Lake District Mountain Rescue receive record number of callouts for 2024
The Lake District Mountain Rescue Team has seen a record number of callouts this year, with around 780 expected by the end of December.
The number of callouts this year has risen from 714 amongst the 12 teams compared to 2023.
Richard Warren the Chair of the Lake District Mountain Rescue Team has spoken of his "concern" due to the rising numbers.
Speaking to ITV Border, Richard Warren said: "We were surprised last year we had 714 callouts amongst our 12 teams in the Lake District. This year we are probably going to get to about 780.
"It is a phenomenal number and to the end of November, we were 20% up on last year which was the busiest year we have had. So we are really concerned the numbers are just growing all the time."
Mr Warren believes there is one main reason behind the surge in callouts in recent years.
He said: "I think a lot of it has to do with social media, people see an infinity pool or a fairy pool and they want to go and they do very little preparation which is really asking for trouble."
One of the busiest teams out of the 12 is Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, with Richard Warren explaining the surge in calls seen this year.
He said: "They are probably about a third up on last year but Wasdale and Keswick are probably about similar numbers.
"The big problem for them is Scafell Pike, everybody wants to do it. If it is on their bucket list they want to get the tick, regardless of the weather.
"Over half of Wasdale’s callouts are on Scafell Pike. Over half of those are lost and missing people, so truly avoidable."
Mr Warren wants people to be more sensible about climbing in difficult conditions.
He said: "You can be at home and say who is going to be on the mountains in this weather and unfortunately people still go up there. We have to look after the safety of our team members as well."
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