As the weather warms and days get longer, B.C. search and rescue teams worry about residents checking out new terrain, not just lost visitors.

The No. 1 reason for search and rescue callouts in B.C. are injuries, and BC Search and Rescue Association data shows most search and rescue calls involve local residents.

While familiar trails and parks can seem safe, search teams are most often called out for injuries, followed by lost or disoriented individuals, and those misjudging their skills or the terrain.

Something as small as a whistle in your pocket could be a lifesaver, said Victoria Clarke, coordinator for Juan de Fuca SAR on southern Vancouver Island and a search manager.

Her organization is seeing a dip in calls while the Juan de Fuca Trail is closed due to storm damage, but she expects an uptick as the weather changes and people start going outdoors and discovering new places.

Planning and preparation are key.

香蕉视频直播淪ometimes in our excitement to get outside, it can be easy to just get the shoes on and head out the door without thinking. We really do encourage people to plan their activity,香蕉视频直播� Clarke said.

Between 2022 and 2024, 95 per cent of search and rescue cases in B.C. involved people enjoying the outdoors close to home.

Those aged 20 to 29 make up about 30 per cent of search subjects. Many are residents exploring nearby trails, locals visiting in their region, and others exploring just outside their home area.

Whether hiking, biking or fishing, Clarke suggests to check out where you香蕉视频直播檙e going, track the weather forecast, let other people know the plan, trek with a buddy and be ready for things to take a turn.

香蕉视频直播淚t doesn香蕉视频直播檛 matter how well you prepare 香蕉视频直播� accidents and mishaps can still happen. It香蕉视频直播檚 just thinking through how you香蕉视频直播檙e going to manage that situation,香蕉视频直播� Clarke said. 

"If you do get into trouble, a 911 call is needed." 

The No. 1 reason for search and rescue in B.C. is injury, particularly to the lower body, caused by slips, trips, and falls. It香蕉视频直播檚 a reminder that even common activities on familiar terrain can quickly turn serious without proper preparation.

Take along the 10 essentials: flashlight, fire-making kit, signalling device such as whistle, extra food and water, extra clothing, navigation aids, first aid kit, emergency shelter, tools such as a pocket knife and sun protection.

香蕉视频直播淪ome of those items could really make a difference and save your life if you get in trouble. And they really don香蕉视频直播檛 take long to get together and put in a bag,香蕉视频直播� Clarke said.

Phones are incredible devices and super handy as cellular connectivity improves in less urban areas.

香蕉视频直播淏ut make sure your phone is charged when you go out and make sure you maybe have a battery pack,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淭here have been multiple times where we香蕉视频直播檝e been out on a rescue, and we香蕉视频直播檝e been told they香蕉视频直播檙e injured and they only have five per cent on their phone. That香蕉视频直播檚 frustrating.香蕉视频直播�

BC Search and Rescue Association represents the 3,200 volunteers in B.C. who make up 78 teams across the province and respond to about 1,960 incidents each year. Teams across the province regularly promote safety by sending people to check out the myriad tips online at . It offers checklists, a trip planning app and safety webinars.

香蕉视频直播淭hey香蕉视频直播檝e got excellent tips and really good information,香蕉视频直播� Clarke said.