Protect Yourself in the Great Outdoors

Vacations in nature top the escape list for many families, so it’s more important than ever to know how to protect yourself in the great outdoors. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted more Americans to spend time outside for their mental and physical well-being. While fresh air and nature provide health benefits, their popularity can bring its own problems.

As national and state parks, trails, forests and waterways reopen to full capacity, there are more rules – even for experienced woodsmen — than the classic adage: take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Practice Safety Tips in the Wild

The Recreate Responsibly initiative designed rules to ensure outdoor spaces remain open to the public through any public health crisis by providing clear, consistent guidance for use.

Rick DeLappe of Recreation.gov, a comprehensive resource for visitors to plan trips on federal land and water locations, says, “As locations begin to reopen and welcome visitors, we feel the Recreate Responsibly coalition is sending the right message at the right time to encourage everyone to safely enjoy our national treasures.”  

The following tips for families to protect themselves in the outdoors are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, state and local public health guidelines and recreation experts.  

1. Know Before You Go

Check the status of the place you want to visit. If it is closed, don’t go. If it’s crowded, have a plan B. 

“The idiom ‘be careful what you wish for’ is likely coming to roost for those of us who love to show off 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands,” explains Kathryn Sosbe, Office of Communication, USDA Forest Service. “We are learning that in a time when space is needed, you are finding solace and satisfaction in the great outdoors. Except, so is everyone else, which creates crowded trails and parking lots.”

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy team reminds visitors that safety measures include more closures of trail facilities like restrooms, water fountains and snack shops. Look for status updates about trail facilities before planning your outdoors adventure on RTC’s TrailLink website, a free trail-finder resource with information on more than 36,000 miles of trails nationwide.

2. Protect Yourself by Planning Ahead

Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch, carry extra water and have a face covering for everyone in the family. That goes for booking camping facilities which are reporting record demand this year.

Have your masks handy whenever you see others approaching and be sure to wear them as you pass on the trails if you cannot maintain a safe social distance. These safety precautions and common courtesies protect local communities and recreation staff as well as temporary visitors.

Many families also prefer to rent and use their own RV essentials and gear when camping.

3. Stay Close to Home, Save Fuel and the Environment

This may not be the time to travel long distances to recreate. 2020 and 2021 were the years of the staycation and numbers for 2022 have been close behind. Regardless of your plans, always refer to the latest public health and travel safety information at CDC.gov

4. Practice Physical Distancing

Adventure only with your immediate household. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space. If you are sick, stay home.  

“Healthy outdoor recreation activities like boating provide one of the safest atmospheres for Americans and their families to spend time relaxing and playing together,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

5. Play It Safe to Protect Yourself Outdoors

Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Due to labor shortages, search and rescue operations and health care resources are both strained.  

Adds Tracy Perry, director of the Forest Service’s Law Enforcement and Investigations, “Our national forests and grasslands continue to be a safe place to visit and recreate.” However, he suggests avoiding high-risk activities because first responders are overwhelmed and may not have the resources to respond to remote areas.

6. Leave No Trace

Respect public lands and communities and take all your garbage with you. That is truer now than ever before.

“Spending time outdoors has been important for many Americans during this public health crisis,” said Eric Artz, president and CEO of REI Co-op, leaders in outdoor recreation and sustainable travel since 1938.

“As our public lands and waters reopen, we’ll all benefit from clear, easy-to-follow guidance on how to recreate responsibly – whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a family heading to your local park,” Artz says. More of the coalition partners’ specific suggestions for different sports can be found online at RecreateResponsibly.org.

Now it’s time to get out there and have fun!