Backcountry users reminded to use caution as SAR teams see increase in incidents

Adventure Smart says search and rescue incidents increased 35 per cent last week across British Columbia, compared to the same time last year — and during the COVID-19 pandemic, SAR teams have to do extra work for each call.

The non-profit, funded by the B.C. Search and Rescue Association, said in the early days of the pandemic, incidents had decreased by 50 per cent, but by Easter weekend, they had returned to average — and now it appears more people are requiring help in the woods.

"It's a little disheartening, there's no question," said Sandra Riches, executive director of Adventure Smart, adding that she wants people in the woods to make an effort to reduce the number and intensity of rescues.

"What we're doing is trying to encourage more conservative decision making," she said.

Riches said during the pandemic, the 2,500 SAR volunteers across the province have to take extra steps to ensure they stay healthy and safe. There's physical distancing at command posts, additional personal protective equipment, but also routine disinfecting of all equipment used during a call, which adds considerable time and effort.

She said to avoid the need for a rescue, people can remember the three Ts: Trip planning, training, and taking the essentials.

Some trails have been closed by local authorities, and the B.C. government shut down provincial parks as part of its COVID-19 response, but many trails are still open, and health officials have encouraged people to stay active, pointing out that the virus doesn't fare very well outside.

Premier John Horgan announced this week that some provincial parks will be reopened for day use in time for the May long weekend.

Riches said she hopes people remember to choose low-risk activities, give other trail users space, and enjoy recreation close to home rather than travelling at all.

Each year, B.C.'s SAR volunteers respond to about 1,700 calls, she said. 

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