The decision to turn around is made more difficult by the natural human tendency to want to complete what you started. The group has put in the effort to get to where they are. The destination is visible or feels close. Morale can drop when the call is made. But the decision to continue in the face of deteriorating conditions, a behind-schedule group, or a compromised participant is where most serious outdoor incidents start.
Set Turnaround Criteria Before You Go
The most effective way to make the turnaround decision is to make it before you leave. Set specific criteria in advance: if we are not at this point by this time, we turn around. If the forecast changes to above this wind speed, we do not proceed past this point. If anyone in the group is showing signs of this, we reassess. Written criteria made in a calm environment before the activity are more reliable than in-the-moment judgements made with the summit in sight.
The Halfway Rule Is Not Enough
The common guidance to turn around at the halfway point of your planned time does not account for terrain changes, deteriorating conditions, or a group that is moving faster in the early part of the day than they will sustain. A better rule is to turn around when the group has used one third of its total energy and time reserves, allowing the remaining two thirds for the return under potentially worse conditions.
Warning Signs That Require Action
- Any participant showing signs of significant distress or injury
- Weather deteriorating toward your pre-set limit
- Behind schedule by more than 20 percent at a key checkpoint
- Water supplies running lower than planned
- Navigation uncertainty that is not resolving
- Group morale deteriorating in a way that affects safety decisions
How to Communicate the Decision
Be direct and clear. Tell the group you are turning around and why, briefly. Do not apologise for the decision or leave it open for debate. Once the decision is made, the focus shifts entirely to the return. The group that is disappointed about turning around on the way back is far preferable to the group that is in trouble because someone pushed the decision too long.
