People planning to explore rural areas of Northumberland have been urged not to put themselves or others at unnecessary risk following an increase in avoidable incidents.
Two North East mountain rescue teams, backed by police, have released the message following a rise in avoidable incidents with walkers falling into difficulty in the county.
In recent weeks, volunteers have come across a number of people exploring the area ill-prepared with the wrong clothing and equipment for the conditions they are facing.
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Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT) and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team (NOTMRT) are now supporting the national AdventureSmart campaign.
The campaign aims to arm those exploring the most remote areas of the region with the knowledge, skills, and weather-knowhow to stay safe whilst enjoying the landscape.
They are warning not only are those putting themselves at risk but also those who could be called upon to come to their aid should they get into difficulty.
Iain Nixon, Team Leader of Northumberland National Park MRT, said: "We would like everyone heading into the outdoors to enjoy themselves and ensure their own safely by thinking about the potential consequences of their actions.
"We put hours of training in and are fully equipped to deal with the challenging conditions which can sometimes be experienced in those areas – so it’s almost unthinkable that people would purposefully go out into these areas ill-equipped, dressed in the wrong clothes, or with little idea of the weather forecast.
"We would ask – please don’t put yourself and others at risk. Before you go out, please ask yourself, am I confident I have the skills and knowledge for the day, do I know what the weather will be like, and do I have the right equipment?"
Northumbria Police Chief Inspector Colin Lowther works closely with the Mountain Rescue Teams which operate in the region.
He said: "Our valuable Mountain Rescue Teams are made up entirely of volunteers – many with demanding day jobs – who are called upon at all hours and in all conditions to help those in need.
"It is extremely disappointing and concerning to hear that there are people who are putting themselves and these teams at unnecessary risk – taking resources away from those who may be in real danger.
"Please make sure to plan your trip fully, and research every aspect of what it will require – such as specific weather conditions, time of year, the terrain and whether you’ve been there before.
"At a time when emergency services are already under pressure, we all have a role to play in making sure these resources are not diverted to situations which could so easily be avoided."
Anyone who becomes lost or injured in the hills, moors and forests or on a climbing crag in Northumberland and require Mountain Rescue, should dial 999 ask for Northumbria Police and request Mountain Rescue.
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