North Wales mountain rescuers at 'breaking point' as call-outs soar

North Wales mountain rescuers are at "breaking point" and in need of support a North Wales MS said. Sam Rowlands, said there needs to be more help for rescue services in Wales, as he called for a statement from the Welsh Government on outdoor safety.

Mr Rowlands cited Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, which has already exceeded last year's more than 300 call-outs, which was "not sustainable". He said: “The cross-party group for outdoor activities met on Friday, in Llanberis, which is the busiest mountain rescue station in the whole of the United Kingdom.

“Last year they had over 300 call-outs, and they've already had more call-outs so far this year than the whole of last year put together. In their words, their service is not sustainable. It's completely volunteer-run, with no Government funding whatsoever, with each call-out lasting, at times, hours, with lots of people involved, often dealing with traumatic and sometimes, sadly, tragic situations.

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“They say they're at breaking point. So, I'd like a statement outlining the Government's view on outdoor safety and, in particular, how it may be able to support rescue services here in Wales.”

Jane Hutt, Trefnydd and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said she understood health officials were engaged with mountain rescue about funding to support elements of their work in the future and there were ways the Welsh Government could reach out to support.

Mr Rowlands added: “I obviously welcome any news of funding and support which is desperately needed to keep these volunteer services running. As I mentioned before, Llanberis is the busiest mountain rescue station in the UK and it is absolutely vital that funds are found to sustain this important service."

In September North Wales Live reported how mountain rescuers were concerned "tourists flooding into the area" and more hikers on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), was stretching their resources, amid one of its busiest summers on record.

At the time Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team urged hikers in Eryri (Snowdonia),to make sure they were prepared for walking in the mountains, with nearly 250 call-outs during summer, as concerns over the number of tourists coming to the area continued.

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