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PREVENTION

In support of the National Search and Rescue Program, the National Search and Rescue Secretariat is pleased to provide you with this information piece, which can be used in your public education, outreach and prevention activities.

Outdoor prevention: the importance of hydration

By Kim Fauteux, NSS

Many people throughout Canada enjoy hiking and backpacking, and our country surely provides the green spaces to be able to do so. Outdoors enthusiasts usually ensure they have all the necessary items to be able to survive out on the trail or on the mountain. Nevertheless, some of them overlook what should be the number one item on the list: enough water per person to stay hydrated for the entire trip.

We need to ensure that our body will continue to function properly by keeping it hydrated, especially when in motion. Since 60 to 70% of our body mass is water, and water is also a main component of blood, it’s critical to replace the water we lose through bodily functions like sweat, and urine. Without enough water in our system, we are at serious risk of experiencing various unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening symptoms and conditions, such as heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, confusion and heat strokes.

Fill that water container

Most backpacks have a pouch made expressly for keeping water containers handy. Make sure that you fill that container before heading out, and that you take the opportunity to refill it anytime you can. Most people who get lost or face unexpected bad weather do not plan to be gone for an extended period of time. Sadly as we often read in the news, this happens on a regular basis, and water may not always be available nearby.

Since not all water is safe to drink, and finding a harmless supply of outdoor water isn’t easy, keeping our body hydrated on a trip can be a challenge. Pond or lake water often contains micro-organisms that can make you sick, and in some cases, may even lead to death. To make outdoor water suitable to drink, make sure you purchase iodine tablets and drop them in your water container. After 30 minutes, the iodine tablet will have done its magic, and the water will be safe to drink.

Drink often

We must remember that being hydrated is as important in cooler weather, as it is in warmer weather. Drinking every 15 minutes is a good way to ensure that our body will not get dehydrated. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Although thirst doesn’t always indicate a problem, it is one of the first signs of dehydration.

Keeping our body well hydrated when hiking or backpacking will ensure a more pleasant excursion and help prevent injuries. So make sure you pack an adequate water supply before heading out the door; it could very well make the difference between a fun time, or a miserable and painful experience.

Kim Fauteux is a Communications Officer at the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, and is also the editor of SARSCENE magazine.

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