Walkers in north Wales have been urged to stay safe when out walking this Easter weekend. TheAberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, who cover parts of Eryri,also known as Snowdoniaand the Llyn Peninsula, said "the calls have increased, no doubt" in recent years. It comes after a spike in the number of young peopleneeding to be saved, according to research byOrdnance Survey. Dion Jones, who has been with the team for about 30 years, urged those who were heading for the hills this weekend to be prepared. Mr Jones, 56, used to get about 10 calls a year when he started volunteering. Now the figure has shot up to "at least 60 to 70 a year" as more visitors come to the area. The team, based in Porthmadog, Gwynedd has over 30 volunteers and provides a search and rescue service across north west Wales. He recognised that accidents can happen to anyone, but said there were people "who haven't prepared". "Many don't take the right equipment with them and don't check that they know what they are doing beforehand," he said. Mr Jones said regular mountain safety notices were published, but he was concerned they were not reaching everyone. "We have to look at where the people come from, and make sure that the safety messages are shown in those areas rather than just locally," he said. He added "the pattern follows holiday time," and "because more people are coming here". These services rely entirely on its volunteers which means the increased call-outs were putting pressure on resources. "We do so much more than mountains," Mr Jones added. Max Swinhoe, 36, has been with the team for two years. She typically gets called out "a couple of times a week" but said it was impossible to predict. "I think a lot of people think that we are sitting here at the base but we're not," she said. "We're just normal people and we drop everything to come out." Ms Swinhoe agreed that people were not always prepared for the "changeable" conditions. "If you aren't aware of that, you could be caught short without the right gear," she said. Ms Swinhoe said the key was to educate people "that anything can happen", adding: "Even if it's a warm day you can still succumb to hypothermia." Rescues jumped by 24% between 2019 and 2024 in Wales and England, according to data analysed by Ordnance Survey and reported byThe Guardian. The rise was most prominent among the 18 to 24 age group, where rescues almost doubled. Mountain rescue teams said this was partly down tobeauty spots finding fame on social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram. An adventurer went viral in August last year forcamping on a clifftopat the top of an Eryri mountain. Tourists were alsourged to research and respecttheBannau Brycheiniog National Parkafter it became one of the most "Instagrammable" locations in Wales. The chief executive of Mountain Rescue England and Wales, Mike Park, said that a "wider variety of society" were now enjoying the outdoors. "They're following influencers and social media to go to places because other people have done it," he said, adding the issue was not "where they're going" but rather the "journey to get there". He said: "Take an infinity pool as an example. I know how to swim, I know where this pool is, I've got my swimming costume. "But we're still thinking this is the same as if I was going down to the local swimming baths." Mr Park added that people did not always take into the account the "dangers" when travelling to the location. "It's cold up there, you've now got this big journey to get back and that's when we're seeing the accidents happen," he added. Mr Jones said "start early enough" to ensure there was enough daylight for the return leg and consider rescheduling if the weather was unpredictable. "Wear suitable clothes, bring food, drink, a torch with a spare battery, a map, a compass - and also make sure you know how to use them," he said. "Getting to the top is only halfway. You must come back down. "That's what's most important - to come back down in one piece."
Easter walkers warned after record rise in call-outs
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"North Wales Mountain Rescue Team Issues Safety Warning for Easter Walkers"
Bbc News
8.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Walkers in North Wales are being urged to prioritize their safety as they embark on outdoor adventures this Easter weekend. The Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, responsible for parts of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Llyn Peninsula, has reported a significant increase in call-outs in recent years, particularly among younger individuals. Dion Jones, a long-serving member of the team, highlighted the rise in emergency calls from approximately 10 per year when he started to a staggering 60 to 70 annually. This surge coincides with the influx of visitors to the area, which has led to heightened demand for rescue services. Jones emphasized the importance of preparation, noting that many individuals venture out without the necessary equipment or knowledge of the terrain. Despite regular safety notices being issued, he expressed concern that these messages are not reaching all potential adventurers, particularly those coming from outside the local area.
The challenges faced by the mountain rescue teams are compounded by the pressure that increased call-outs place on their volunteer resources. Max Swinhoe, another team member, shared her experiences, noting that she typically receives a few calls each week, often unanticipated. She pointed out that many people underestimate the unpredictability of weather conditions in mountainous regions, leading to dangerous situations. Recent data from Ordnance Survey indicates a 24% rise in rescues in Wales and England between 2019 and 2024, with the most dramatic increases seen in the 18 to 24 age group. This trend has been attributed to the popularity of outdoor locations on social media platforms, which often glamorize adventure without adequately addressing the inherent risks. Both Jones and Swinhoe advised walkers to plan their outings carefully, ensuring they have appropriate gear and knowledge of their route, as well as the importance of returning safely before dark. They underscored that reaching the summit is only half the journey, and safety should always be the top priority for outdoor enthusiasts.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the increasing concerns regarding the safety of walkers in North Wales, particularly during the busy Easter weekend. With a notable rise in call-outs for mountain rescue services, the piece aims to inform and caution the public about the potential dangers of hiking without proper preparation.
Growing Safety Concerns
The Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team's report indicates a significant rise in incidents, particularly involving younger hikers. The statistics shared by Dion Jones, a long-time volunteer, underscore the urgent need for awareness about safety measures. The escalation from approximately 10 calls a year to over 60-70 reflects a broader trend of increased tourism in the Eryri and Llyn Peninsula areas. This trend raises questions about the preparedness of visitors, as many do not carry the necessary equipment or knowledge.
Communication of Safety Messages
Mr. Jones emphasizes the importance of effective communication regarding safety notices, suggesting that current efforts may not be reaching all potential hikers. This points to a gap in outreach that could lead to dangerous situations for unprepared individuals. The concern expressed by both Jones and Max Swinhoe illustrates a call for improved public safety education, especially during peak holiday times when visitor numbers surge.
Impact on Rescue Services
The increasing number of call-outs puts additional strain on the resources of volunteer-based rescue teams. This situation not only affects the volunteers but also raises concerns about the sustainability of these services as they respond to an increasing number of incidents. The article suggests that the local community might need to address these challenges proactively to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
Potential Manipulation and Public Perception
While the article primarily serves to inform, it also subtly emphasizes the need for responsible behavior among hikers. This could be viewed as an attempt to shape public perception regarding the responsibilities of outdoor enthusiasts. There is no overt manipulation present, but the framing of the issue could lead to a heightened sense of caution and responsibility among the audience.
Reliability of the Information
The information presented appears factual and is supported by the experiences of long-standing volunteers in the mountain rescue team. The emphasis on statistics and personal anecdotes lends credibility to the claims made in the article.
Community Response and Economic Implications
The community may respond with increased interest in local safety measures, potentially leading to more investments in educational programs or resources for outdoor activities. Economically, this could affect tourism patterns, with a potential shift towards promoting safety alongside the natural attractions of the region.
Target Audience
The article caters to a variety of groups, including local residents, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts. By highlighting safety concerns, it aims to resonate with individuals who may be planning outdoor activities, encouraging them to think critically about their preparations.
Global Context
While this article is localized to North Wales, it mirrors a broader global trend where outdoor safety becomes increasingly relevant due to rising tourism and adventure activities. The themes discussed may resonate with other regions experiencing similar challenges.
Considering all these elements, the article serves as an important reminder of the responsibilities that come with outdoor activities, urging both caution and preparation among hikers.