should we be charged for mountain rescue?

Question

corrie last night was made around keswick mountain rescue. i am local to the area and day in day out you get prats in incorrect gear with no idea of weather conditions getting stuck up fells and putting volenteers lives at risk getting them back to there b&b....do you think there should there be a charge for the service??

Answer 1

I reckon there should be. It might stop the idiots that climb Skiddaw in just shorts, t-shirts and flip flops!

Answer 2

It's very hard reading your question. I have no idea where you at but I understand the problem. Yes, at times I do think rescue costs should be charged. Here in Michigan that does happen sometimes for ice rescue - the late winter ice fishing goofs.



On the other hand, I don't like putting any government agency in charge of making the call on applying fines. The abuse will be there as soon as the authority is.



BTW, cycling isn't the plce to post this question.

Answer 3

YES!!! If ignorant gits are stupid enough to go hiking, biking, ski-ing, camping, etc on a mountain in the middle of winter without proper gear or proper KNOWLEDGE of the dangers they face, then those gits should be charged a "stupidity charge" for needing a rescue team to "save" them. Here is a hint for all wannabe outdoorsy folks...... KNOW THE TERRAIN, KNOW YOUR HUMAN LIMITS AND PLAN AHEAD or face the expensive and dire consequences.

Answer 4

A valid concern but I'd be more concerned with the hospital costs than the rescue part. Though both are costly. You should look into travel insurance so you are covered.

Answer 5

Nobody could afford those costs.You have a good point though.It could be an offence not to have the proper gear when you go out into those places.It still would,nt stop the fools from doing it.They never believe they are fools till they find out,as they so often do on answers.

Answer 6

I once occupied a bed in hospital next to someone who was member of mountain rescue and asked him about charging victims, especially those who are ill-equipped. He firmly told me it was a bad idea. I was even more surprised when he told me that he was never paid and had to buy most of his own equipment. But he was glad to do it. That's altruism for you, and long may it live.

Answer 7

Not at all.

Some people just 'go for a walk' not realising the danger they could put themselves in and i know they really should be aware and wear the correct gear but there's nothing to stop people from not.

People definitely should not be charged to be rescued.



Also, i love the lake district :) i go there every year.

Answer 8

The various mountain rescue services do it because they enjoy it. Without the lemmings they'd have nothing to do.

Answer 9

maybe but you couldn't really enforce it. Would be a little harsh to climb and find someone but then demand money before you rescue them.

Answer 10

Yes, they should! Same as these people who phone ambulances and firebrigades for trivial purposes.