Are you adventure Smart?

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There are 1600 Search and Rescue incidents a year in BC.

A BC organization founded to reduce the number of Search and Rescue incidents in the province is ramping up efforts to make people more aware of the danger of heading into wilderness areas without proper preparation.

Adventure Smart Executive Director Sandra Riches says they have dedicated teams of staff and 300 volunteers that provide information and give people information, at major events, ski resorts and trailheads. She says they focus on the three T's, "trip planning, training and taking the essentials, leaving detailed information with family and friends can mean the difference between being located in a few hours or a search taking several days."

Riches' says that Social media is a double-edged sword that can both give people information and get them in trouble trying to replicate their friend's exploits. "What we don't know if what it took them to get there, did it take them two hours of four hours, where they turned around by adverse conditions, before posting that inviting picture on social media," said Riches. "If they are your friend you can call them up and see what conditions were like." added Riches "Your really need to take the time and planning to get there and get back out just as safe."

There were over 1600 search and rescue incidents in BC last year, more than the rest of Canada combined. For more information on Adventure Smart click here