Will Harbison works as a guide and logistics manager for Frontier Excursions , a small familyowned company in Skagway , Alaska , that offers wilderness excursions of hiking and rafting .
Very few people live in remote natural areas , so visitors are frequently out of their element when they decide to visit the wild . All the guides at Frontier Excursions are trained in swift water rescue , and Harbison is the most senior of the crew with the most training .
The Taiya River where he and the other guides work is not technically classified as whitewater . It is swift however , and there is a lot of fluctuation in the current depending on the amount of rainfall , which can create rapid changes that are unpredictable . Another inherent danger in this river is fallen trees and limbs floating in the current , which can be big enough to capsize a small boat .
This is precisely what happened when a guide from another excursion company was headed down the river and collided with a large log , which flipped the boat . The guide was left unconscious , and he and all seven of the people on the boat were now in the water .
“ Fortunately , it was a nice warm day , so we didn ’ t have to worry about hypothermia ,” says Harbison . He quickly launched a raft and paddled into the current . Three of the people were able to make their way to shore on their own through the swift water . Harbison fished the other five from the water and got them safely to the shore . The only individual who sustained injuries was the guide , who is now recovering well .
“ It ’ s a funny conundrum ,” says Harbison . “ Once the pandemic was over , everyone wanted to get outdoors . We started seeing people who had never been camping before in their lives now going camping .” Basically , a great deal of the people on wilderness excursions are novices with no real knowledge of the outdoors or basic first aid .
Harbison adds , “ Getting outside is great ! But putting other people in dangerous situations because of lack of knowledge is not good .” He recommends that people have basic first aid skills before traveling to remote areas . And especially if your excursion involves water , you should consider a short course in swift water rescue . He sees very few people who have had
any swift water rescue training . If you ’ re a kayaker , practice in a swimming pool before kayaking on the river . He also recommends finding a reputable excursion company for your first forays into the great outdoors , until you become more familiar with the natural environment .
Even after individuals become experienced , it ’ s a good policy to take a buddy with you , rather than striking out on your own . And always tell a friend or a family member what you are doing and where you are going . Harbison also says that it ’ s worth investing a couple of hundred dollars in some safety equipment , such as an emergency beacon that will make you easier to spot in the event of an accident , or a transmitter that will send a signal to emergency services . He points out that even a minor injury like a sprained ankle can turn into a survival situation if you are unable to walk .
Harbison acquired his love for nature here in the Pittsburgh area , with visits to Ohiopyle . He also loves the biking trails of Sewickley , which he says are still some of the best bike trails that can be found anywhere . The excursion service will shut down for the season soon , and he will be returning to Sewickley to spend the holidays with his family .
The area of Alaska where Harbison works has seals and salmon , and bears ! He has had two very close encounters with a bear , but fortunately escaped without injury . Although nature is a healthy resource that everyone can benefit from , it ’ s important to have the right equipment , and to take the time to learn about it before venturing into the wild . n
Even after individuals become experienced , it ’ s a good policy to take a buddy with you , rather than striking out on your own .
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