The following is the first in a series of Rescue Watch columns on how to stay safe outdoors, presented by Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue.
Fall is a great time to get outdoors in the crunchy leaves and autumn glow.
It’s also getting cooler and wetter outside.
One of the most important ways to stay safe and have fun this season is to layer your clothing.
Dressing in layers helps you regulate your body temperature and makes it easy to adjust to sudden changes in the weather.
That means you’ll be comfortable: you can pull that sweater off on the uphills and throw on your rain jacket when it starts to come down.
Layering also makes you safer. You’re less likely to be caught unprepared by unexpected changes in temperature and precipitation. If you end up staying outside longer than you anticipated, you’ll be more prepared to keep yourself warm and dry until you can get back inside.
The three basic layers you need are:
1. Base layer: sits closest to your skin and pulls sweat away from your body.
2. Middle layer: holds your body heat to keep you warm.
3. Outer layer: protects you from rain and wind.
You don’t have to wear all three layers when you head out. Just pack them along with you and you’ll be prepared. Remember, you can always remove layers if it gets warm, but you can’t wear something that you didn’t bring with you.
See you outside!