5 TIPS TO STAY SAFE WHEN TAKING SELFIES IN NATURE
1. Think about weather and water conditions
Weather and coastal conditions can change rapidly. Just because the weather and waves don’t appear dangerous when you start your selfie journey, they might be when you get there. Check before you go, avoid bad weather, and keep a close eye on tidal and wave conditions.
2. Don’t walk past safety signs and physical barriers
Warning signs are there to provide life-saving information. Pay attention to signs and heed their advice. Don’t jump or go around any physical barriers blocking access. They are likely there for a good reason.
3. Stay on the designated path
Staying on paths and trails is safest and also does fragile ecosystems a big favour.
4. Don’t get too close to the edge. Be aware of crumbling edges
Don’t trust cliff edges and be aware of unstable ground. Cliff edges are naturally eroding and your extra weight doesn’t help. People have died from cliff edges crumbling away while standing on them.
5. No amount of ‘likes’ is worth your life
Consider your motivations for taking selfies and using social media. Studies show spending time in nature is good for our health. But the world looks better when not viewed through a screen.
Samuel Cornell is a PhD candidate. Amy Peden is NHMRC Research Fellow and co-founder UNSW Beach Safety Research Group. Rob Brander is Professor, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group. All authors are at UNSW Sydney. This commentary first appeared on The Conversation.
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