21/07/2018
The search subject over-reaches with their assessment of their skills and ability in this environment, has sub-standard footwear for the conditions, carries no specialist snow or ice equipment, leaves no really clear intentions with friends. Sadly this is not an unusual scenario. Please don't let you or your friends become the subject of a newspaper article like this.
Understand what you need to adventure safely:
Choose the right place to adventure for your skill and ability.
Tell someone exactly where you plan to go, including your plan B.
Turn back if things are getting beyond what you can manage.
Have the right clothing and gear for the conditions, having learnt how to use them properly.
Take the right navigation and emergency communications equipment for the area.
Make it home safe to adventure for another day.
A mountain rescue on the weekend involved 40 people, two helicopters and came at a cost of about $11,000.
Rescuers are now pleading with people to stop taking risks on the very unpredictable Central Plateau mountains.
Taupo Search and Rescue Coordinator Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said the situation could have been avoided.
"People need to be equipped and dressed for the activity, it's no different than going scuba diving, or driving a race car.
Source: Taupo Times