Use Signaling Devices

Blowing a whistle, lighting a fire and staying visible will help searchers find you. Help searchers find you even if you are embarrassed or afraid. Remember that animals will not be attracted to your signals. Searchers may also use planes or helicopters – make yourself visible to them.

Build or Seek Shelter

Protect yourself from the rain, wind and excessive sun. Be as comfortable as possible, but when it is daylight, make sure that you are visible to searchers in helicopters or planes.

Stay where you are

People who carry on after they become lost usually get further from the trail and further from people who are looking for them. Going downhill also often leads to natural drainage gullies, which typically have very thick bush, expansive cliffs and waterfalls, making traveling and searching more difficult.

Trip Planning

Trip planning is one of the basic elements of search and rescue prevention. The problem is that many first-timers do not know about it and many avid recreationalists do not use it. Although it is not mandatory for every excursion, if you’re going to be flying, boating, hiking or skiing, completing a trip plan could save your life.

Why take a boating safety course?

* To improve the safety of all boaters and the boating environment. * To get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card as required by the regulation. * To learn about your responsibility. * To make your boating experience enjoyable for everyone.

Drink Often

We must remember that being hydrated is as important in cooler weather, as it is in warmer weather. Drinking every 15 minutes is a good way to ensure that our body will not get dehydrated. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Although thirst doesn’t always indicate a problem, it is one of the first signs of dehydration.

I.C.E.

ICE = In Case of Emergency Everyone has cell phones these days and if you are knocked unconscious or seriously hurt, emergency personnel can find your phone and get a contact number for you and alert your contact person. *The contact person should be local and an adult (over eighteen). *The number should be keep updated *The person who you are using should be told that you are using them for an emergency contact.

Be Adventuresmart

Be sure to check out the Adventuresmart website (in our links section) for information about safe backcountry travel.

Excellent Gift Ideas

Great gifts can also turn into live saving equipment. Why not pick up some cheap gifts that will make hiking, or any backcountry outing safer? 1 - Fox 40 Whistles - we use them and for about $5.00 it sure beats yelling! 2 - Water Bottles - ya gotta stay hydrated! 3 - Socks - I hate cold feet! 4 - Touque - I know most Canadians have several already but more can't hurt. And of course - 5 - Duct Tape - the key to your soul!!

Going into the Backcountry - Carry the 10 Essentials

Anybody travelling in the backcountry should carry the ten essentials at ALL times. Why? Because they just might save your butt! The ten essentials are: 1. Flashlight 2. Whistle 3. Waterproof matches or lighter 4. Firestarter or candle 5. Pocketknife 6. Large orange plastic bag 7. Water and food 8. Extra clothes 9. First aid kit 10. Compass and map

Duct Tape......The Key to Your Soul!!!!

Not only can Duct tape save your soul and fix just about anything, it can be a valuable tool in the wilderness. Now, where do you put it?? Hey wrap it around your water bottle!! A few wraps around takes up little space and makes sure it is always ready for you.

Snow Travel can be Deadly!

Anybody who frequents the backcountry of BC in the winter time should carry the necessary equipment to deal with the possibilty of avalanches. Carrying an Avalanche Beacon (Pieps), a probe and a shovel with you at ALL times will lessen the risk of danger to yourself and your group (who of course also have this equipment). However having it is not enough. Make sure you know how to use it properly, and it never hurts to take an avalanche course from the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Cell phones do work in the wilderness

If you have a cell phone, throw it in your pack when going hiking, this could be the most important phone call you make. They often work in clearings and at heights, should you need it in a remote area.

Low Tech is often better than High Tech!

Global Positioning Satellite Receivers (GPS) are great, but they become useless once the batteries are dead. Never rely totally on this technology, when you go out in the backcountry ALWAYS take a map and compass with you and make sure you know how to use it!!

First Aid Saves Lives!

First aid is often the difference between life and death in an emergency. If you have never been, or are not currently certified in first aid, consider signing up for a course soon.

Tell Someone

Be sure to let someone responsible know what your trip plan is. In the event that you run into trouble they will be able to provide this information to the Police and Search and Rescue.

Visibility

Try to avoid wearing earth tone colours in the wilderness. By wearing bright, visible colours, you increase your chances of being located by searchers.

Equipment

Make sure to try your equipment out BEFORE you go on your trip. It is better to realize you forgot your tent poles when you are in your backyard than in the backcountry.