Safety Tips
Drink plenty of
liquids - DRINK BOTH WATER AND SPORTS DRINKS.
Do
not drink only water. Both water and sports drink are
available at the water points. If you march and sweat for a long
time and drink only water, you can dilute your body's electrolytes,
which can lead to weakness, nausea and confusion. Remember, by
the time you are thirsty, it's too late!
For more information on
preventing heat injury, visit the
U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine
website.
Listen to your body! See a medic if you are not feeling
well.
Listen to your feet!
Take care of hot spots before they turn into nasty blisters.
Use sunscreen.
At White Sands' elevation, sunburn can occur within 10-to-15
minutes.
Watch your step. Beware
of rough terrain.
Be
respectful of wildlife along the route. You may see
critters ranging from those native to the area, such as rabbits and
snakes, to the exotic oryx - an African antelope which was imported
to New Mexico. White Sands Missile Range has been a site for
defense testing, to include various munitions, for more than 50
years. Do not touch, pick up or kick anything along the
route. Report anything suspicious to missile range
officials.
Click here to watch the White Sand unexploded ordnance safety video.
If you see a marcher who needs aid, help
them. Report injured or ill marchers to race officials.
There are 12
water points along the route - make sure you drink plenty of
liquids. The greatest danger to marchers is dehydration because
of the dry desert climate. DO NOT drink alcoholic
beverages the night prior to the march.
We encourage
you to alternate between water and sports drink that will be
available at water points.
A condition
called hyponatremia can be induced by over hydration with water
exclusively. This lowers sodium levels in the bloodstream
and can lead to seizure and convulsion activity. marchers
can avoid this condition by taking sports drinks containing
essential electrolytes such as potassium, chloride, and
magnesium.
Watch your
step. Be aware of loose rocks, drop-offs, and
rattlesnakes. The route crosses many arroyos, which are
intermittent streambeds. In the event of heavy rains, do
not attempt to cross the arroyos. Also be aware of
“smaller” problems such as tarantulas, scorpions and bees.
If you are allergic to bee stings, carry your bee sting kit with
you.
A small flashlight is suggested for early morning and also if
you are on the route later in the evening to defer local
wildlife that may be out.
Anyone who
becomes injured should remain on the route until medical
attention arrives from the nearest water point to avoid further
injury. Anyone who witnesses an unsafe act or an injured
marcher will immediately report the situation to the nearest
water point or roving patrol.
"Historically,
about 25 percent of marchers become casualties during the Bataan
Memorial Death March. Over half of these casualties are
foot or ankle injuries. Therefore, conditioning your feet
for the march should be an essential part of your training.
Wear quality footwear and ensure that they are thoroughly broken
in before the day of the march. Build your mileage
gradually over a period of three to six months, depending on
your current level of conditioning, to strengthen your feet and
ankles and toughen the skin on your feet. You should build
to walking at least 15 miles during your train up. People
who train by walking four or five miles a day and then try to
march 26.2 miles across the desert are the first to become
casualties.
"Keeping your
feet clean and dry throughout the march will help avoid
blisters. Change sweaty socks during the march and
consider using a quality foot powder or even antiperspirant on
your feet to help control sweating. Above all, don't try
anything new (e.g., new shoes, new type of socks, new insoles or
flexible orthotics) on the day of the march. If you have
not trained with it, do not use it.
"Good
training, common sense and proactive hydration will help ensure
that your participation in the Bataan Memorial Death March is a
safe and memorable experience."
