Rescue team urges hill walkers to take ‘special care’

HILL walkers were yesterday urged to take special care if they go onto the mountains in wet, snowy, or frosty weather.

The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) also emphasised Christmas was an accident-prone period in the mountains and winter mountaineering should not be embarked upon lightly.

“People should remember it is much colder at altitude and that if not actually frozen and icy, the hills are very greasy, wet and slippy underfoot. Simple slips are the immediate reason for most injuries sustained in the hills,’’ said KMRT spokesman Brendan Coffey.

Mr Coffey said people should know where they were and how to get to their intended target safely.

Mr Coffey said people should not exceed their abilities in regard to navigation.

They should be especially conscious of the limitations of their party if it included children.