With the weather warming up across B.C., hikers will be hitting the trails this long weekend – and some might need search and rescue volunteers to bring them back.
The BC Search and Rescue Association analyzed call data from across the province in 2022, and is sharing the Top 3 reasons hikers end up needing their help, along with tips on how to avoid hiking emergencies:
- Lost with no map and/or navigation device. This was responsible for 107 search and rescue missions in 2022. Bring and know how to use a navigation tool like a mapping app (not Google maps) or paper map to prevent getting lost or to find your way back to the trail if you do get lost.
- Poor footwear or footing leading to slips and falls. This was responsible for 94 search and rescue missions in 2022. Wear proper footwear to avoid slips and falls.
- Unaware of trail difficulty and/or exceeded ability level. This was responsible for 70 search and rescue missions in 2022. Research the trail difficulty and conditions before you leave the house, and use sound judgment and turn around if you’re getting tired or in over your head.
If you do end up in an emergency situation, call 911 or, if using a satellite phone, call the Emergency Coordination Centre at 1-800-663-3456. Don’t wait 24 hours to report someone overdue or missing.
Search and rescue teams can only be activated by a requesting agency such as the RCMP or BC Emergency Health Service. There is no charge for search and rescue in British Columbia.
“Hiking season is here again and we ask enthusiasts to HikeSmart and be Rescue Ready,” a statement released by the BC Search and Rescue Association on Thursday said. “…Wearing appropriate footwear, learning how to read a map and being mindful of the level of trail difficulty could have prevented 271 search and rescue missions in 2022.”
The association also offers a summer safety webinar series, called BC AdventureSmart, which runs from May 18 to Aug. 3. Visit the association’s website for more information.
