware of:

• Make sure to wear a buoyancy aid and a leash attached to your paddleboard.
• Wear a wetsuit and think about packing a windproof jacket too.
• Take a fully charged mobile phone, stored in a waterproof pouch and kept somewhere easily accessible.
• Avoid going out alone, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
• Never done it before? Take a lesson at a local activity centre first.
• Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Always be prepared for any unexpected changes in conditions.
• Be aware of other water users, and avoid ferry routes, busy sailing areas or near ferry jetties.
• The AdventureSmart group has produced a special video full of great advice and tips to help keep you safe whilst stand-up paddleboarding. Check out the video here.

Other Watersports

There are many great watersports to enjoy in the Lake District, Cumbria, including kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. Watersports centres offer lessons and equipment hire, and are a great place to start.

Cycling

Cycling in The Lake District, Cumbria, is fun but does require respect. Anyone considering taking to the road and hills should consider the following helpful hints.

• Plan your route carefully. Consider distance and difficulty; be realistic about your own and your group’s abilities; and be aware of daylight hours to avoid getting caught out in the dark.
• Check you have all the appropriate maps (we advise you not to rely on route descriptions and basic maps) and are aware of what lies ahead.
• Let someone know where you’re going and what time you plan to return. Make sure to check in when you get back!
• Make contingency plans: have a shorter route in mind if you or one of your party tires sooner than expected, or the weather turns bad. Always check the forecast before you set off.
• Have the right equipment: take a compass, whistle, torch, first aid kit, survival bag, bike repair kit and fully charged mobile phone. Wear layers that you can adjust according to the conditions. Always wear a helmet, and make sure your bike is fully prepared.
• Allow time for breaks - everyone needs to eat and drink! Pack energy boosting food like chocolate or dried fruit and take plenty of fluids.
• Be aware of loose surfaces and dismount if doubtful.

The Lake District National Park Authority offer some great advice to mountain bikers, including the following: 

• Brake smoothly and progressively to avoid surface damage
• Never forget that the countryside is the farmers' workplace - please respect it.
• Keep to bridleways and byways - you have no right to cycle on footpaths. The relevant OS map will help you plan your route.
• Avoid 'bunching up' and disturbing others when riding in a group.
• Make sure you're equipped for the mountains.
• Give fair warning when approaching others.
• Give way to horses and slow right down for walkers.
• Be pleasant to other countryside users and they'll be pleasant to you.
• As a cyclist you are not allowed on open and common land.
• Follow the Country Code.

Lake District Search And Mountain Rescue Association

The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA) comprises twelve teams across Cumbria and the Lake District. Run by volunteers, LDSAMRA do a fantastic job of providing Search and Rescue services across The Lake District, 365 days a year.

There are over 400 team members across the region and the teams deal with hundreds of incidents every year.

The twelve member teams include Cockermouth, Coniston, Duddon and Furness, Kendal, Keswick, Kirkby Stephen, Langdale Ambleside, Patterdale, Penrith and Wasdale MRTs plus COMRU (Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit) and LDMRSD (Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs).

Find out more about LDSAMRA

View Latest LDSAMRA leaflet