Warning to hillwalkers over Christmas and New Year
In a seasonal safety warning, one of the country’s busiest mountain rescue teams has urged people to prepare carefully and never go onto the hills alone.
The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team said those heading for the great outdoors should also be properly clothed and equipped and should check the weather forecast before setting out. The team had 39 callouts so far this year, including 12 with Coast Guard helicopter aid, and helped 50 people. There was one fatality on the Kerry mountains.
“KMRT encourages people to enjoy the mountains over the holiday period, but to remember that serious injury and, unfortunately, death is a feature in the mountains of Ireland every year,’’ said spokespersons Alan Wallace and Damien Courtney.
Navigating effectively in cloud requires knowledge and experience, and someone in a hillwalking group should have such skills and experience, they stressed. Mountain boots, warm clothing, food and drink, first aid kit, a map, compass and torch were essential equipment and should be packed for all members of a party.
“The stamina of the weakest member of the party should dictate the day’s plan or itinerary. Taking children into the high mountains in winter is not advisable.’’
They also said steep terrain could be too challenging to those not accustomed to it.
“Apart from rocky terrain, steep grassy slopes are treacherously slippery when wet. The hills are very wet now and will remain so for some time. The best boots won’t stop you from slipping and falling on steep wet ground,’’ they said.
“When the weather gets cold, that water becomes ice at altitude, increasing the dangers. Ensure you have experience of steep terrain before you tackle one of the high mountains.’’
To call Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, people should dial 112 or 999 and ask for mountain rescue.
