Monday, February 18, 2013

Is it just me?


I know some folks have died recently and I'm not trying to sound insensitive but this has been bugging me for ages. Do the folks who get 'rescued' when out walking in less than benign conditions get charged for the time and cost of the good folks who rescue them? It seems to me to be wholly reasonable that if you walk in the highlands, or climb a mountain, in the middle of winter then you must take your share of the responsibility if you get lost or get into trouble.
I'm an armchair softy and don't know much about walking in the wilds but common sense dictates that if you do then you increase the risk to yourself and should share the cost if you get into trouble.
It never fails to amaze me at the number of people who die or get into trouble, risking not only their lives but also those who are good enough and brave enough to sort out their problems. Helicopters are not cheap and why should they be funded by the general public when a certain amount of common sense could avoid their involvement.
If it became 'generally know' that there was a significant potential cost involved it might make people consider their options carefully.
Sign my petition (when I get round to writing one and can figure out where to post it).

 image: www.freeimages.co.uk
Posted by Alex at 7:00 AM
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3 comments:

  1. JeanFebruary 18, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    Hmmm, not sure about this one. How far do you go? Do I have to pay for being rescued if I fall over and break my leg when walking the dogs in the woods not far from home? Who would decide the cut-off point, in terms of risk?

    In a society where we chuck zillions of tax payers heard-earned dosh at people who never contribute anything and spend the whole day in front of the TV wondering how they can make a claim, I don't think I really mind spending a few quid on rescuing people who work for a living and come unstuck on an adventure.

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  2. CraigFebruary 18, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    I'm with you Alex, we were discussing this only yesterday. I wonder if a permit or license might not be the answer for hill walking in national parks such as the Cairngorms. Couldn't we link a permit to mandatory insurance - say £10 per day, or £50 per season for example) which would kick in if a rescue was required? Just a thought.

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  3. AlexFebruary 18, 2013 at 1:14 PM

    Jean it's easy. You need specific insurance cover to ski and I see no difference with that activity as walking in or climbing mountains. If my memory serves me right all the recent deaths are linked to self started avalanches. They are inherently dangerous activities (the 9 recent deaths prove it). In France if you get into trouble on a mountain they charge to get you off.
    That's a good idea Craig.

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