BC AdventureSmart

Snows fallen, which means it’s time to check out the snowpack and get the first layers from those storm cycles into your head. Essential winter survival skills for outdoor enthusiasts include the abilities to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain and effectively rescue a group member buried by an avalanche. Prepare yourself by taking an Avalanche Skills Training Course (AST) with your friends. Avalanche Canada provides a comprehensive range of valuable avalanche info...rmation. Are you fresh to the backcountry? Check out Avalanche Canada‘s page Fresh to the Backcountry to learn about; avalanche terrain steep slopes convex slopes cornices avalanche paths terrain traps warming shooting cracks whumpfs avalanche forecasts BC (please) AdventureSmart! skier_dreams https://www.avalanche.ca/start-here

Nov. 26 Survive Outside Program is FULL! Our 250 spaces have filled up (again) and thanks to everyone for registering via our GoToWebinar link. If you know anyone who wanted to, but wasn’t able to sign up for this one, we have another opportunity!... In support from the North Vancouver City Library, we’re presenting our Survive Outside Program on December 2 at 6:30pm. Register here https://fb.me/e/21j5eC6kl

GIVEAWAY Women outdoors, let’s celebrate them! She is a . . . Girl, Woman, Daughter, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, Sister, Elder, Friend, Mentor, Girlfriend, Life Partner, Lover.... She is a . . . Dancer, Surfer, Climber, Hiker, Teacher, Skier, Paddler, Leader, Diver, Farmer, Forager, Painter, Swimmer, Mountain Biker, Gardner, Runner. (this list goes on!) We're teaming up with She Summits & Recco Advanced Rescue Technology to celebrate HER outdoors. 2 ’s to She Summits Films 2 Recco Rescue Reflectors 2 Emergency Signalling Cards 2 Emergency Shelters 2 Safety Whistles 2 Lanyards & 2 Chapsticks To enter; Follow us and hashtag HER in your life (#mom #lover #partner #sister #elder ) Tag a friend to share the 's If you win & show us you've downloaded our AdventureSmart Trip Plan App, we'll toss in a BC AdventureSmart ball cap! * The Recco attachable reflector easily attaches to your backpack making you searchable for @bcsarassoc rescuers. Reflector values @ 44.50 CAD. standard rescue gear global network no batteries required Winner announced Nov. 23, 2020.

Will you be heading to your local ski hill this winter? Respect the mountain. (remain inbounds)... Respect yourself. (be prepared) Respect others. (wear #ppe #physicaldistance ) adventuresmart.ca/winter/alpines

Special Event Webinar Snow Safety Education Join us Dec. 9 @ 7pm Topics will be;... ~ Alpine Responsibility Code ~ Mountain safety + emergency gear ~ Staying in-bounds ~ Ski resort signs & symbols ~ Tree well awareness ~ What to do in an emergency Respect the mountain. Respect yourself. Respect others. https://fb.me/e/1NndULOyc

SARS or SAR, do you know the difference?

Sandra Riches, executive director of our non-profit which is funded by the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association, says it is critical people are prepared before they play. This, she said, includes making sure you are physically and mentally fit for the activity you are doing, and sharing a safety plan with someone who isn't heading into the hills with you. https://www.cbc.ca//british-co/snow-sport-safety-1.5795154

This year the pandemic has meant people are venturing outside, but it’s also resulted in a rise in SAR tasks. Our executive director, Sandra Riches, joined CFAX1070 to talk about the rise in people getting in dangerous situations outdoors and the importance of effective outdoor preparedness. https://www.iheartradio.ca//covid-boredom-causing-a-rise-i

Trip Plan Tuesday. Which way do I go ... Strong map reading skills are a must! Got a compass? Know how to use it! Navigate to these helpful resources to learn more; https://www.adventuresmart.ca/land/orienteering.htm https://orienteeringbc.ca/ http://bcgeocaching.com/ https://gvoc.whyjustrun.ca/

Demand for outdoor gear surging as pandemic winter approaches. "We need everybody to be prepared no matter if it's spring, summer, winter or fall," said Sandra Riches, executive director of BC AdventureSmart. "With winter, we want you to have the right skills & abilities to do the activities that you've chosen to do." Thanks Scott Hurst @ CTV Vancouver for helping us increase awareness. ... https://bc.ctvnews.ca/demand-for-outdoor-gear-surging-as-pa

What could you improve on? navigation ... proper gear physical fitness communications checking the weather terrain choices / route finding #letusknow & #getinformed

GIVEAWAY (for Trip Plan Tuesday) We’ve teamed up with our friends Recco Advanced Rescue Technology to help you BE Searchable. ... We want you to be prepared on the water, on trails, on backcountry excursions. We want you to Be Searchable. Our gift package includes; ~ Attachable @recco Reflector (2) * ~ BCAdvSmart Ball Cap (2) ~ Bailer Kayak Throw Bag (2) ~ BCAdvSmart safety whistle (2) ~ BCAdvSmart emerg shelter (2) All you have to do is; ~ Follow us here (check out Twitter & Insta too!) ~ Tag a friend to share the ~ Watch the video about the attachable Recco reflectors to learn more; https://recco.com/outdoor-rescue/ * The Recco attachable reflector easily attaches to your backpack keeping you searchable to BC SAR rescuers. Value @ 44.50 CAD. Winner will be announced on October 6, 2020. It’s the little things that can make the difference.

Trip Plan Tuesday. As we wait for the smoke to clear to hike again, how about giving your boots some love! Here’s how to;... Dry hiking boots; Pull out the insoles and loosen the laces: Undo the laces as much as possible so you can open up the boot’s tongue. This helps make sure no moisture gets trapped inside your boots, where it can cause odours. Clean hiking boots; A brush: a boot brush, an old vegetable brush or an old toothbrush will all work well. A cleaner: special boot cleaner or a mild mix of dishwashing soap and water. Don’t use laundry detergent or hand soap, which can damage leather boots and waterproof membranes. Waterproof hiking boots; 1. Make sure your boots are very damp: You want the water to be soaked right into the leather. It takes a while for this to happen; just running water over your boots for a minute or two isn’t enough. If they’re not wet enough, wrap a very wet towel around them and let them sit in a bucket or sink for a few hours. 2. Read the instructions on your waterproofing treatment: Apply it following those steps for the best performance. 3. Let your boots dry in a well-ventilated area: You want them to be away from any heat sources (campfire, radiator, heater, etc.), which could dry out the leather too much. More tips https://bit.ly/3c0039H

Still considering a hike in this smoke ? Reducing exposure to wildfire smoke is the best way to protect your health. The harder you breath (hiking = heavy breathing), the more you inhale.... Take it easy for now, the trails will be there when the smoke clears. Postponing your hike right now directly helps our 2500 BC search & rescue volunteers at the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association.. https://bit.ly/33s6ZZj

Considering a hike in these smoke filled conditions? Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) & gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides & volatile organic compounds. Consider your health & the safety of our BC SAR volunteers & helicopter pilots. ... Smoky air makes it harder for your lungs to get oxygen into your blood. Wildfire smoke can irritate your respiratory system and cause an immune response, which may lead to inflammation that affects other parts of your body. Common symptoms include eye irritation, runny nose, sore throat, mild cough, phlegm production, wheezy breathing, or headaches. Some people may have more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, severe cough, dizziness, chest pain, or heart palpitations. You should seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. Smoky air may increase risk of some infections, such as pneumonia in older people and ear infections in children. Reducing exposure to wildfire smoke is the best way to protect your health. Talon Helicopters https://bit.ly/35x6uQd

Trip Plan Tuesday. Bear sightings & some encounters have been prevalent this summer. Our friends WildSafeBC recommend;... . Surprising a bear or encountering a food-conditioned bear should be avoided. Here are some #tripplantuesday tips to reduce the chances of this happening: Watch for bear signs like scat, tracks, freshly overturned logs, fresh claw marks on trees Talk or sing to avoid surprising a bear. Be cautious around running water, thick brush or high wind that may mask your presence. Bear bells are not recommended as the high-pitched tinkle does not travel as far and is not recognized as a human. Be aware of your surroundings and do not use headphones when hiking, biking or running in bear country. Manage your attractants and never put someone else at risk by leaving organics behind. Pack out what you pack in. Tossing organics (apple cores and banana peels) can attract wildlife to a roadside which may result in a vehicle collision. Avoid hiking alone. Travelling with another person results in more noise and may also help dissuade a bear from approaching. Keep pets leashed or under control when in bear country. In a review of black bear attacks, dogs were involved in over 50% of black bear inflicted injuries on humans*. Dogs may be perceived as a potential threat or prey. Use extra caution in bear habitat and where sightlines are poor. This includes berry bushes with ripe fruit, salmon-bearing streams and other areas bears are known to frequent. If you find a carcass leave the area immediately and notify the Conservation Officer Service and/or landowner. Take training such as a Wildlife Awareness and Safety Course offered by WildSafeBC that shows the Staying Safe in Bear Country video. A summary of the video content is available @wildsafebc Carry bear spray and be able to access it quickly. Do not carry it in your pack or attached to your bike. Learn more. If heading to a Provincial or Federal park, check their websites for wildlife alerts or safety considerations. When travelling, check in with locals and visitor centres to find out about local wildlife activity. Erik Thomson https://wildsafebc.com/species/black-bear/

What survival items do you think should be carried in your pack for ‘any’ outdoor adventure, whether the duration is a few hours or several days?

Public Safety Announcement Labour Day Long Weekend 2020 Will you be the one?... Will you plan for your adventure? prepare for the weather? follow our 3 Ts? ensure your friends/family are capable of the journey? be confident in your skills and abilities to ‘spend the night’ if necessary? complete a trip plan and leave it your emergency contact? (our App works great for that!) have proper gear (ie: footwear with ankle support) and safety essentials to safely reach your destination? (destination is home!) Will you be the one? Can you check off these boxes? BE the one and HELP determine the number & severity of search & rescue incidents this labour day long weekend. Full media release; https://www.bcsara.com//get-informed-labour-day-long-week/

Thanks North Shore Rescue for sharing the subjects perspective, it’s great to hear from the hikers directly. Hikers rarely head out for an adventure with the expectation that something will go wrong, and, most times, everything will go right. However, that one time that the unexpected happenshikers investment in Trip Safety can mean the difference between a successful outcome and becoming a statistic. to the hikers for attending a recent webinar we presented on with N...SR and for downloading the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App!! ) Preparation is key, thanks for being AdventureSmart (ie. carrying safety essentials + having a communications plan) and we’re happy you made it home safe and sound.

Trip Plan Tuesday. Safety starts @ home, with family. Safety continues into the mtns, with family.... We learn from family & friends. Teach your children about terrain. Teach your children to recreate within their ability. Teach your children about trail maps and navigation. Teach your children to respect the mountain environment. Teach your children to stick to the trail & not to carve short cuts. Teach your children about planning for their hike, have them file the plan on our App. Teach your children to Trip Plan, Train & Take Essentials. Safety takes time, taking that time with your family is AdventureSmart. https://www.adventuresmart.ca/programs/programs.htm

Bella Coola RCMP remind people that are hiking in these potentially dangerous areas to ensure you advise someone of your travel plans & ensure you are prepared for any potential situation. Hiker found after reported missing for several days in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Thanks Bella Coola Valley Search and Rescue. ... https://www.wltribune.com//hiker-found-after-reported-mis/