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PREVENTION

What 's your sign?

By Jacqui Banach, NSS

I firmly believe that people spend more time checking their astrology forecast than they do looking at trail signs, and while one may guide the way you live your life, the other may just save it!

Take for example, the number of skiers each year who go out of bounds. Whether for extreme skiing, on a dare, and occasionally by mistake, many recreationalists disregard the "closed/ out of bounds" signs and end up in dangerous situations.

Photo Credit: Parks Canada – Brad White

And what about those who climb over safety barriers in their quest for the perfect picture? While standing on a rocky outcrop in the midst of swirling water, leaning out over an escarpment for the perfect photo moment, or feeding the wildlife in a national park, they are often only thinking of the potential reward: a great photo, a memorable experience, an encounter with nature. They are definitely not thinking about the potential for drowning, falling over the edge of the escarpment, or being the victim of an animal attack. All clearly identified hazards, too often disregarded. As any SAR responder will tell you the results can be, well, disastrous.

So why do so many people do it? People enjoy taking risks. For many, there is a sense that ignoring a warning sign may bring them greater enjoyment or excitement in an activity.

Based on these all too familiar examples, it is safe to say that signage alone is not a deterrent for those seeking adventure or a once in a lifetime experience. So what does it take to change people's behaviours? How can individuals be encouraged to take greater responsibility for their actions and pay more attention to posted signage to avoid consequences?

While a combination of regulation, education and enforcement may be the most effective approach to encouraging visitors to pay attention to signage, it may not always be economical or feasible in all locations. Increasing awareness and individual responsibility for safety is therefore paramount. The reality is that to increase an individual's desire to follow signage, they must be made aware of – and understand – the very real risks and dangers involved in their behaviours, and become personally engaged in taking responsibility for their own safety. This is something that everyone can undertake and which can have a direct impact on the effectiveness of signage.

Audiences will vary from location to location – a visitor to a historical site in Nova Scotia will not require the same safety and signage education and awareness as a back-country hiker in the Rockies. While the outreach tools and activities may change, experts agree that education and engagement are key to changing behaviours.

With a commitment to improving awareness, everyone will benefit from the results through improved attention to signage, fewer accidents, and perhaps most importantly a reduction in SAR events.

Want to learn more?

There are many ways to reach your audience. Choosing the right audience is as important as having the right message. This year's SARscene conference offers information sessions on identifying your audience and improving signage awareness through the development of effective education and engagement programs. Visit www.sarscene.ca for tips and techniques on reaching those you want to influence.

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