Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is paradise for adventure seekers. Its majestic mountains, lofty heights, vast deserts, breathtaking valleys and coral reefs filled deep seas offer adrenaline pumping activities like climbing, abseiling, diving or swimming. But youths who do this just for fun or social media fame putting themselves in danger, says doctors and experts.
Abdullah bin Said al Jardani said: "The reason for these practices is the pursuit of fame by youths, especially those who spend a long time following and imitating celebrities on social media. I think that official bodies such as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, or sports clubs should regulate such activities. No doubt, these adventure sports teach youths values of patience, endurance, teamwork, and building a healthy body. Whoever loves such an adventure should practice it in the right places. If one loves car drifting there should be a dedicated place. Likewise for deep sea diving or mountain climbing. One must train under professionals instead of blind imitation as they cause a lot of risks."
Khamis bin Said al Dhiyebi said, " We see through the social media accounts of the security authorities like the Royal Oman Police, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, about rescue of people in different locations, most of which are caused by recklessness and non-compliance with laws and regulations. It is unfortunate and requires firm action. Most of them are youths who call it an adventure or a challenge as an excuse to take this risk. Some drown in the wadis while others fall from the heights of the mountains during hiking."
Rawan bint Zayed al Raisi said young people were under the impression that adventure is the only way to happiness and self-entertainment. They just go for it to enjoy the adrenaline rush. A rapid rise in adrenaline in the blood affects the nervous system and it produces a mixture of feelings of fear and happiness after a dangerous act and surviving from it without harm. However, the adrenaline rush affects the pumping of blood to the heart. It puts pressure on the nervous system and one loses the ability to think things logically, throwing caution to the wind.
Dr Sulaiman bin Nasser al Hamimi, senior orthopaedic surgeon at Nizwa Hospital, said: "Climbing mountains is one of the wonderful and enjoyable activities. But it is prone to risks of serious physical injury. One must use special climbing shoes, carry water or juice, food and check whether the climate is suitable before embarking on adventure sports."
Dr Al Hamimi said one must carry a small first aid box in case of emergencies. He also highlighted the importance of doing adventure with a group of people instead of doing solo to avoid accidents or getting lost.
Ruqaya bint Ahmed Beit Amer, a counselling psychologist, said, " When doing adventure sports, our brain releases dopamine that makes a person feel comfortable and helps him/her overcome fear. It makes him/her pumped up. But along with excitement comes ignorance of dangers and risks associated with extreme sports. One must ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority often call on mountain climbers to take precautionary measures. The group must be accompanied by guides who are experienced in negotiating rugged paths to avoid increasing numbers of accidents.
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