Mountain rescue issue bank holiday warning for fell walkers
The region's mountain rescue teams are urging climbers and walkers to be prepared if they plan to spend time on the hills this bank holiday weekend.
The warning comes after a spate of callouts over the past two weeks, including an incident where a man in his 80s was rescued after taking a bad fall.
A coastguard helicopter responded who airlifted the elderly man off Red Screes. He was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.
In total, the rescue operation took 3.5 hrs and involved 12 members from Patterdale Mountain Rescue and six from Penrith Mountain Rescue. Great North Air Ambulance and SAR Coastguard also responded to the call.
Rescuers say the unseasonably bad weather is catching people out.
Footage from Penrith Mountain Rescue.
There are 12 Mountain Rescue teams covering Cumbria who are made up of volunteers and are available 24/7. The services rely on donations and fundraising from supporters.
That's why they are encouraging people to be #AdventureSmart - a new campign which asks three key questions for those heading out onto the fells:
Do I have the right gear?
Do I know what the weather will be like?
Am I confident I have the knowledge & skills for the day?
Find out more: Gear, weather and skills – it’s all about being #AdventureSmart
A Cumbrian rescue team is hosting an open day to give people the opportunity to meet volunteers, supporters and operational team members who help keep the charity afloat.
Members of the public are invited on Saturday 24 August at Patterdale Mountain Rescue headquarters.
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