BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) wishes to thank the public and the media for sharing and viewing our new trail safety video series which appears to have had a profound impact on the number of search and rescue deployments over the May long weekend.
The video series, launched through our BC AdventureSmart program, illustrated the joys and risks of the top 11 trails that have generated the most search and rescue calls in BC.
Although teams were prepped and ready for a typically very busy long weekend and the weather was beautiful, our data showed that zero deployments occurred on these 11 trails between May 20-23 which is a significant change from past years. We believe this is evidence that the safety messaging, which was shared by a number of media outlets, resonated with outdoor enthusiasts. We are grateful for all media efforts and for the adoption of a “HikeSmart” approach by the public.
These 11 trails are:
- Stawamus Chief Trail (Squamish)
- Juan De Fuca Trail (Vancouver Island)
- Eagle Bluff Trail (West Vancouver)
- Mt Seymour Trail (North Vancouver)
- Sky Walk South Trail (Whistler)
- Howe Sound Crest Trail (West Vancouver)
- Golden Ears Summit Trail (Maple Ridge)
- Grouse Grind Trail (North Vancouver)
- Mt. Albert Edward Trail (Vancouver Island)
- Black Tusk Trail (Squamish)
- Hanes Valley Trail (North Vancouver)
During the long weekend, two trails out of the 11 were still closed for the season. The videos can be viewed here: https://bcsara.com/outdoor-education/safety-videos/
In B.C., the top three reasons for search and rescue callouts are from injury, getting lost/disoriented or exceeding an outdoor enthusiast’s abilities. Search and rescue teams devote thousands of volunteer hours in training and preparedness so that they can always be ready to respond and, as such, are grateful when outdoor enthusiasts also do their best to be prepared before heading out.
Quotes
“It appears the 11 BC AdventureSmart trail safety videos are having a positive effect right out the gate! On the recent sunny 2022 May long weekend, we are happy to report there were zero GSAR deployments on the 11 trails recently launched in the safety video series. We appreciate everyone’s help in being more AdventureSmart and encourage people to continue to share these videos and take the AdventureSmart 3Ts to heart this year.” – Chris Mushumanski, President, BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA)
“Leading up to the long weekend, we shared our safety videos, encouraging best practices and sound decision making for hikers. I’d like to personally ‘thank you!’ for being prepared, for using sound judgement and for allowing our SAR volunteers to spend the long weekend with their family and friends.” – Sandra Riches, Executive Director, BC AdventureSmart Program
Media Only Contact Information
BC Search and Rescue Association
Nancy Argyle, Manager of Public Relations and Communications
250-533-9151
nancy.argyle@bcsara.com
About BCSARA
Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) in British Columbia is provided solely by volunteers. On call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, these unpaid professionals provide their time, their own gear and their dedication and expertise at no cost to the people of BC and to the individuals they rescue. BCSARA is proud to represent the 3,000+ GSAR volunteers in BC who make up 79 teams across the province. To donate to support these volunteers, please visit here.
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About BC AdventureSmart
BC AdventureSmart was created by, endorsed and is fully supported by the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) to reduce the frequency and severity of search and rescue incidents. Since 2004, BC AdventureSmart is proud to have trained and recognizes the 500 volunteer outdoor educators in our province. AdventureSmart, the national sector, stemmed from BC AdventureSmart’s provincial success as a best practice model. From coast to coast to coast, there’s now consistent AdventureSmart representation in every province and territory.
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