THIS winter, you could do no greater favour for our local rescue volunteers than to buy a compass.
Every year, North Shore Rescue, the North Shore's ski patrols, watershed staff, police officers and others put in countless hours saving the lives of outdoor enthusiasts who have got themselves into trouble in our backwoods. Almost every time, it's due to a lack of preparation.
This week was no exception. On Dec. 25, NSR members and Mount Seymour staff were called away from Christmas celebrations to track down a backcountry skier who had got lost in a snow storm. While the man was well equipped, he had set out for the day without a compass, a GPS unit or other navigation aid. That mistake left him stranded for hours in dangerous conditions, and ultimately forced volunteers to come to his rescue.
Again and again search teams are forced to put themselves at risk in the North Shore's mountains because someone has gone into the woods without proper footwear, proper clothing, a light source, a map, a cellphone or other equipment necessary to keep them safe. Again and again rescuers remind the public of the importance of these things, and again and again their warnings go unheeded.
You can help change that. Next time you or someone you know heads to the outdoors, ensure you're prepared. If you're not sure what you need, look to northshorerescue.com for tips.
You won't only be keeping yourself warm and dry, but your would-be rescuers as well.
