North Shore Rescue on track for record number of calls this year

Don't let the sunny summer forecast fool you the B.C. backcountry can be dangerous if you're not prepared, and North Shore Rescue (NSR) has the numbers to prove it.

The volunteer search-and-rescue group says it's on track for a record-breaking year, having already fielded 74 calls in 2016.Twenty of those calls came this July up dramatically from the total of nine callslast July.

Mike Danks, NSR team leader, said this month's rainier-than-usual weather may have been a factor, but he says the main cause is simply an increase in people.

Volunteer NSR got 139 calls in 2015

"We have a lot of people that are getting into the backcountry because it's so beautiful and it's very accessible," Danks said.

"Because there's so many people out there, injuries are bound to happen."

Danks said NSR typically gets about 90 to 100 calls peryear, butnumbers are increasing.

They got 139 calls in 2015, and are on track to surpass that total in2016.

Accessible backcountryis not risk free

Danks said the problem is often people unprepared for their hike.

He encourages people to research a route before attempting it, and to remember that just because a place is close to home doesn't make it risk free. He said even somewhere as accessible as the Hanes Valley is considered backcountry.

"You have no cell signal back there," Danks said.

"It's probably a couple of hours for someone to hike in and get to you."

Volunteer group a well-used safety net

With the rescue numbers rising Danks said this strains the volunteer-run group.

"Is it frustrating? A little bit," he said.

"But ...we're here for the community, and we're doing our best to deal with it."

Danks urged anyone planing a long weekend backcountry excursion to do these key things:

• Research the trail you plan to take.
• Ensure you leave with enough daylight to finish the route.
• Be aware high-altitude weather can shift suddenly, despite a rosyforecast.

He also recommended the purchase of a satellite messaging beacon, which can be purchased at many outdoor equipment outfitters. These devices can be used to summon help even in areas with no cell service.

Top 10 essentials

Ambitious hikers are reminded to always carry the tenbackcountry essentials, especially on longer outings:

• Navigation (map, compass and GPS).
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen andsunglasses).
• Insulation (extra clothing, gloves and hat).
• Illumination (flashlight andbatteries).
• First aid supplies.
• Fire (matches or a lighter).
• Tools (pocketknife or multi-tool).
• Nutrition (bring extra food).
• Hydration (bring extra water).
• Emergency shelter (tarp or space blanket).

With files from CBC Radio One's On the Coast. Watch Doc Zone's To the Rescue to learn more.