Hillwalkers warned over dangers of 'excess zeal'

SAFETY:THE IRISH Mountain Rescue Association has warned seasonal hillwalkers not to "succumb to an excess of zeal" over the Christmas holiday period.

Walkers and climbers should reflect on “three wise things” – themselves, the weather and the terrain – the association said.

In an appeal issued jointly yesterday with Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, press officer Gerry Christle said that failing to prepare adequately was “preparing to fail”, and accidents had occurred over the Christmas period.

There were nine fatalities and more than 20 cases of serious injury among 214 incidents in Irish uplands last year, and the trend was similar this year, Mr Christle said. Mountain rescue teams were also involved in recovery efforts when four people died in a light-aircraft last year in Co Wicklow.

November, December and January were the busiest months in 2008 for 12 mountain teams in the country. A total of 350 volunteers gave up 14,200 hours for search and rescue, the mountain rescue association estimates. Some 21 incidents involved casualty evacuation by Irish Coast Guard helicopter.

The mountain rescue groups say walkers should not venture out alone, no matter how experienced, and should always carry food, drink, spare clothing, first-aid, map and compass. Taking children into high mountains in winter is not advisable.

Weather is critical, forecasts should be closely studied, and walkers should remember that short days allow for insufficient contingency. Hills are currently very wet, and the best boots will not stop slips and falls.

“Getting tired can be the start of a cascade of events even in a group situation: slow progress, lack of daylight and taking a more direct if unfamiliar line, which all leads to potential catastrophe,” Mr Christle said.