Sidney, March 17, 2020 – The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) represents 79 ground search and rescue groups across the province making up some 2,500 unpaid professional volunteers who average 1,700 responses a year.
During these fast-changing times where everyone is looking to maintain social distance but keep themselves busy, many are turning to BC’s great outdoors. BCSARA encourages you to enjoy what BC has to offer but would like to ask the public of BC to do their part to come home safe and follow these recommendations:
- Go with someone else but keep your groups small (family members) to maintain social distancing and tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
- Stick to familiar and safe trails.
- Plan extra time to get back with plenty of daylight.
- Remember, it is still winter out here with lots of snow on the ground, wear appropriate footwear and clothes.
- Plan your trip using AdventureSmart’s 3Ts Trip Plan, Train and Take Essentials
- Load the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App on your phone to help you plan and remain safe:
- If you do get lost, in trouble or hurt call 911 and let the operator know if you believe you may have been exposed to coronavirus so we can ensure rescuers are protected
If everyone takes these precautions, not only can you have an enjoyable, healthy and safe trip outdoors but BC’s search and rescue volunteers will be ready to assist others if needed.
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Contact: Dwight Yochim, Senior Manager
British Columbia Search and Rescue Association
Phone: 778-584-5882
Email: senior-manager@bcsara.ca
Websites:
BCSARA: www.bcsara.com
BC AdventureSmart: https://www.bcsara.com/adventuresmart/
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I think you should add a recommendation for hikers to put on a mask (even if it’s just a bandana, or at the minimum cover their nose and mouth with both hands) when passing others on narrow trails.
People traveling downhill should stop and make room for people traveling uphill as best as they can and as timely as they can. Too many hikers only just barely step out of the way just a split second before a collision.
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