Читать книгу Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Western Region онлайн

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USE THE PORTAGES: Do not run rapids unless you are confident you can do it safely, and only after you have scouted them. Remember that water levels change considerably during the summer months. Rapids that may have been perfectly safe to run during your last trip in August could be a dangerous, raging torrent during your next trip in June (or vice versa). Canoeing mishaps occur every summer in the Boundary Waters. Some result in drowning. Many result in damaged canoes. Most result in spoiled trips, lost equipment, and hard feelings.

CARRY A GOOD FIRST-AID KIT AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT: See to it that every member of your group knows CPR. Be alert for hypothermia, especially when any member of your group becomes wet. Once again, a safety class from an organization like the American Red Cross is worth the time and money.

IF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OCCURS: Send someone for help immediately, or use a heavy smoke signal to attract a Forest Service patrol plane. If you have a cellular phone with you, use it to get help only if an accident is life threatening. (Note: don’t rely on cell phone coverage in the BWCAW and check with your service provider before even considering bringing the cell phone with you.) In your haste to send for help, keep everyone calm and remember that campsite numbers are often painted on the latrines of most campsites. Make sure the person going for help has an accurate understanding of your location and the extent of the injury so that the appropriate rescue resources can respond without delays caused by lack of information. Evacuation by plane or other motorized vehicle is approved only when there are no other options available and a person needs the immediate services of a doctor. The local county sheriff authorizes all emergency searches, rescues, and evacuations, but the Forest Service must authorize motorized entry for that search, rescue, or evacuation.