Gerry Sluiter English May 12th, 2008

Madeira is well known for its walking facilities, and we noticed that more and more visitors to Madeira are walking on their own by using various information they find in books. Unfortunately, books are published in large quantities and are not regular updated with changes due to landslides and maintenance issues. Secondly, these books are translated from 1 standard language. This is causing serious problems on Madeira.

On Thursday 08 may’08, Madeira had its third fatal casualty.

Nature Meetings is contacted by the local authorities as soon as a walker is in difficulties. With our experience we locate the casualty, make an assessment and contact the emergency services to advice them how to handle and which tools are required.

Most of these accidents are walkers who are walking by themselves. With the aftercare we supply we noticed that most of these walkers used some kind of documentation (books, Internet or information by friend and/or family).

We understand the reasons why people like to walk on their own, however not everyone is aware of the walking conditions on Madeira (that could change daily!).

Therefore you should take precautions before you decide to walk on your own.

• Get all the walking conditions before the start of the walk, such as: weather, vertigo, tunnels, landslides, duration, and distance.
• Where do you start and finish (is there transport).
• Inform your accommodation where you going to walk, what time do you leave and what time do you expect to return. Leave your contact details with your accommodation.
• Prepare yourself properly with: shoes, clothing, walking equipment (as long as you prepare for the worst, you should be ok).
• Ensure that you have a mobile with you, and that you have the numbers from the emergency services (be aware not everyone speaks your language).

In the previous article we published more advice.

As I wrote earlier, Madeira experienced this year a high casualty rate (mostly broken bones, cuts and bruises, including 3 fatalities). Therefore I would advise you to consider your options.

With the transport costs, loss in holiday time, Health & Safety and all nature related information in mind, you will realise that Guided walks are saver and cheaper.

Whilst I do understand that you might want to walk on your own, you must realise the dangers you might face.

Please, consider your options!

Tags: accidents, guided walks, landslides, Nature Meetings, safety, walking

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MW Editor English April 30th, 2008

Please follow the next safety precautions when you are planning to take a Levada walk here on Madeira:

• When taking a Levada walk for the first time we urge you do that in company of a qualified guide;
• Prepare yourself and collect all the updated information about the route you are planning to follow;
• Calculate the total time you will be spending on that route (so that you will finish the walk before dark);
• Inform the hotel your staying or any other reliable person about the route that you plan to do and the expected time of arrival;
• Do not change the course of your planned route;
• Always take something to eat and drink (such as canned fruit juices, chocolate, dried fruits etc.);
• Take extra plastic bags to put in leftovers or rubbish when you do a stop to eat/drink;
• Important that you always carry an electric torch with spare batteries;
• Take your own mobile phone, even if your operating network doesn’t exist in here. You can always call the emergency number 112 and it will search for an alternative net;
• In case of a interruption during a course (falling rocks, heavy rain or strong winds) go back to the starting point following same trail;
• By all means do not take risks;
• Take a whistle with you and wear suitable clothes and walking boots/shoes with good grip;
• In case of any accident call immediately 112 and if you cannot get through, walk on the same course and keep trying again until you get a connection;
• Stay calm and inform what, when and where the accident has happened, also the number of people involved and the status of the victims;
• The more information you transmit, the better and more efficient help will be provided.

Important phone numbers (program these into your mobile phone):

Madeira Civil Protection - (+351) 291 700 112
Emergency Number - 112

Tags: levadas, safety, walking

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Gerry Sluiter English March 9th, 2008

Madeira is a walking paradise for any “Nature- Lover”. To ensure that you enjoy your walk, we strongly recommend that you walk with Certified Mountain guide. Your safety is paramount and to ensure that you receive the best possible service available on Madeira, we only employ local guides who are in possession of a Madeira Mountain Guide Certificate.

For obvious reasons, safety starts before the walk and it is crucial that everyone is prepared for the challenge what is waiting for them. Walking the Levadas of Madeira or any other Nature walk brings its challenges and therefore we advice that every walker is wearing layered clothing (what is easy to remove) and has water proofs with them. Other requirements are: sun protection and water (if possible a torch).

The highly trained mountain guides studied for 1 year, coffering everything in relation to walking on Madeira. This combination of responsibilities from both parties and Madeira’s walking facilities will give you a pleasant and relaxed walking experience.

Unfortunately, over the years more and more people have entered the walking industry, pretending to be a guide. These illegal “guides” are putting walkers life’s at risk, and are unable to supply the service, information and safety.

This situation has caused great concerns on Madeira and due to this there is an increase of accidents. To ensure that your guide is qualified with what he/she is doing we advise you to ask your guide to show you their license. Certified guides are proud with their profession and with their commitment to follow the very intensive guiding course.

Over the last few years we have seen more and more walking groups visiting Madeira. As walking lovers, we are very excited showing everyone this beautiful island. However some of these groups are bringing their own leader. This is not only illegal according to the Portuguese law, it´s also very dangerous.

The situation is getting out of control, and some local guides have decided to face the problem by publishing an article in Madeira best selling newspaper: Diário de Notícias to make people aware of this problem.

Gerry Sluiter

Article of Diário de Notícias was published on 2nd of March 2008.

Tags: accidents, groups, guides, levadas, license, nature, newspaper, qualified mountain guide, safety, service, walking

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