Rescue volunteers warn of avoidable call-outs
WMRTA mountain rescue team has said many of its call-outs are avoidable and is encouraging hikers to be more mindful before they set off.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team official Richard Warren said volunteers in the Lake District were being called out more than ever before.
"It's worrying the numbers of rescues and the pressure it puts," he said.
But he said many could be avoided if hikers were more prepared. "We want to try and reduce the number of avoidables," he said.
He said half of the team's rescues involved England's highest mountain Scafell Pike.
"Over half of those rescues on Scafell Pike are people lost and missing," he said.
"You shouldn't get lost and missing, you shouldn't be overdue – so if we can reduce that then we can reduce the costs and reduce the stress on the teams."
He said the team had already attended 10 call-outs in July and was only just entering its busy summer period.
Warren said the team relied on public support to keep funding its work, which includes the use of high-end equipment such as drones.
"Any small amount is so great and then big ones [donations] help with the big purchases," he said.