Summer in the Overberg is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. The sun is shining and there are tons of hiking trails and walking routes to choose from while you spend time with friends and loved ones.
“Staying safe while exercising and enjoying the outdoors is easy,” says Fidelity Service’s group head of marketing & communications, Charnel Hattingh.
“We hope that by following this step-by-step guide you will be able to focus all your attention on your enjoyment of the natural beauty of the Overberg wherever you are.
“Carry some ID or some form of identification on you, so any bystanders will know who you are and whom to contact in case of an emergency. Most exercise gear has small pockets for this very reason.” . Safety in numbers – Hattingh strongly discourages running or cycling alone. Rather join a group of people who can look out for your safety and offer encouragement along the way when muscle pain or cramps set in.. Tell someone – Another good idea is to ensure someone you trust knows you are headed out for a run or cycle and has an idea of the route you plan to take and when you expect you will return. In this way, they can quickly raise the alarm if you do not return as planned.. Be visible – Wear reflective clothing to make sure you are visible to other road users. Run against traffic and cycle with traffic. This makes you even more visible to others. If you can, make use of pavements or any designated cycle tracks.. Vary your routine – Changing up your route and training time makes it difficult for any would-be criminal to anticipate your movements. The change in scenery can also make the physical exertion more bearable.. Charge your phone battery – Make sure your cellphone battery is fully charged so you can call for help in case of an emergency. It is also important to save the correct emergency contact numbers on your phone so you can quickly contact the police, your security company or neighbourhood watch when you need them.. Mobile tracking – Find out from your security company if they offer a mobile tracking app that can be downloaded on your cellphone. This is an effective way of alerting emergency service providers when you need them while also giving them your accurate location, especially if you are running or hiking along a mountain path or in a forest.