When the weather temperature rises, so do then number of calls to regional search and rescue organizations. (Arrowsmith Search and Rescue)

By Ian Holmes

the great outdoors

Search and Rescue teams ready for busy outdoor recreation season

Apr 25, 2023 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — Search and Rescue officials hope people eager to go outdoors and explore nature do it the right way.

A prolonged cold and wet spring will change dramatically with plenty of sun and daytime highs expected to hit the low 20 degree range by this weekend. Arrowsmith Search and Rescue president Nick Rivers said they often see people unprepared this time of year, including those with improper clothing and footwear.

He added their SAR colleagues throughout the region all historically see increases in call-outs from the spring through early September.

“Let people know where you’re going and take your essentials with you and be prepared for the worst and enjoy the best!”

Rivers said dangers this time of year feature deceptive weather and daylight patterns. He said within 45 minutes in the evening temperatures can plummet by 10 degrees and shift to complete darkness.

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“Especially in the parts province where we’re in the more southern areas, Vancouver Island and some of the interior, where the days are beautiful and the night time gets cold.”

Arrowsmith SAR president Nick Rivers said their crews are bracing for their busiest period of the year. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Another factor hikers should watch for this time of year, according to Rivers, are washed out trails and paths cut-off due to blown over trees and branches from winter storms.

He said trails that aren’t warn in for the season can pose injury threats and cause people to lose their way.

“Those trail systems tend to change and it can make things unpredictable,” Rivers noted.

He said typically their organization sees an increase in the number of hikers trapped by darkness and cold this time of year.

Following May long weekend call volumes shift more prominently to injured hikers and people requiring medical attention due to dirt bike and quad mishaps.

So far this year Arrowsmith SAR has responded to 15 calls.

The Qualicum Beach based organization typically responds to 50 to 60 call-outs a year, Rivers said.

He suggested people reference AdventureSmart to be make sure their best prepared for whatever outdoor excursion they have planned.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes