Summer is a busy time of year as more people are engaged in outdoor recreational activities, however, this also correlates with an increased risk of accidents and incidents that can lead to dangerous situations.

Search and Rescue teams across the province deal with everything from daring river rescues to extensive search operations for people who have gone missing while on the water or in the woods.

Roger Goobie, the Executive Director with the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association, is raising concerns over what he sees as a surge in rescue activities this year.

Since last Saturday alone, the association’s SAR teams responded to seven call-outs, five of which involved water-related situations. This trend, Goobie says, is quite concerning.

One of the most distressing aspects of these water rescues is the often-found presence of unused personal flotation devices, a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of neglecting safety precautions. Goobie emphasizes the importance of such devices, which are designed to be worn for safety, but urges people to be mindful of their use. He also wants individuals to consider their loved ones at home and the heartbreaking situations that rescuers sometimes encounter.

Goobie recommends telling someone where you’re going and the time you are expecting to be back. You can do just that using apps like adventure smart. Goobie states that taking these precautions helps rescue crews to respond quicker when they have a general idea of where to find a person.