Many people enjoy exploring the vast back country in Chilliwack which is bursting with rivers, lakes and recreational trails.
But some folks head out to challenge the local terrain without really being prepared.
Join Ryan Voisey of Chilliwack Search and Rescue at the Chilliwack Library on Tuesday, May 26 to pick up some valuable safety and survival tips.
"I'm hoping it will be entertaining," said Voisey, an experienced hunter and outdoors enthusiast, who has been a member of Chilliwack SAR for three years.
His talk, 'Outdoor Safety with Chilliwack Search and Rescue' will be an "old fashioned" discussion and display of gear and equipment, he said.
"I'll be bringing my pack and will lay it out to show the crowd."
It will range from items to be included in a typical hiking kit, to those he might pack to take with him on a rescue mission.
It's hard to anticipate what might be needed.
"I have to say people don't plan to end up getting hurt," Voisey said. "They often say they just didn't know. They don't have the necessary experience to recognize the potential danger that's out there."
Chilliwack SAR gets about 75 callouts for service each year. They are tasked with finding everyone from lost hikers stuck on a mountainside, to tubers in need of swift-water rescue.
If the SAR member had one valuable tip to share with the public, what would it be?
"Prepare to spend the night," he said. "That would be my advice since you never know what will happen."
Pre-trip planning is important, as is notifying friends or loved ones when you are expected to return from the hike.
"That is especially important if you're going out as a single to let people know where you're going and your estimated time of return."
Join SAR member Ryan Voisey, for Outdoor Safety with Chilliwack Search and Rescue at Chilliwack Library, Tuesday, May 26, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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