SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is launching a new effort aimed at keeping people safe while enjoying the outdoors. The statewide campaign is encouraging visitors and residents alike to take a few simple steps before heading out on any adventure.
New Utah safety initiative
From hiking trails to state parks, Utah's outdoor spaces draw people in year-round. Now, the new initiative will focus on making sure those trips stay safe.
Campaign goals and leadership
Adventure Safe Day is part of the state's Always Adventure Safe campaign, led by the Utah Office of Tourism in partnership with parks and recreation agencies.
The goal is simple — remind people that a little preparation can go a long way.
“Today's the very first ever Adventure Safe Day in Utah, and we're just here to remind people to do a little bit of planning and preparation before they head out for their adventures,” said the Director of Strategy at Adventure Safe Day, Becky Keeney.
Director of Strategy at Adventure Safe Day, Becky Keeney. (Noah Giles, KSL)
On-site ambassadors and resources
Across the state, ambassadors are set up at parks and events, sharing resources like safety checklists, water bottles, and tips for planning ahead of your adventure.
Utah Adventure Safe Checklist sign. (Noah Giles, KSL)
Importance of preparation and water
Officials said that with more people exploring Utah's outdoors, preparation matters more than ever.
“We're super lucky because we have all this amazing access to outdoor recreation, but the hard part is sometimes our condition can be unpredictable,” Keeney said. “I think just a little bit of planning and preparing, and actually maybe try to be overprepared for the adventure you're going on. Make sure you've got plenty of water, and you know where you're going.”
Common search and rescue issues
Park officials said search and rescue calls often come down to the same issues: people heading out without enough water or experience for the terrain.
Local perspectives on preparedness
Even experienced adventurers can forget the basics, and locals said it happens more often than people think.
Locals fish at a pond at Utah's first Adventure Safe Day. (Noah Giles, KSL)
“Nothing like too crazy, I would say. Nothing like life and death,” said a local, fishing with his son. “There's always the occasional stuff where you just forget something, and you know, we should have had that.”
Officials said taking a few extra minutes to plan by checking conditions, packing enough water and letting someone know your route can make the difference between a close call and a safe adventure.
