Beware of Relying on AI for Outdoor Activities: Safety Tips for Swimmers and Hikers
As UK towns like Tenby gear up for traditional Boxing Day swims, caution is urged regarding AI tools for planning outdoor adventures. Recent incidents, including two individuals stranded on Sully Island due to incorrect tide information from ChatGPT, highlight the risks. Maritime authorities advise against solely relying on AI for crucial information, emphasizing that its outputs can be prone to errors. Experts like Sundar Pichai of Alphabet and Profs from Cardiff University stress that AI tools should be used alongside verified resources. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, chair of Tenby Sea Swim Association, promotes rigorous safety measures at events and warns against glossy social media portrayals that may mislead. Similarly, rescues involving inexperienced hikers on Cader Idris emphasize the need for local knowledge and human experience over AI. Always verify critical information through authoritative sources like the UK Hydrographic Office before heading outdoors.
