B.C.'s North Shore Rescue says 2015 was busiest year to date
Volunteer rescuers fielded 136 calls this year, says team leader Mike Danks
Volunteers with the North Shore Rescue team will remember 2015 as one of the busiest years to date.
With less than a week before year's end, the rescue service has logged 136 calls for help.
"That's an incredible amount," said Mike Danks, the service's team leader. Normally the group responds to between 90 and 100 calls per year
Danks said part of the reason for spike was the warm summer weather, which drove more people into the back country this year.
"Anytime you have an increased amount of people going into the local hills, there is an increased chance that someone is going to get out of bounds," he said,
Tomorrow, big holiday crowds are expected on the North Shore's three ski resorts. Danks urged skiers and snowboarders to stay in bounds to avoid getting caught in an avalanche.
"You can get into steep gullies and creek beds, which are really susceptible to avalanches."
Danks urged people who do venture into the back country not to go alone, and to take an avalanche course and bring the necessary equipment.
"You need to have a companion with you that can rescue you if something does happen to you."