Impact Point: Unsafe Behaviour & Lack of Preparedness - DLITD

Search and Rescue incidents per year in BC: 1,750
Volunteer hours spent annually on SAR call-outs, training, administration and SAR prevention in 2022: 441,019

What is YOUR Impact?

British Columbia is an adventure-lover’s paradise, but a place this wild commands respect. Search and rescue calls are on the rise as more people head into nature without adequate knowledge through research, equipment and experience. Learning how to safely explore the outdoors can save your life (or someone else’s).

Are You Prepared for the Outdoors?

There are approximately 1,750 SAR calls in the province annually, with about 50% of incidents taking place around Vancouver, Sea to Sky corridor, the Fraser Valley & Canyon and Central Okanagan. Rescuers report that the majority of calls are due to injury, becoming lost, or exceeding the individual's capabilities. Summer hikers and winter snowmobilers generate the most reports.

There are 3,400 Search and Rescue volunteers in BC—dedicated people who leave their families behind at the dinner table to risk their lives on every rescue. You owe it to them to recreate safely and responsibly. Do you want to ruin their day due to your irresponsible behaviour? Read below.

How to Stop Loving It To Death

To help reduce the number and severity of search and rescue incidents you can familiarize yourself with AdventureSmart's best practices to ensure you’re prepared, know how to make informed decisions, and understand the risks of outdoor recreation. You’ll learn skills like how to make a trip plan, what equipment you need to bring and what to do in case of an emergency. There is no charge to be rescued in BC.

Know before you go and play within your limits.

Things You Can Do Right Now

Learn and practice the Three Ts (Trip Planning, Training, and Taking the Essentials)

1 Learn and practice the Three Ts

Trip Planning, Training, and Taking the Essentials - Do your research, plan ahead, improve your outdoor skills and bring the right equipment to reduce the risk of requiring Search & Rescue.

2 Know your limits, stay focused on your surroundings, and don't take unnecessary risks

Be honest with yourself about your fitness levels, training, and capabilities to ensure you don’t become injured, lost, or exceed your abilities.

Featured Resources

Resources

The following organizations offer a series of useful tips on how to minimize your footprint and enjoy the outdoors in a responsible and sustainable way.