A dramatic increase in the frequency of mountain rescue call outs has prompted concern about the growing number of inexperienced walkers on Irish hills.
Mountain rescue teams dealt with 212 call outs last year, compared to 134 in 2001 and 138 in 2000. The figure for 2001 would have been higher but for the fact that the hills were effectively closed to walkers for several months because of the foot and mouth crisis.
The increase in call outs has put great strain on the mountain rescue service, which is run on a largely voluntary basis in upland and coastal areas of the country.
Many of the incidents that result in call outs could be avoided, according to mountain organisations. "What we're seeing is a big increase in the number of people going walking, but many of these are lacking in experience," says Ms Helen Lawless, development officer of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland. "Most accidents arise from poor planning and preparation."
The MCI together with other mountain organisations and Bord Fáilte have produced a new leaflet on mountain safety, which is being distributed this month in B&Bs, hostels and outdoor shops.
The leaflet highlights safety issues such as weather conditions, map reading capabilities, good footwear and equipment and what steps to take if something goes wrong. It also stresses the responsibility of walkers to the countryside and the people who live there.
The information is particularly targeted at tourists; Bord Fáilte says 250,000 visitors come to walk in Ireland each year.
The number of serious accidents has remained low, with less than five people each suffering unconsciousness, heart attacks or serious hypothermia in 2000. However, almost half of those involved in accidents suffer leg, ankle and knee injuries.
According to Ms Lawless, the growth in popularity of the mobile phone has been "a plus and a minus". On the one hand, it has helped injured parties raise the alarm and identify their position more quickly than before.
"On the downside, however, some people use the mobile as a safety aid in itself, whether consciously or unconsciously. They think that because they have the phone they are more secure," she says.
In fact, mobile coverage on Irish mountains is notoriously patchy, and a phone is a poor substitute for the right equipment and the ability to use a map and compass. The leaflet advises walkers to stick to low-level ground and marked trails if they are not confident about reading a map and using a compass. Proper planning involves checking the weather forecast and allowing plenty of time.
Walkers are advised to always bring a waterproof jacket, good-quality walking shoes or boots, plenty of food and liquids and a mobile phone. Additional items required for mountain walks include a map and compass, warm clothing, waterproofs, a torch, whistle, first aid kit, survival bag and high-energy food.
If the weather deteriorates, a group should be prepared to alter the route or turn back.
