In the Safe Zone

In the same way as most people would feel safer standing next to a fence if they were in front of a steep waterfall, one could also assume that the same person would feel safer being next to a barrier, line or buoy which signals an area of dangerous waters.

However, defining a Safe Zone can be challenging. The most important resource in doing so is using a person familiar with the area - one who has been observing the area and its characteristics over time. One needs to take into account the seasonal variations in the waters and the weather conditions, and also recognising that we expect more extreme weather and climate conditions in the coming years. Another important factor is the historical travelling pattern of the third parties, and their expected changes to this. We can, for example, except changes in areas with construction of holiday homes, or if the local trekking association makes changes to the foot or pathways.