Forum Index > Trail Talk > Local SAR Stats Summer 2020
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Anne Elk
BrontosaurusTheorist



Joined: 07 Sep 2018
Posts: 2410 | TRs | Pics
Location: Seattle
Anne Elk
BrontosaurusTheorist
PostSat Aug 08, 2020 7:43 am 
From an article on the KNKX website: "Search and rescue teams in Washington had their busiest July ever. King County Search and Rescue conducted 43 missions last month. That's more than double the 20-a-month average for July. Olympic National Park has had 39 search and rescue incidents in 2020, 22 in July. That's up from the 17 incidents in July of 2019. Because rescue teams are stretched thin, crews say it's more important than ever that hikers and backpackers be prepared before heading into the wilderness." In the radio spot, King Co. SAR president attributes the increase mostly to the pandemic and all the noobs heading out. Instagram is implicated. hockeygrin.gif

"There are yahoos out there. It’s why we can’t have nice things." - Tom Mahood
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Cyclopath
Faster than light



Joined: 20 Mar 2012
Posts: 7694 | TRs | Pics
Location: Seattle
Cyclopath
Faster than light
PostSat Aug 08, 2020 10:14 am 
This is where we start installing water fountains on the trail. Not water from the toilet, Brawndo. It's got what plants crave!

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Ravenridge22
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Joined: 21 Jun 2017
Posts: 56 | TRs | Pics
Location: Terra Incognita
Ravenridge22
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PostSat Aug 08, 2020 2:38 pm 
Park Rangers transport a litter to carryout an injured hiker for a Search and Rescue incident on Switchback Trail at Hurricane Ridge. NPS Photo ONP News Release Date: August 5, 2020 Olympic National Park has had a total of 39 Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents in 2020 so far, with 22 in the month of July. In 2019, the park had a total of 84 SAR incidents with 17 in the month of July. Visitors are urged to plan ahead, hike smart, pack the 10 Essentials, and have an emergency plan even for a day hike. Consider learning CPR and basic wilderness first aid, especially if you are planning to hike in the backcountry. Leaving an accurate itinerary with an emergency contact is critical for any trip in the backcountry. Navigation—map, compass, and GPS system—is one of the 10 Essentials. Navigation systems are used when planning your route before your trip and when you need help orienting yourself in your surroundings during your activity. Know how to use a topographical or relief map as well as your compass or GPS unit before going out. When your trip is on primitive trails or requires cross-country travel, often in steep and rugged terrain, these tools are even more essential. Route-finding and safety skills are paramount in the wilderness. Many popular wilderness GPS apps show trails that are no longer in existence or off-trail routes that are never maintained. Always check beforehand if you are unsure what kind of trail or route you will be using. The NPS conducts thousands of search and rescues servicewide each year, many of which could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. During the ongoing health crisis, it’s critical that we make wise choices to keep our national park rangers, first responders, and search and rescue volunteers out of harm’s way. Here are a few tips to remember when planning your wilderness trip: Always leave an itinerary of your hike with family or friends and stick to it. Make sure they know who to contact if you are overdue. Plan for emergencies. Do not rely on a rescue. A rescue may be difficult or impossible due to weather conditions or terrain. Carry first aid gear and other emergency or self-rescue equipment. Know what to expect. Learn about the potential risks including steepness of route, trail conditions, weather conditions, snow conditions, avalanche danger, and equipment needed and take adequate precautions. Know how to navigate. Track your location using a map and compass. If you encounter trouble, do not be afraid to turn back. Before hiking cross-country, know how to navigate in any weather condition (heavy fog, snow, and rain). If you have questions about booking your permit through recreation.gov for sites not listed or if you need help with trip planning, contact the Wilderness Information Center by phone at 360-565-3100 or email olym_wic@nps.gov. Whether you’re planning a backpacking trip or a day hike, please remember to Recreate Responsibly. Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and practice Leave No Trace principles when you visit. Know before you go. Visit NPS.gov/olym for current park conditions. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials, and if you are sick, stay home.  Keep it close. Follow the state and county orders governing the open status of the area you’re considering visiting. The National Park Service is working closely with governors and state and local health departments as we increase access and services across the National Park System. Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.  Know your limits. Postpone challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.   Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Follow Leave No Trace principles.  Keep it inclusive. Be an active part of making our nation’s parks and public lands safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities. For information on planning a backpacking trip in Olympic National Park check out the Wilderness Trip Planner guide on the park website. For information on planning ahead and staying safe while visiting and hiking in national parks visit nps.gov/subjects/trails/hiking-safety.htm. --NPS--

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BigBrunyon
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Joined: 19 Mar 2015
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Location: the fitness gyms!!
BigBrunyon
Member
PostSat Aug 08, 2020 3:41 pm 
Considered orderin' in SAR last week in the pasayten cause the bugs were so bad.

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