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The Civil Aid Service (CAS) and 14 government departments and mountaineering organisations will jointly hold "Mountaineering Safety Promotion Day 2008" at the CAS Headquarters on October 25 and 26.
Speaking at a press conference today (October 18), the Tactical Force Commander of the CAS, Mr Ho Wai-shek said, "Mountaineering activities have become increasingly popular in Hong Kong, and so more people may be involved in accidents. The 'Mountaineering Safety Promotion Day 2008' is aimed at teaching people safe hiking."
Mr Ho advised people not to go hiking alone. He reminded them to be prepared and equipped before setting off. Hikers should plan their journey beforehand, watch out for weather conditions and pay particular attention to thunderstorms, heavy rain or sudden drop in temperature. They should not carry any valuables. Hikers are also advised to undertake the appropriate trip for their ability.
The two-day event will showcase advanced mountaineering equipment, such as digital maps and global positioning systems. There will also be demonstrations of climbing techniques, search and rescue skills and displays on computerised weather map.
Safety talks will be held to disseminate mountaineering safety messages to the public. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities such as abseiling down from a four-metre high building under the guidance of CAS members, knots practise, sport climbing and orienteering. Performances by police search dogs, bicycle trick riding, marching bands and a side-drum team will also be featured.
Hiking fans should pick up a brochure - to be distributed at the venue - which has comprehensive tips about safe mountaineering. For information about the event, please visit the CAS website: http://www.cas.gov.hk/chi/welcome.html
The Mountaineering Safety Promotion Day 2008 will be held on October 25 and 26 from 10am to 5pm at the CAS Headquarters. Admission is free. Free shuttle bus service will travel between Jordan MTR station Exit C2 (Bowring Street) and CAS Headquarters at 8 To Wah Road, Yau Ma Tei, between 10am and 4.30pm on both days.
The CAS is co-organising the event with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Auxiliary Medical Service, Fire Services Department (FSD), Government Flying Service, Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong Police Force, Office of the Telecommunications Authority, The Hong Kong Award for Young People, Hong Kong Hiking Association, China, Hong Kong Mountaineering Union, Hong Kong Sport Climbing Union, and Orienteering Association of Hong Kong, Raleigh International Hong Kong, and Shenzhen Mountaineering and Outdoorsports Association.
For statistics on the mountain search and rescue operations of the CAS and FSD, please refer to the attached tables.
Ends/Saturday, October 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:14
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