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Autumn is a perfect season for people to take part in various mountaineering activities. But, while enjoying the pleasure of hiking, people should take heed of their personal safety.
To enhance public awareness of mountaineering safety, the Civil Aid Service (CAS) will hold Mountaineering Safety Promotion Day 2007 from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday (September 23) at CAS headquarters. Admission is free.
Advanced mountaineering instruments and systems, climbing techniques and search and rescue skills will be showcased. The application of digital map and global positioning system, the use of night vision equipment and computerised weather map will also be on display.
People can take part in a variety of interactive activities including abseiling, knots practice, sport climbing and orienteering.
A variety of safety talks will be held throughout the day to give an extensive coverage of mountaineering first aid, prevention and handling of mountaineering accident, mountaineering and weather, hiking safety precautions, basic mountain search skills and sport climbing safety. A major talk will be held to explain the joint efforts of different government departments in conducting emergency search and rescue.
There will be performances such as a police search dog show, bicycle trick riding, marching bands and a side-drum team.
As a token of tribute to those attending the event, a Government Flying Service helicopter will fly over the venue.
A mini LED torch with a key ring will be distributed to people on a first-come, first-served basis.
The CAS is co-organising the event with seven government departments and four non-governmental organisations - the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Auxiliary Medical Service, Fire Services Department, Government Flying Service, Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong Police Force, Office of the Telecommunications Authority, Hong Kong Hiking Association, China, Hong Kong Mountaineering Union, Hong Kong Sport Climbing Union, and Orienteering Association of Hong Kong.
A free shuttle bus service will run between the Jordan MTR station Exit C2 (Bowring Street) and CAS headquarters at 8 To Wah Road, Yau Ma Tei, between 9.15am and 4.30pm on the day.
Ends/Friday, September 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:18
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