Be Weather Wise advise Mountain Rescue after weekend callouts
Despite the well-publicised weather alerts from the Met Office, mountain rescue teams responded to a number of incidents over the weekend as walkers continued heading to high ground or exposed points across North Wales in high winds and rain. Some people were clad inappropriately for the weather conditions, lacking adequate waterproof and warm clothing.
The advice from Mountain Rescue Teams is – check the weather and reconsider your route if appropriate.
Andy Harbach, Chair of the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association (NWMRA) which includes the nine mountain rescue teams covering North Wales, and some of the busiest areas for mountain rescue in England and Wales, says:
“Mountain rescue volunteers all share a love of being outdoors – so we do get it! However, your safety is important, and the weather warnings from the Met Office are clear.
“People can still enjoy a great day out in our stunning countryside – but check the weather at all points on your planned route, and if necessary, perhaps reconsider your route, avoid higher and exposed grounds when high winds are forecast, and you will return home having achieved your goal of a great day outdoors, but safely.”
“The mountain rescue teams of North Wales have responded to over 570 callouts this year. We understand that accidents happen, however this number of incidents puts increasing pressure on our teams who are all volunteers. We ask that people try to reduce unnecessary callouts by being appropriately equipped and picking a route suitable for the conditions.”
“A concern among mountain rescue teams is that the conditions such as those experienced this weekend, may prevent even experienced mountain rescue volunteers, despite our training, skills, experience, and knowledge of the terrain, getting to you in time – or at all. So please do not put yourselves in danger, enjoy our beautiful landscape, but perhaps leave summits, high ground, and exposed ridges for another day’s adventure.”
You can find out more about mountain rescue in North Wales and how to stay safe in a series of short videos here https://www.nwmra.org/media
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Stock Image: Deposit Photos
