The past few weeks were fairly active for members of the Sundre Search and Rescue Society.
On Saturday, July 14, some youth from the Olds area got lost after going out on a dirt bike excursion, and the following weekend on Friday, July 20, a Red Deer woman also got lost after leaving her family’s campsite in pursuit of her dogs that had run off after wildlife into the bush.
Both of the stories — which unfolded in Sundre's West Country — had positive outcomes. But they also both had some important take-away lessons that underscore the importance of being prepared to spend time in the bush.
Whether hiking, camping, hunting, horseback riding, quadding or dirt biking, there are a number of precautions recreational land users should keep in mind when making plans to spend some time in the great outdoors.
Cpl. Joe Mandel of the Sundre RCMP detachment encourages dog owners to consider keeping their pets properly tied up or secured, or to at least keep them under very close watch. Canine instincts might easily tempt man’s best friend to run off after wild animals, and they could potentially inadvertently even bring predators such as bears in tow back to camp, said Mandel.
“People tend to not realize that we aren’t at the top of the food chain once we’re out there (in the bush),” he said.
“You can take your animals out for sure, but be responsible with them.”
Additionally, being equipped with bear spray is unquestionably an advantage, he said, adding people should also dress for conditions, ensure they have sufficient food and water for at least one night, as well as to refrain from straying away from camp.
Roger Tetreault, president of Sundre Search and Rescue, also urges people who get lost to stay put. Not only does forging farther into the forest run the risk of simply becoming more lost, but rescuers might also end up looking in the wrong area, he said, adding that informing friends and family of plans including specific details such as locations and times is also vital so that in the event of an emergency, responders know where to start looking.
Les Larson, a director with Sundre Search and Rescue as well as a team lead, also suggests packing a whistle in one’s emergency kit.
“If you’re lost, it takes so little effort to blow a whistle, but a lot of energy and effort to shout and cry out,” said Larson.
A few precautions are all that is needed to have fun and enjoy the West Country safely, said Tetreault.
We could not agree more, and hope that people continue to enjoy safely and responsibly the breathtaking splendour of the West Country.
We also salute the commendable commitment of volunteers and responders who work so diligently to help others in their time of need.
— Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
